Careers - animals

Careers

Agriculture Facts

Back to careers main

Animal Health Technician
Job description:	Animal Health Technicians perform technical work concerned with animal health in support of veterinarians or veterinary medical programs. They often work with laboratory animals. AHTs need practical knowledge of normal and certain abnormal animal health conditions, agency policy and guidelines applicable to the work, and related animal health laws and regulations. Must have the ability to work independently. TASKS inspection, quarantine, identification, collection of specimens, vaccination, appraisal and disposal of diseased animals, and disinfection for the control and eradication of infectious and communicable animal diseases. Administer any necessary medications or treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian including follow-up procedures and daily documentation of all diagnostic and treatment procedures. Maintain current animal health, treatment and follow-up records. Sources: AC People.com
Study:
Entomologist
Job description:	Entomology is the scientific study of insects. The entomologist may do research work or can be employed as an extension officer and consultant. As a researcher an entomologist works in a variety of fields: Conducts detailed studies of insects and their behaviour Taxonomy, which entails the classification and documentation of insect fauna The use of beneficial insects Biological control of harmful insects Integrated pest management Veterinary and medical entomology. As extension officer and consultant the entomologist gives advice and technical assistance on the above-mentioned subjects to a wide variety of people. As an entomologist you should: Love nature Have an interest in insects Have an aptitude for mathematical and biological subjects Have perseverance Be willing to perform repetitive tasks. Source: Careers SA
Study:	B.Sc degree with Entomology, preferably with a postgraduate qualification.

Farmer or farm manager: Large or Small Stock, Poultry, Game
Job description:	There are many types of farmers - crop, poultry, vegetable, etc. A farmer should enjoy working outside, and be patient, persistent and self-motivated. Flexibility and problem solving skills are useful, and skills such as driving, mechanical skills and aptitude and accounting. An entrepreneurial flair is also useful. A farmer must keep up with the latest methods and research in his field of production, and knowledge of market tendencies are crucial. TASKS Breeds and raises livestock, such as beef or dairy cattle, goats, horses, sheep, and pigs, for such purposes as sale of meat, riding or working stock, breeding, or for show; and for products, such as milk, wool, meat and hair. Selects and breeds animals according to knowledge of animals, genealogy, characteristics, and offspring desired. Selects pasture, range, and crop lands to graze animals and produce feed crops. Castrates, docks, and dehorns animals. Brands, tattoos, notches ears, and attaches tags to identify animals. Milks cows and goats, shears sheep, and clips goats' hair. Operates farm machinery to plant, cultivate, and harvest feed crops. Storage of produce Marketing of animals and products. Maintains cost and operation records. Source: Berkeley
Study:	B. Agric - three year graduate qualification - Cape Institute for Agricultural Training: Elsenburg B. Sc Agriculture - three year graduate qualification - University of Stellenbosch Faculty for Agri-Sciences. National Diploma: Agriculture - Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Researcher: Animal Production
Job description:	Animal scientists work to develop better, more efficient ways of producing and processing meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. Dairy scientists, poultry scientists, animal breeders, and other scientists in related fields study the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals. Some animal scientists inspect and grade livestock food products, purchase livestock, or work in technical sales or marketing. As extension agents or consultants, animal scientists advise agricultural producers on how to upgrade animal housing facilities properly, lower mortality rates, handle waste matter, or increase production of animal products, such as milk or eggs. Agricultural and food scientists should be able to work independently or as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Most of these scientists also need an understanding of basic business principles, and the ability to apply basic statistical techniques. Employers increasingly prefer job applicants who are able to apply computer skills to determine solutions to problems, to collect and analyze data, and to control various processes. Various possible fields of research exist: Animal Nutritionists analyse food resources and mix energy-yielding raw materials with protein-rich products to form balanced diets. In this way raw materials not acceptable to humans are converted into milk, meat, eggs, wool and leather. Animal Breeders use mathematic-statistical and reproduction physiological methods to improve farm animals genetically in order to achieve faster growth and to produce more with less feed, or to yield a product of higher quality. Animal Production Experts concentrate on the quality of animal products by making full use of their knowledge of biochemistry, physiology and the entire spectrum of animal science. Animal Physiology Research, development and management of private concerns in animal science Nature conservationist in game reserves and game farming Researcher and representative of distributors of animal medicines, apparatus and equipment for the stock farmer Inseminations, semen collectors and related functions in the stock industry. Sources: University of Stellenbosch website My Career Path handbook
Study:	B.Sc degree with post-graduate studies: Western Cape: University of Stellenbosch Faculty for Agri-Sciences University of Cape Town Zoology department

Veterinarian
Job description:	Veterinarians maintain the health of animals and treat sick or injured animals. They may specialise in treating pets, zoo animals, wildlife, horses, or farm animals. Veterinarians need to have animal-handling skills and the ability to diagnose problems. They also need skill in performing animal surgery. Veterinarians need to know about animals and animal diseases through the study of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, medicine and surgery. Veterinarians should be understanding, patient, and concerned for animals. They must inspire confidence in their clients. They should not have any allergies to animals. TASKS working with animal owners to diagnose the health problems of their pets or farm animals treating sick or injured animals preventing animal diseases performing surgery on animals prescribing medicines or therapies euthanasing (putting to sleep) animals which are sick or unwanted sterilising animals to prevent unwanted births advising farming/governmental bodies on health programmes involving animals and humans setting standards for import and export of animals and animal products develop new drugs, vaccines, and therapies teaching students, vet technicians or other veterinarians setting standards for animal hygiene, slaughter and meat inspection advising animal owners on care of their animals Source: My Career Path handbook
Study:	University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort: 3 Year BSc followed by 4 Year BVSc A powerpoint presentation by Dr Annelie Cloete, State veterinarian at the Department of Agriculture: Western Cape, on veterinary science as a career can be downloaded here (veterinary.ppt - 143MB)