Herd Nutritionist
Herd nutritionists research and provide advice on feed product selection, maintenance feeding programs and modification of diets to meet certain desired outcomes. They educate farmers and employees on appropriate diets, product mix, dietary planning and preparation of fodder or food to promote animal health and sometimes treat an illness or disease for livestock.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Observe and monitor animals’ behavior and eating habits for any changes or trends
- Understand current feed rations and nutritional value
- Understand the farm use and end use for the animals to better formulate a diet to meet specific needs or desired outcomes
- Educate farmers on appropriate diets and preparation of food
- Determine performance benchmarks
- Work to enhance and maintain optimum health performance of the animals
- Conduct and evaluate dietary studies and assist in ongoing research and development of innovative feeds and feeding program
- Monitor aspects of feed manufacturing and quality control
- Advise on product development and marketing strategies
- Provide nutritional information to consumer market
- Monitor aspects of feed manufacturing and quality control
- Research alternative raw product inputs and feeds available in the market
- Assist in keeping records of antibiotics, medicines, etc.
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- mathematics
- anatomy
- biology
- chemistry
- Spanish
- computer skills
Education/Training Required:
A bachelor’s degree in animal science, poultry science or other related field is required. A master’s degree in animal nutrition may be required for some roles in a management or lead nutritionist role.
