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Agriculture

Animal Scientist

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Annual openings

14

Median wage

n/a

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Ag Extension offices employ many Animal Scientists that support ranchers, feedlots, and dairies on the health/safety of their animals.
Animal Scientists conduct important research to help ranchers prevent disease, improve the health of their animals, and improve safety of the food produced.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Agriculture and Sustainability
  • Animals and Wildlife

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
  2. Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
  3. Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
  4. Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
  5. Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
  6. Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
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