Animal nutritionist
An animal nutritionist is a person who specializes in animal nutrition, which is especially concerned with the dietary needs of animals in captivity: livestock, pets, and animals in wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
The science of animal nutrition encompasses principles of chemistry (especially biochemistry), physics, mathematics, ethology (animal behavior). An animal nutrition in the food industry may also be concerned with economics and food processing.
Contents
Education
A Bachelor of Science in agricultural, biological or related life sciences is usually required. A typical course would study metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, vitamins and water, and the relationship of these nutrients and animal production.[1] A Master’s degree in nutrition is often seen in animal nutrition and the field often requires a Ph.D. in the science of nutrition.[2]
Career activities
Those with an educational background can expect to be employed in the following areas:
- Evaluating the chemical and nutritional value of various animal feeds, feed supplements, grass and forage for livestock, recreational animals such as horses and ponies, pet foods for companion animals, fish, and birds
- Nutritional disorders and the preservation of feeds
- Diet formulation and ration size
- Diets for performance and health
- Diets for reproduction of animals
- Economics of feeding systems
- Dietary regimens
- Animal studies and laboratory trials
- Marketing strategies for new food formulas
- Quality control and performance of feeds
- Investigating nutritional disorders and diet related diseases[3]
Notable animal nutritionists
- Martin R. Dinnes, Ph.D.
- Mark Edwards, Ph.D.[4]
- M. Steven Daugherty, Ph.D.[5]
External links
- Auburn University Department of Animal Nutrition
- Iowa State University Department of Animal Nutrition
- Cal Poly Animal Sciences
