FOR some, working with animals is a dream job, because the animals can be easily controlled. They don’t talk back and at the end of the day you are helping to serve a greater good by ensuring that there is food on the table in many households. Having a degree in animal science is one of the ways you can better equip yourself for a job of this nature.

“It focuses on animals, animal production, and various production systems that are in use for different breeds of livestock,” explained Mark Brown, who heads the Animal Science Department at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE).

“The animal science course looks basically at how to maximise the production in your animals, so we look at all the different areas, such as feeding and husbandry practices and also medication. So within the course, it would have a little part that deals with the veterinary aspect,” explained Brown.

Brown, who holds a first degree and a master’s in animal science from a US-based university, noted that this major is very common in other countries, although CASE just started offering it about a year ago. He believes the degree is very important for those wanting to work in the agricultural sector, especially since it is highly likely that they would have to come across animals.

“If you traverse Jamaica and look at the different farms that you have, where there is potential employment for young people, there is a situation whereby they are either going to be employed on a farm that does plants only, one that does animals only, or one that has a mixture,” he said.

1. Why does it make sense to major in animal science?

There are a number of things that you can learn by studying animal science, such as livestock production as well as the management of cattle, horses and companion animals. You also get to learn the basic science of reproduction, physiology, nutrition, and genetics, and get a better understanding of the management of the sales and the provision of services using animals.

“What we are preparing people to do is that when they go out there to seek a job in the animal science area, they can function effectively. You can get a farm manager job or work in a specialised area within animal science,” said Brown.

2. Where in Jamaica can you pursue a degree or courses in animal science?

College of Agriculture, Science and Education.

3. What kind of jobs can you get with an animal science major?

Majoring in animal science will help to make you very versatile in the agricultural sector and teaches you a number of skills that are applicable to many other job settings. These skills include teamwork skills, critical thinking skills, information handling and organising skills and knowledge about animal biology.

“What we are preparing people to do is that when they go out there and see a job in the animal science area, they can function effectively. You can get a farm manager job or a job in a specialised area within animal science,” Brown said.