Animal nutritionist

Animal nutritionist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs

Animal nutritionists undertake research and development activities in order to provide domestic animals and livestock with nutritionally balanced food stuffs. Responsibilities of the job include:

• analysing and interpreting data;
• calculating and assessing the relative nutritional values of various feeds;
• supporting the work of agricultural advisers/consultants;
• visiting farms;
• interpreting forage analysis;
• utilising specialist computer software to devise diets and produce reports;
• working with clients to formulate diets that meet their requirements/objectives;
• analysing nutritional disorders;
• and maintaining awareness of technical developments.

Broadly speaking, animal nutritionists tend to work either directly with farmers or for animal feed companies. As such, employers span the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS), the Scottish Agricultural College, nutritional research centres such as the Hannah Research Institute, government agricultural departments, universities, consultancies, overseas development agencies and animal feed manufacturers.

Jobs are advertised by specialist recruitment agencies, in local/national newspapers and publications including New Scientist, Farmers' Weekly, Scottish Farmer, Farmers Guardian, and the Horse and Hound. ADAS and several of the larger animal feed companies run annual graduate recruitment schemes, for which applications should be made early in the academic year.

Qualification and training required

A degree in equine studies, animal/veterinary science, medical sciences, agriculture, horticulture or crop/plant science is required for entry into the profession. Graduates from other, closely related degree disciplines (biology, for example) may also be eligible if they undertake a relevant postgraduate qualification. Some vacancies may require a relevant PhD. Relevant pre-entry work experience can be helpful. It is advantageous for career progression to become an accredited nutritionist via registration with the Nutrition Society.

Key skills for animal nutritionists

Employers look for graduates who are confident and adaptable, with good communication and IT skills. A full driving licence is also normally essential.