Animal science studies non-human animals, with a focus on domesticated animals and their physiology, anatomy, and development. It includes sub-disciplines such as agriculture and veterinary medicine, and considers environmental influences and human intervention. Animal science degrees lead to careers in agriculture, animal training, veterinary medicine, and other related fields.
In general, animal science deals with the study of non-human animals. More specifically, the discipline emphasizes pets, or animals that are controlled and cared for to some extent by humans. Major biological issues such as physiology, anatomy and development are studied by animal scientists. These studies are then applied to issues ranging from animal nutrition to animal reproduction. Targeted sub-disciplines include agriculture and veterinary medicine.
The primary area of interest in animal science is the structure and function of domesticated animals. Thus, scientists can investigate specific body organs and their capabilities, as well as the cellular and chemical processes that occur within animals. More specific areas of study may arise from these investigations, such as reproductive cycles and how animals respond to various foods.
Environmental influences and human intervention play an important role in the life of these animals, so consideration of these issues is also commonplace. For example, factors such as climate and soil richness affect plant growth, and plants are the primary source of nutrition for many domesticated animals. As such, these factors are often of great interest to individuals involved in animal science. Humanity also has a large impact on animals and especially pets, whether in a personal caretaker capacity or with larger scale considerations such as habitat-destroying industrial growth or animal-based laws and regulations.
The subdisciplines of animal science are numerous. Agricultural science, however, is probably the area where animal science has the longest history. The overall discipline, in fact, once regarded almost exclusively farm animals. The study of common farm animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens continues in higher education and in the everyday world. Common areas of interest could include feeding and grazing patterns, mating habits and disease susceptibility
Many higher education institutions offer animal science degrees. Students will often conduct live animal research and work in correlation with animal-focused businesses such as local farms. Classes may focus on topics such as food science, animal husbandry and microbiology.
Once an individual enters animal science studies, a number of career options exist. Because farm animals were the cornerstone of early forays into animal science, many individuals continue the tradition by pursuing agricultural careers. Others may choose to work with specific animals such as horses in equestrian disciplines or dolphins and other domesticated marine creatures in aquatic centers as animal trainers. Medical or scientific careers such as veterinary medicine or zoology provide another source of employment. Additional opportunities include: Groomer, Game Warden, Animal Nutrition Specialist, Jockey, Ranger and Animal Technician.
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