Animal Nutrition Science

Animal nutrition science is the study of the diet and nutritional benefits of feed for animals. Degree programs focus mainly on livestock, such as beef cattle, swine, poultry and dairy cattle. Students will learn about balancing out vitamins, protein, carbohydrates and other minerals in order to ensure the livestock receives the maximum nutritional benefit. Some programs also examine the nutritional diets of fish and other domesticated and wildlife animals.

Animal nutrition science can be studied as a concentration within animal sciences degree programs. There are animal science degree programs available at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels. Possible related courses include animal physiology, biochemistry, digestive anatomy, food science and nutrition. Upon completion of animal science degree programs with emphasis on nutrition, students can work for feed companies as plant managers, salesmen or nutritionists. Graduate degree holders can find work as teachers, researchers or feedlot consultants.

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) use natural, non-invasive alternative remedies to treat sickness and promote holistic wellness in their patients. Their treatments focus on improvements in diet and lifestyle and medicines such as herbal extracts and homeopathy. In the U.S., Naturopaths must attend a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school that combines basic medical science with training in nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, botanical medicine and psychology.

There are dozens of agricultural schools with Animal Science majors, but how do you know which ones are the best?. U.S. News and World Report ranks Cornell University, the University of California-Davis and Pennsylvania State University among the top Animal Science agricultural Schools.

Does a career working on a farm interest you? Do you love animals and want to find a job working with them? Maybe you are interested in breeding racehorses or running a dairy. A degree in animal science will give you the training you need.

Students with a strong interest in science and a desire to work with ranch animals such as cattle, sheep and poultry, may be interested in a degree in animal science. Coursework is typically a combination of classroom and hands-on learning so online programs are not common. Read on to find out if a degree in animal science is right for you.

Do you enjoy working with domestic mammals? Do you feel like Doctor Doolittle and have a sixth sense when it comes to animals? Online animal science classes can prepare you to work with numerous types of livestock, from pigs to horses to poultry. So don't be sheepish, and read about how to utilize your experiences with animals and science.