Careers in Animal Sciences
If you want to know more about animal anatomy and physiology, then there is a wealth of online information available that will be helpful to you. In this brief article, you will learn about some of the characteristics and habits of some of your favorite pets. These animals make fascinating pets because they are so similar to humans, yet so different from other animals.
Animals are multicellular, which means that they are made up of many different cells. The major groupings of cells that make up an animal are: nervous system, respiratory system, skin, muscle, digestive system, blood, organs, and tail. In fact, all living things are made up of multiple layers of cells – but unlike living plants and fungi, animals have a very simplified internal system with only one cell per layer. With few exceptions, all animals breathe air, can move through water, can produce their own food, and secrete waste materials as part of their metabolism. In the wild, animals use the fur as protection from cold weather and secrete urine and feces to temporarily hide from predators.
There are many aspects of animal life that are affected by advances in veterinary medicine. One area of growth is in animal physiology and animal anatomy, especially in animal sciences. It has become widely accepted in recent years that in order for science to function well, it must have knowledge of how all parts of an animal work together. Specialists in animal physiology have made major advances toward this goal, resulting in much greater knowledge about how animals function and how they can be better cared for.
Livestock production is another important area of animal biology research. In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have focused much attention on animal breeding to produce useful products, such as insulin for human diabetics. Another important area of livestock production is dog breeding products. Nearly every pet owner knows a pet dog, and nearly all have been lucky enough to own more than one. In keeping these pets happy and healthy pet owners rely on good breeding practices to ensure their breeding stock are properly cared for and fed the correct foods at the right ages. This knowledge is only increasing and is now essential for producing quality and stable dogs for sale or breeding.
Beyond the basic function of animal care, there are many career opportunities in animal sciences available today. Veterinary nurses provide health care to animals and help to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Animal breeders and animal technicians provide care and breeding for companion, show, breeding, healthcare, nutritional, zoo, farm, and laboratory animals. Animal consultants provide expert advice regarding a variety of topics including disease, diet, nutrition, behavior, physiology, training, and management. Animal breeders and vets are likely your best bet for job growth in animal sciences. However, if you prefer working with an animal rather than with a human, there are also plenty of positions in vet techs, dieteticians, nutritionists, pharmacists, biomedical technologists, veterinary technicians, and veterinary nurse jobs available as well.
Beyond animal experiments, there are many other opportunities to be involved in animal care and development. Animals are an integral part of hospitals and clinics and often get more attention than people do. Veterinarians are responsible for administering vaccinations, diagnosing illnesses, treating injuries, preparing treatments for and conducting operations on animals. Some are even employed by zoos and aquariums as zookeepers and conservation directors.