You are on page 1of 11

Animal Science

JC Marchionda

Mr. Alburger

English III

22 February 2018
Marchionda 1

JC Marchionda

Mr. Alburger

English III

22 February 2018

Animal Science

Ever wondered how animals in aquariums or in zoos get there? Animals live in zoos and

aquariums for studies and rehabilitation for many scientists to research, help and observe how

they live and interact with other species, a very different environment other than the wild. The

scientists that study the animals and take care of them studied the field of animal science. Animal

science remains a growing field that incorporates scholarship from public policy, sociology,

philosophy, and many other areas. In the field of animal science, many different career

opportunities such as Marine biology, Veterinary Medicine, Zoology, and many other careers all

stem from the study of animal science.

Studying animal science leads to many different career options one can pursue from

studying animal science. The career of Veterinary Medicine rates as the most popular choice

animal scientists choose when looking for a suitable career. Veterinary Medicine, the branch of

medical science that deals with the prevention, cure of diseases and injuries of animals. “One of

the greatest benefits of a career in veterinary medicine is the chance to promote the health and

welfare of your patients.” (Kramer). “Veterinary medicine is by far the most popular “dream job”

for animal lovers, and many kids start mentioning their interest in this career path at a very

young age.” (Kramer). Veterinary and Human Medicine have the same scientific basis and

similar employment opportunities.


Marchionda 2

The study of animals includes more than just the studies of land animals. The Marine life

species population includes more than enough to research and study. A large population of all

life on earth lives in the ocean. Marine life has an amazing source of providing food, medicine

and raw materials. The career that studies Marine life goes by the name of, Marine Biology.

“Marine Biology is a scientific study about marine life such as different ecosystems, habitats and

many different species of marine life.” (Kovács). “The average salary for a Marine Biologist is

around $70,000 per year and can go up to making about $124,000 per year.” (Kovács). One of

the main keys to success to becoming a marine biologist requires having a solid science

background such as biology.

The question for the interviewee states, describe some jobs you can pursue by studying

the field of Animal Science? “There are virtually hundreds of relative jobs that can be pursued

with an advanced degree in Animal Science. My professional calling as a Veterinarian (Doctor

of Veterinary Medicine or DVM) is just one, but there is also Veterinary Technician, Veterinary

Hospital Manager, Laboratory Serologist / Diagnostics, Animal Behaviorist/Trainer, Pet

Groomer, or Veterinary Pharmaceutical Developer or Sales, or as an entrepreneur in Pet

Nutrition or as a Kennel/Doggie Day Care operator. The Animal Science degree can also lead to

specialization within the veterinary field with surgery specialists, oncology,

radiology/ultrasonography, applied gene therapy and stem cell research, pharmacist, or even less

glamorous but very necessary occupations like cremation services operator.” (Jones).

In order to study animal science you have to go to school and get a degree. Many

different schools offer the field of animal science as a main study. North Carolina State

University offers the field of study, Animal Science. “The College of Veterinary Medicine at
Marchionda 3

North Carolina State University is consistently ranked as one of the top veterinary educational

programs in North America. A combination of a low student/faculty ratio, low resident tuition, a

university wide commitment to learning in a technology rich environment and high quality

facilities contribute to a rewarding and stimulating environment in which to learn. The addition

of a new research building, technology upgrades in student laboratories and lecture rooms and

state of the art hospital facilities support faculty recruited from around the world in developing

their educational programs.” (Shaping The Future). “Our state-of-the-art facilities and

technology make the College of Veterinary Medicine one of the best-equipped teaching hospitals

in the nation. The NC State Veterinary Hospital, provides cutting-edge technology in every area,

from a biplane fluoroscopy unit and a 64-slice computed tomography scanner to a Varian Trilogy

Linear Accelerator. The facility, constructed for education as well as clinical excellence, includes

dedicated teaching space and service specific rounds room. Our 130,000-square foot research

facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories for research teams as well as a BioSafety Level 3

laboratory for investigations into infectious diseases and a clinical studies core for clinical trials.

Faculty researchers, research technicians, and graduate students conduct leading-edge studies in

regenerative medicine, infectious diseases, comparative genetics, biological barriers and

neurobiology to advance the health of both human beings and animals.” (State of Art Facilities).

North Carolina State University has many other opportunities than animal science but best

known for the animal science field

Texas A&M competes as one of the top Animal Science schools. “The curricula in

Animal Science are designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in animal-oriented

agribusiness. The millions of domestic animals that provide food, fiber and recreation for
Marchionda 4

humans offer a variety of career opportunities for animal science graduates.” (Department of

Animal Science, Texas A&M). Texas A&M strives students to do well in the animal science

field, which makes them one of the best colleges to go to for animal science. “Students

completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science are in demand by both the private

and public sectors. Career paths include livestock production and the extensive infrastructure that

provides the products and services required for management, marketing and processing of

livestock and livestock products. Students receive training in nutrition, breeding, reproductive

physiology, meat science, dairy products, wool and mohair, and the production and management

of livestock. Extensive laboratory facilities and livestock operations located on or near campus in

the Animal Science Teaching, Research and Extension Complex facilitate practical application

of the scientific principles.” (Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M). Texas A&M shows

the work ethic and skills one needs to attend this school and become a student in the field of

animal science.

