Animal Scientist

The career title of animal scientist is used to describe a variety of specialized occupations within agriculture. Generally it is best described as a person with a college degree who studies some aspect of animal production – from livestock to pets.

Most of the work of animal scientists concerns livestock, such as pigs, cows, chickens, and horses. However, the work of animal scientists in the broader view relates to all animals, including companion animals such as cats and dogs. Animal science covers all aspects of animals from their diets to physiology to consumption.
They also determine the nutritional needs of animals. Animal scientists study topics such as breeding, genetics, and environmental conditions to provide for animal needs.

The goal of scientists studying animals for consumption is to raise healthy animals at the lowest cost possible. While some animal scientists study production others study processing. As a group, the profession works to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and milk.