NSIM

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

• assessing the relative nutritional values of various feeds

• supporting the work of agricultural advisers/consultants

• visiting farms

• interpreting forage analysis

• using specialist computer software to devise diets and produce reports

• working with clients to formulate diets that meet their requirements/objectives

• analysing nutritional disorders

• maintaining awareness of technical and scientific developments

Working hours can be irregular but it is not usually necessary to work during weekends. Freelance work is an option once you have accumulated experience and contacts.

Qualification and training required

A degree in nutrition, equine studies, animal/veterinary science, medical sciences, agriculture, or dietetics is usually required for entry into the profession. Graduates from 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.

Key skills for animal nutritionists

• Ability to undertake independent research

• Ability to communicate with clients, customers and fellow scientists

• IT and numeracy skills

• Self management and self motivation

• Ability to write reports and keep good records

Typical employers of animal nutritionists

• Animal and pet feed manufacturers

• Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS)

• Scotland’s Rural College

• Nutritional research centres

• Hannah Research Institute

• Government agricultural departments

• Universities

• Consultancies