An animal scientist is someone who studies animals with an emphasis on breeding, physiology, and nutrition. Animal scientists have a variety of job titles, including animal nutritionist, animal researcher, zoologist, and veterinarian. The animal science curriculum covers a wide range of topics in biology, science, and mathematics. People who are interested in this field should have a strong desire to help animals. The requirements to become an animal scientist vary depending on the specialization.
An animal scientist must have advanced research skills and a broad understanding of topics such as genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and development of livestock animals such as cows, poultry, horses, and sheep. An animal scientist’s responsibilities also include research and knowledge of animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy, and wool. Additional research could include work on improving the health and welfare of these animals. A degree in agricultural science can provide a lot of this general knowledge.
Additionally, having a bachelor’s degree in animal science can help you become an animal scientist. Most people who enter this field, on the other hand, choose to specialize in a specific area, furthering their education. Immunology, meat and dairy science, genetics, crop science, agricultural economics, horticultural science, and biochemistry require more in-depth research. Disease control, feeding techniques, environmental sciences, and muscle biology are some of the other specialized areas of study.
Postgraduate degrees, such as a master’s degree or a PhD, are almost always required for specialized courses of study to become an animal scientist. Higher education allows for greater flexibility and diversity in career fields. A physiologist who specializes in animal reproduction, growth, and development, for example, might work with domesticated, aquatic, or wild animals. He or she could, on the other hand, choose to focus research solely on the breeding of these animals.
A zoologist or veterinarian is another possibility. A veterinary or zoological student could narrow his or her focus to animal nutrition, a specific species, or any of a number of other specialties. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is required to work as an animal scientist in the field of veterinary medicine. This degree requires four years of additional study beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Those interested in pursuing a career in animal science have a variety of options. To become an animal scientist, however, any specialization within a field of study will necessitate an additional four to eight years of post-degree education.