The fields of animal science

Nutrition

Nutritionists want to know how to keep animals healthy by giving them the right food. This field can be challenging because not all animal foods are available around the world.

Physiology

How do animal bodies work? Physiologists study the organs, bones and muscles of animals. By studying animal bodies, scientists can keep pets, livestock and farm animals healthy and productive.

Reproductive Physiology

Some animal scientists study how animal reproduction works. They want to know about the hormones and anatomy that leads to the next generation of animals.

Animal Behavior

Ever seen a cat “meow?” That’s an example of animal behavior. Animal scientists studying animal behavior want to know more about why animals act the way they do. This field is also called “ethology.”

Genetics and Breeding

Humans have been breeding animals for thousands of years. Scientists study aspects like DNA, genetic modification and cloning.

Animal Products

Many people rely on animals for food. Animal scientists work to make sure meat, milk and eggs are nutritious and safe for consumption. Some study how to raise the most productive animals, and some study how to keep products safe on the way to the grocery store.

Education

Where will the next generation of animal scientist come from? Some animal scientists become educators. They teach students about the science behind animal production.