Animal scientists conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

  • Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.
  • Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.
  • Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.
  • Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.
  • Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.
  • Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.
  • Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.
  • Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.
  • Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 82% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 63% responded "Every day".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 63% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 67% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Contact With Others — 49% responded "Constant contact with others".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 45% responded "Extremely important".
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Work Activities
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Research livestock management methods.
  • Research livestock management methods.
  • Research livestock management methods.
  • Develop agricultural methods.
  • Research livestock management methods.
  • Research genetic characteristics or expression.
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