Animal Systems

Overview

People who work in the animal systems pathway work to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. They study genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth and development of domesticated farm animals. Some individuals inspect and grade livestock food products, purchase livestock or work in technical sales or marketing. Others advise agricultural producers on how to upgrade animal housing facilities properly, lower mortality rates, handle waste matter or increase production of animal products, such as milk or eggs. Animal care workers train, feed, water, groom, bathe and exercise animals. They also clean, disinfect and repair their cages.

Active Job Openings Animal Systems

SKILLED MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN - MILL (132)
Wean to Market - Field Advisor
PENRIDER (123)
YARD MAINTENANCE-WELDER (115)
Assistant Marketing Coordinator
Sales Account Manager
Sr Field Advisor

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Credentials

• Training requirements for animal scientists and technicians depend on their specialty and on the type of work they perform. A technical degree in animal science is sufficient for some positions that assist animal scientists in conducting applied research or basic research, but a master’s or doctoral degree is required to supervise and conduct basic research.
• For prospective animal scientists and technicians, these technical animal science courses might include animal breeding, reproductive physiology, nutrition, and meats and muscle biology.

Employment Outlook

Demand for food and fiber will increase because of the growth in world population and in demand for U.S. agricultural exports as developing nations improve their economies and personal incomes. Aquaculture will continue to provide some new employment opportunities over the next decade. Over fishing has resulted in declining ocean catches, and the growing demand for certain seafood items—such as shrimp, salmon, and cat-fish—has spurred the growth of aquaculture farms. Aquaculture output increased strongly between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, and continued growth is expected.