Animal scientists Career Description
Animal scientists are qualified people who do research and development, and give advice to the livestock industry concerning the production of animals and their products.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Animal science refers to the study of livestock in their specific environment and the products they produce such as meat, milk, fibres, leather
and the variety of products which animate from these primary products. This includes the development of new products and the processing and marketing of animal products.
Animal scientists make important contributions in the following fields, through:
» Assisting the industry to effectively utilise the natural resources of the country.
» Researching the challenges which face the livestock producer and the livestock product manufacturer.
» Giving advice on all animal species and their products contribute to the livestock industry.
» Conserving and putting to use the rich genetic biodiversity on animal species
»Using up to date biotechnology to help the livestock industry to keep abreast of the global competition it faces in animal production and products.
The nature of the work is varied from working directly with animals to the fundamentals of molecular biotechnology. Researchers may therefore spend their working day in the laboratory and or physically working with animals. Consulting animal scientists find themselves in the applied situation which requires travelling and experiencing the industry in a wide sense.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? The most important requirement is that animal scientists should like to work with animals.
Where can I work?
Animal scientists can follow any of the following careers:
Livestock-industry
Agricultural extension officer at the Department of Agriculture, technical advisor and manager for individuals or companies concerned with the livestock industry and its products, distributors of forage and stock remedies.
Teaching
Lecturer at universities, agricultural colleges and schools.
Research
Research in specific fields such as nutrition, physiology, breeding and the processing of products. Animal scientists can be employed as specialist advisors or researchers by organisations such as the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Council, the CSIR, universities, industrial organisations and manufacturers.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Animal scientists can act as private consultants and can start their own private practice.
|
