Animal Systems

Objectives To gain a basic understanding of the Animal Systems Pathway. To discover career options available within the Animal Systems Pathway. To explore the working environment, educational requirements, skills needed and salary of careers available within the Animal Systems Pathway.

Pathway Overview Careers typically involve individuals possessing a strong passion for the animal industry Careers available include: animal health training sales marketing research

Animal Geneticist Career description: conduct research in genetics for domestic farm animals learn the genetic composition of different animal populations determine heritability of traits using principles of genetics

Animal Geneticist Career description: breed animals to develop new combinations of desirable characteristics work for federal, state or university research stations

Animal Geneticist Education/training: bachelor’s degree in animal science is the minimum requirement Median salary: $61,230

Animal Nutritionist Career description: conduct research in nutrition for domestic farm animals research nutritional requirements of animals study nutritive values of animal feeds work for federal, state or university research stations

Animal Nutritionist Education/training: bachelor’s degree in animal science is the minimum requirement Median Salary $61,230

Veterinarian Career description: diagnose and treat diseases and ailments of animals research relationship between human and animal health problems

Veterinarian Career description: treat small, large or exotic animals provide preventative care to maintain herd or individual animal health perform surgeries and other medical procedures

Veterinarian Education/training: undergraduate degree is necessary to apply to vet school coursework in sciences such as cellular biology, animal biology, microbiology and others must take the GRE exam for entrance

Veterinarian Education/training: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is required obtain license to practice Median salary: $82,900

Veterinary Technician Career description: perform medical tests prepare vaccines and serums prepare animals for surgery perform emergency treatments and resuscitation

Veterinary Technician Career description: prepare tissue samples, take blood samples and perform laboratory tests clean and sterilize instruments and materials assist veterinarians

Veterinary Technician Education/training: associate’s or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology Median salary: $29,710

Feed Sales Representative Career description: sell animal feed for wholesalers or manufacturers contact new and existing customers to discuss their needs answer customers' questions regarding products

Feed Sales Representative Career description: emphasize product features based on customers' needs explain technical aspects of product negotiate with customer on prices and services

Feed Sales Representative Education/training: bachelor’s degree in animal science combined with sales experience is preferred previous sales experience without a degree can be acceptable Median salary: $74,750

Animal Breeder/Artificial Insemination Technician Career description: breed farm or companion animals select and breed animals with desirable characteristics and offspring knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use

Animal Breeder/Artificial Insemination Technician Career description: keep records on heats, birth intervals or pedigree daily care and cleaning of animals treat animals if sick or wounded

Animal Breeder/Artificial Insemination Technician Education/training: bachelor’s degree or higher in animal sciences required for livestock breeding Median salary: $34,930

Livestock/U.S.D.A. Inspector Career description: ensure agricultural products comply with regulations and laws governing health, quality and safety inspect and test livestock for harmful diseases

Livestock/U.S.D.A. Inspector Career description: collect samples from animals and send to laboratories for testing employed by federal and state governments

Livestock/U.S.D.A. Inspector Education/training: bachelor’s degree in animal science is usually the minimum requirement Median salary: $40,100

Animal Trainer Career description: evaluate animals to determine temperaments or abilities conduct animal training programs to develop competition or obedience attributes

Animal Trainer Career description: feed or exercise animals to provide general care train horses for riding, showing, racing or other work

Animal Trainer Education/training: high school diploma or equivalent is typically required Median salary: $25,980

Discussion Questions Describe the Animal Systems Pathway and the careers available within the pathway. What education and training requirements are needed for most careers in this pathway? What are the working conditions for most careers in this pathway?

Discussion Questions 4. Describe the average earnings of some careers in this pathway and why they differ from other careers. 5. List three character traits you possess which would make you successful in a career in this pathway.

Resources U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Washington, D.C.: Jist Works, 2013. http://online.onetcenter.org/

Acknowledgements Production Coordinator Holly Mannan John Carroll Graphics Designer Technical Writer Jessica Odom Vice President of Executive Producers Brand Management Gordon Davis, Ph.D. Clayton Franklin Dusty Moore CEV Multimedia. Ltd. ©MMXIII