Animal Breeders
Animal breeders select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. They require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use and involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.
In animal breeding, a livestock breeder’s job responsibilities are to care for animals, clean equipment of facilities, perform animal breeding procedures, monitor animal behaviour or condition and communicate with other workers to coordinate activities.
Typically, the personality of a person in animal breeding is calm and compassionate. The eligibility to be a livestock breeder requires at least a bachelor's degree in animal science or agriculture. The recommended courses an aspirant should take up are animal breeding, reproductive science, and genetics. Candidates can go for training as an animal breeder and must possess knowledge of genetics.
An animal breeder’s salary can range broadly depending on many important factors , including education, certifications and other additional skills. It also depends on the number of years one has spent in animal breeding.
Most of the livestock breeders work outdoors in kennel or corral areas. They also work in animal shelters or offices.
To be successful as a livestock breeder, one should have an in-depth knowledge of the animal breeding process and be passionate about acquiring knowledge of the potential risks of animal breeding. A first-rate animal breeder has effective communication and organizational skills and is physically fit.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 3 Animal Health Worker
- ITI Course Dairying
Tasks
- Feed and water animals, and clean and disinfect pens, cages, yards, and hutches.
- Examine animals to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
- Place vaccines in drinking water, inject vaccines, or dust air with vaccine powder to protect animals from diseases.
- Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics.
- Treat minor injuries and ailments and contact veterinarians to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries.
- Observe animals in heat to detect approach of estrus and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary.
- Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets.
- Exhibit animals at shows.
- Build hutches, pens, and fenced yards.
- Clip or shear hair on animals.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.