What Can I do With a Degree in Animal Science?

A lot of students enter animal science, major, with the intention of applying to schools of veterinary medicine. 

But it is also appropriate for other professional careers such as becoming a doctor, nurse, dentist, or physician assistant. This popular major is also apt for pre-health students on a medical, nursing, dental, or physician’s assistant track.

A degree in animal science program can prepare students for careers in the management, science, and medicine fields. Individuals who pursue this degree may be self-employed or work in hospitals or for major companies. 

Let us discuss some job aspects with a degree in Animal Science 

Animal Scientist 

Their average annual salary is $52,000 and the expected growth rate is 9.02%.

Animal scientists use scientific principles to solve problems. These professionals typically focus on either companion animals or livestock and can work in specific research areas, such as reproduction or nutrition.

Animal scientists can be employed by feed and pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, national organizations, or universities. Many animal scientist jobs are research-based and require a graduate degree. Whether it is a university doing any research, in a laboratory performing tests, or at a farm operation designing new methods for optimum yield and herd management, animal scientists are busy ensuring agricultural productivity and food safety. Their work plays an important part in maintaining the nation’s food supply. 

They also play an important role in maintaining the nation’s food supply. They work either in basic or applied research and development.

• Basic research - It seeks to understand the biological as well as chemical processes by which livestock grow. 

• Applied research- It makes use of the knowledge to discover ways to upgrade the quality, quantity, and safety of agricultural products.

Animal scientists don't need much supervision and can form their own hypotheses and develop research methods accordingly. 

They conduct research on domestic farm animals with a focus on food production, analyze animal genetics, and also dive into the following nutrition, reproduction, diseases, development as well as growth. 

Their responsibilities include-

• They innovate adequate ways to produce and process meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. 

• They might also crossbreed animals to get new combinations of characteristics. 

• They advise farmers on how to boost and enhance housing for animals, lower animal death rates, handle the waste matter, and scale production.

 Also, they often lead teams of technicians as well as students who help in their research.

Farm Manager

Their average annual salary is $67,950 per year

A farm manager manages the farm as well as takes care of the general maintenance of the farm. On a crop farm, he supervises the fertilizing, planting, spraying, cultivating, and harvesting procedures of crops.

Let us look at some type of farms that a farm manager might be in charge of running

Crop farms 

This type of farm specializes in harvesting plants that are mainly cultivated for food, clothing, or fuel. The most familiar crops include different types of grains, cotton, fruit, and vegetables. A farm manager that works on a crop farm is responsible for tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, cultivating, and harvesting crops. After the harvest, he makes sure the crops are properly stored and packaged for selling. 

Horticulture 

It is the branch of agriculture that deals with the art, science, and business of plant cultivation. A farm manager who works on this kind of farm inspects the production of attractive and showy plants and nursery products such as flowers, shrubbery, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbs, to name a few. A horticultural crop is usually cultivated fresh for human consumption with crops like herbs, fruit, or vegetables.

Regardless of the type of farm manager, they should be able to sell the farm's produce to a food distributor and also market the product which requires some marketing and business knowledge. 

Veterinary Assistant

Their average annual salary is 46,093 and an expected job growth rate is 20%

Veterinary assistants care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. They are responsible for feeding, bathing, and the workout of the animals. They have the following responsibilities.

• Feed and monitor animals whether they are eating

• Bathe pets 

• Making the animals exercise

• Assist veterinarians and also the vet technicians with lab work.

• Clean, sterilize, and maintain operating and examining rooms, cages, and surgical equipment.

• Comfort and restrain pets during examinations 

• Provide first aid to pets in an emergency and also stabilize them until a doctor can take over.

Poultry Farm Supervisor

The average annual salary Poultry Farm Supervisor in the US makes is  $67,950.

Poultry farm supervisors inspect chicken farms and handle sales and shipping of chicken-based products to food manufacturers. 

Those interested in growth in this career may be interested in an associate's or bachelor's degree in a field such as animal science. They also participate with other farm personnel to develop farm schedules and meat processing goals. 

Their duties can include hiring and training personnel, ordering supplies and budgeting, etc.

Veterinary Pharmaceutical Sales

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), their average salary is $79,680.

It is an excellent option for those with strong communication and sales skills to have a career in veterinary pharmaceutical sales. There are two types of veterinary pharmaceutical sales representatives are inside sales representatives and field sales representatives. Inside sales positions involve little traveling. These representatives conduct business on the telephone as well as through online order processing.

Field sales positions require frequent travel in a city, state, or larger regional area. These representatives call on veterinarians at their place of business to sell products and provide training related to such products.

All sales representatives work under the supervision of a sales manager who ensures that representatives meet their assigned targets for each month.

Conclusion

A degree in animal science gives you the tools that will be required to work in the agriculture and food production industry. Students are trained to manage animals and take care of them. Hence, if you are enthusiastic about animals and science, this job is a perfect match for you.