1. Animal Systems

2. 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.

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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

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

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

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. 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

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

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

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

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

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

28. 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?

29. 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.

30. Resources U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Washington, D.C.: Jist Works, 2013.

31. 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.
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