Occupation AtlasAnimal Scientists

O*NET · 19-1011.00

Animal Scientists

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

Also called Animal Anatomist · Animal Behaviorist · Animal Biologist · Animal Geneticist · Animal Nutrition Consultant · Animal Nutritionist · Animal Scientist · Bacteriologist
19 more

Beef Cattle Nutritionist · Beef Cattle Specialist · Behaviorist · Companion Animal Nutritionist · Dairy Bacteriologist · Dairy Nutrition Consultant · Dairy Nutrition Specialist · Dairy Research Nutritionist · Dairy Scientist · Nutrition Partner · Nutrition Specialist · Poultry Scientist · Research Scientist · Scientist · Sericulturist · Swine Extension Field Specialist · Swine Genetics Researcher · Swine Nutritionist · Swine Specialist

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.93
  • R Realistic5.24
  • C Conventional3.36
  • E Enterprising2.40
  • S Social1.97
  • A Artistic1.96

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate4%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
  • Bachelor's Degree13%
  • Master's Degree22%
  • Doctoral Degree44%
  • Post-Doctoral Training13%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (26%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • SciencebasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Systems AnalysisImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • MathematicsbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
Show the other 23
  • Systems EvaluationImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations MonitoringImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • ProgrammingImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Operation and ControlImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Technology DesignImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • TroubleshootingImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.1Level —
  • Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
  • InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
  • RepairingImportance 1.0Level —

Tasks

7 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Study nutritional requirements of animals and nutritive values of animal feed materials.Importance 4.6
  2. Conduct research concerning animal nutrition, breeding, or management to improve products or processes.Importance 4.4
  3. Advise producers about improved products and techniques that could enhance their animal production efforts.Importance 4.4
  4. Develop improved practices in feeding, housing, sanitation, or parasite and disease control of animals.Importance 4.4
  5. Write up or orally communicate research findings to the scientific community, producers, and the public.Importance 4.4
  6. Study effects of management practices, processing methods, feed, or environmental conditions on quality and quantity of animal products, such as eggs and milk.Importance 4.3
  7. Research and control animal selection and breeding practices to increase production efficiency and improve animal quality.Importance 3.7
Show the other 2
  1. Determine genetic composition of animal populations and heritability of traits, using principles of genetics.Importance 3.2
  2. Crossbreed animals with existing strains or cross strains to obtain new combinations of desirable characteristics.Importance 2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • BiologyImportance 4.6Level 5.9
  • English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • MathematicsImportance 4.1Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • ChemistryImportance 4.0Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Food ProductionImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
Show all 33
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 2.7
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • PhysicsImportance 2.3Level 2.9
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 2.7
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • TransportationImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • MechanicalImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • DesignImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • GeographyImportance 1.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.7Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number FacilityImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • OriginalityImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.6Level 2.8
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Night VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • StaminaImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.9
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Make the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.9
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.8
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.2Level 5.6
Show all 41
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.1Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.7
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.2
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.0

Technology

27 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (11)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAS
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Tableau
Other tools (16)
  • Best Linear Unbiased Prediction BLUP
  • Cowculator
  • COWGAME
  • DAGRIS
  • Database software
  • Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA sequence analysis software
  • Domestic Animal Diversity Information Service DAD-IS
  • Email software
  • FEEDLOT CALC
  • Master Ration Calculator
  • Nutrition Balance Analyzer NUTBAL
  • Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals OMIA
  • Oracle HRIS
  • VSNi ASReml
  • VSNi GenStat
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.