Animal Nutritionist

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About

A career as an Animal Nutritionist

Animal Nutritionists are scientists who analyse the nutritional value of feeds and provide dietary advice to staff from all industries working with animals, such as agriculture, animal care, equine and aquaculture. 

Animal Nutritionists promote a better understanding of the effect of diet on the health, wellbeing and productivity of animals. They provide advice and information on animal nutrition and design and evaluate the diets of the animals working with. Some Animal Nutritionists choose to specialise in one type of animal. Others look at nutritional disorders and find ways to prevent the animal from suffering by formulating new food programmes.

Skills/Knowledge

You’ll need:

  • an interest in, and understanding of, the science behind nutrition

  • an enthusiasm for animals and their welfare

  • to analyse and solve problems, and enjoy working in laboratory conditions

  • excellent communication skills, enjoy working with people and sharing your knowledge with different audiences

  • customer service skills, forming long-term relationships with clients

  • to enjoy working in a team, but confident working independently

  • to produce reports – use of computers and statistics software will be beneficial

A driving licence is necessary - you may be given access to a company vehicle or be expected to use your own and claim back mileage.

Salary

NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills/qualifications and experience of the employee.

£20,000
Typical salaries
range from
£50,000
Typical Hours

Around 40 hours per week, however working hours can vary and may be irregular if visits to clients are required in the evening. Weekend or shift work is not common.

Travel within the working day is often required and overnight stays may sometimes be necessary.

Day to Day
  • Evaluate the nutritional value of feeds

  • Develop nutritional and feed plans for animals to maximise growth, reproduction, health and performance

  • Visit sites and provide advice on nutrition to clients, animal owners and veterinarians

  • Compare and assess the nutritional and economic value of feeding systems

  • Conduct research, trials and write reports on findings

  • Monitor feed formulations to meet quality performance and animal health standards/legislation

  • Support commercial teams in producing and launching new products, and support sales and marketing strategies

Working Environment

Animal Nutritionists will spend time between laboratories, offices and with the animals in all weather – clothing requirements include a white coat for the lab, smart clothing for meetings and waterproof outdoor clothes and boots for work on sites. Much of your time will be spent working alone and travelling between locations, with regular team meetings.

Training Available

Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.

Not sure what you want to do?

Why not take a look at the Industries Explorer as an introduction to the different areas you could work in.

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