What are your personal likes and dislikes for the Animal Science field?

[RedWhite&Blue]

I've currently getting my BA in Animal Science, and will soon be making the choice whether I want to pursue dairy science or equine science. Either way, there are many contributors to why I love/don't like Animal Science.

One thing I love about it is the diversity of animals I get to work with. One day we will be studying about the proper nutrients in a balanced diet for horses and the next day could revolve completely around breeding and husbandry of donkeys. I find it eclectic and exciting for an aspiring animal scientist/veterinarian.

However, there are some things popping up in the field that I'm not liking to well. Just out of curiosity, what are things personally love/don't love about the study and the work revolving around the Animal Science field?

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[that redhead]

I liked my animal science classes because of the diversity, too. However, the vast majority of people out in the field tend to stick with one species, whether as a veterinarian, researcher, nutritionist, barn manager, etc. So I think while it's fun as an undergraduate, many people do not get that level of species diversity in their careers.

 

[PrincessButterCup]

Ration formulation was the stuff of my undergrad nightmares.

 

[sheltermed]

Ration formulation was the stuff of my undergrad nightmares.

OMG seriously!! I got a B- in nutrition because of it. Can't find many people who relate, hahah

 

[LetItSnow]

I liked my animal science classes because of the diversity, too. However, the vast majority of people out in the field tend to stick with one species, whether as a veterinarian, researcher, nutritionist, barn manager, etc. So I think while it's fun as an undergraduate, many people do not get that level of species diversity in their careers.

So not true.

For instance, I treat both dogs AND cats.

 

[RedWhite&Blue]

So not true.

For instance, I treat both dogs AND cats.

With the students I'm currently studying with, it's about 50/50. Some want to work with a particular animal while others are eclectic and do a broad range. Both sound equally appealing. 🙂

 

[RedWhite&Blue]

Ration formulation was the stuff of my undergrad nightmares.

Oh my Lord you are right about that one. It seems that my mechanically-minded friends had a much easier time with it than I did. I don't struggle with it as much as I used to, but if I pursue dairy science there's no way I'm escaping it.

 

[RedWhite&Blue]

I'm still in a quandary of whether I want to simply receive my BS in Animal Science and find a job afterwards, or move on and pursue a Veterinary program. Are they any good jobs in the Animal Science field, or is it mostly used as a degree to further studies in Veterinary medicine?

 

[PrincessButterCup]

I'm still in a quandary of whether I want to simply receive my BS in Animal Science and find a job afterwards, or move on and pursue a Veterinary program. Are they any good jobs in the Animal Science field, or is it mostly used as a degree to further studies in Veterinary medicine?

That depends on what kind of job you want. I know a lot of people who went into animal science jobs right after school - feedlot manager and dairy manager positions, mostly. They love what they do. A few other people are in graduate school for nutrition or genetics, and will probably end up in industry after they're done.

There's a lot you can do in animal science, and there are some areas that are in high demand right now. It totally depends on you and what you want to do.

 

[supershorty]

I'm still in a quandary of whether I want to simply receive my BS in Animal Science and find a job afterwards, or move on and pursue a Veterinary program. Are they any good jobs in the Animal Science field, or is it mostly used as a degree to further studies in Veterinary medicine?

This depends a lot on your program and how much it's structured as a way to get into vet school. My good friend and I both have animal science degrees from different campuses of the same university, but the courses included in our degrees are vastly different. Hers sounds a lot more like yours - she had a lot of dairy management classes, nutrition, breeding, etc. Mine did not have those, it was much more like a biology major, and it set me up for vet school/graduate school well, but I would have had a harder time getting an industry job than she would.

You can do a lot with the degree, especially in nutrition.

 

[that redhead]

I'm still in a quandary of whether I want to simply receive my BS in Animal Science and find a job afterwards, or move on and pursue a Veterinary program. Are they any good jobs in the Animal Science field, or is it mostly used as a degree to further studies in Veterinary medicine?

What is it that you want to do on a day to day basis? Have you shadowed a veterinarian?