The United States Department of Agriculture recently reported that more than 48,000 jobs will be created annually for college graduates with expertise in agriculture and related industries. The livestock industry and related fields are a major component of the United States economy and career opportunities are excellent for both men and women trained in animal science.

ANIMAL PRODUCTION/MANAGEMENT
Livestock producers are concerned with production of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, swine and poultry. These individuals and the people they employ are the cornerstone of the animal industry. They must be superb business people and be knowledgeable in meats, nutrition, genetics, behavior and physiology. In addition, they must know how to manage livestock and have marketing expertise.

FOOD PROCESSING
The food processing industry is a major employer of animal science graduates. This segment of the industry not only is concerned with marketing meat, milk and eggs in the usual sense. It is also involved in fabrication of new products, production of specialty food items and development of products that will appeal to a health-conscious public. This progressive component of animal agriculture hires animal science graduates as livestock buyers, quality control specialists, plant managers and sales personnel.

ANIMAL FEED/HEALTH INDUSTRY
Pharmaceutical organizations, livestock product companies and feed companies are constantly seeking bright, energetic young people to enter research groups, sales forces and consulting agencies dealing with both commercial livestock production and companion animals. Animal science students may also become veterinarians and be involved in primary health care.

COMMUNICATION AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Breed associations, livestock commodity groups, artificial insemination services and government agencies employ animal science students as representatives of their organizations. Likewise, livestock publications, newspapers, television stations, advertising agencies and public relations firms need talented people who can communicated about agriculture. Communication skills are a necessity in all fields, and animal science students can turn these skills into satisfying careers. Other service organizations such as banks, insurance companies, real estate agencies and power companies employ agricultural representatives in positions which require a background in animal agriculture.

RESEARCH
Research designed to improve efficiency and quality of domestic animals and to solve livestock-related problems is conducted by a number of agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), universities and private companies. Therefore, individuals with bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in animal science have an opportunity for rewarding careers in research. With recent advances in computer science and biotechnology, persons trained in these areas will become even more competitive.

EDUCATION AND EXTENSION
A student majoring in animal science may qualify to teach vocational agriculture in high school under a program of study cooperatively developed by the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. Animal science majors may also find employment with the Cooperative Extension Service working as a county agent. People with advanced degrees in animal science are needed to teach in colleges and universities. All of these teaching fields will require animal science graduates to meet the needs of the future.

Animal agriculture is a huge component in the American economy. It not only involves livestock production, but also encompasses marketing, public affairs, transportation, processing, research, companion animal management and a myriad of allied specialties. Animal science is a challenging field with many employment opportunities.