Lastly, Michigan State University has a high ranking field in Animal Science. “The

Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University offers education and research for

the safe, nutritious and economical production of animal food and fiber, and of animals for

recreational purposes, without compromising the environment or jeopardizing the health and

well being of farm animals and farm communities. The department provides educational

leadership through high-quality courses, research and extension/outreach programs to enhance

human capital and ensure that Michigan producers and communities benefit from these.”

(Department of Animal Science, MSU). “We have a strong tradition of training outstanding

students in animal science and related fields, and welcome prospective students who are
Marchionda 5

interested in our programs and want to contribute to our mission. Graduates of our department

have advanced to rewarding careers in universities, government agencies, the livestock industry,

veterinary medicine and biomedicine.” (Department of Animal Science, MSU). Michigan State

University has a very strong training background for animal science and they have one of the

best training facilities in the nation.

Although studying animal science and pursuing a career to help and observe different

animals, many down sides and sad moments exist and will have to experience. Animals can

catch deadly diseases just like a human can. Salmonella, another disease an animal can get.

“Thousands of varieties called serovars and serotypes of Salmonella have been identified, most

of which are known to cause disease in humans and/or animals.” (Diseases of Animals).

“Salmonelloses, or any disease caused by Salmonella bacteria, are widespread.”

(Lichtmannegger). Many more deadly diseases spread throughout animals.

Another disease that an animal can get Pullorum disease. “Pullorum is caused by the

serovar Pullorum of S. enterica, threatened the chicken and turkey industry until brought under

control by elimination of infected birds through blood testing.” (Diseases of Animals). “The

Enteritidis and Typhimurium serovars of S. enterica not only produce disease in certain animals

but are particularly common causes of so-called food-poisoning in humans in the U.S.” (Germ

Theory). Fungi, another disease an animal can get.

Fungi, a diverse group of organisms that obtain food by direct absorption of nutrients.

Fungi causes many serious diseases within many different types of animals. “Aspergillus fungi

may cause necrosis of the lungs, the nervous system, and other organs. These fungi may also

produce toxic products in feed components, causing mycotoxicosis in the animal ingesting such
Marchionda 6

feed. A yeast like fungus, Candida albicans, may cause death in turkeys, ptarmigan,

hummingbirds, and other animals. Dermatophytic fungi affect the skin of animals and humans.

Dust-borne fungi, such as Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum, produce lung

disease or generalized disease in animals and humans.” (Diseases of Animals). Prion disease,

another disease that animals get, can possibly become very deadly.

This disease lacks genetic material and over time folds protein cells in the animal's body

it makes the body stop producing proteins which can kill the animal if not treated in an

appropriate time period . “A group of fatal neurological diseases in animals and humans

involving spongy degeneration of the brain are known as transmissible spongiform

encephalopathies. They are widely thought to be caused by abnormal, infectious forms of

proteins called Prions. In animals, these disorders include bovine spongiform encephalopathy

(“mad cow disease”), chronic wasting disease in elk and deer, scrapie in sheep and goats,

transmissible mink encephalopathy, feline spongiform encephalopathy, and ungulate spongiform

encephalopathy.” (Diseases of Animals). Another deadly disease called Viral Diseases appear

common within animals.

These diseases cause tumors. “These are capable of resulting in serious economic loss,

control programs have been able to alleviate the problem. Influenza, also known as the flu

viruses, can cause serious problems in swine, horses, and birds. Some viruses spread from

mother to offspring through the placenta or through the egg, and some have very resistant forms

that can survive in dust. Other viruses require intimate contact to be contagious. Still others are

spread by the bite of arthropods, such as insects or ticks. Viruses are not always limited to one

species of animals or to one kind of tissue or organ. On the other hand, the severity of some
Marchionda 7

diseases may be much greater in one species or one kind of tissue.” (Diseases of Animals). The

bright side of these kind of situations, typically have a cure.

The scientific study of the behavior, structure, classification, and distribution of animals

represents the study of Zoology. “The study of zoology can be viewed as a series of efforts to

analyze and classify animals. Attempts at classification as early as 400 bc are known from

documents in the Hippocratic Collection. Aristotle, however, was the first to devise a system of

classifying animals that recognized a basic unity of plan among diverse organisms; he arranged

groups of animals according to mode of reproduction and habitat.” (Zoology). One of the main

details of the study of Zoology includes the observation of animals. “Zoologist research animals

such as the dogfish, chick, and octopus, he noted that general structures appear before

specialized ones, and he also distinguished between asexual and sexual reproduction.”

(Zoology). Today, Zoology studies create new cures to solve future diseases.

Current Zoology also uses studies from other sciences to create more cures and fund

more research. “In the 20th century zoology has become more diversified and less confined to

such traditional concerns as classification and anatomy.” (Zoology). “Broadening its range to

include such studies as genetics, ecology, and biochemistry, zoology has become an

interdisciplinary field applying a great variety of techniques to obtain knowledge of the animal

kingdom.” (Zoology). Another topic that connects with zoology goes by the name of Taxonomy.

Taxonomy, the science of defining and naming groups of biological organisms.

“Taxonomically are oriented studies concentrate on the different divisions of animal life.”

(Zoology). “Its subdivisions include entomology (the study of insects) and malacology (the study

of mollusks). Vertebrate zoology, the study of animals with backbones, is divided into
Marchionda 8

ichthyology (fish), herpetology (amphibians and reptiles), ornithology (birds), and mammalogy

(mammals).” (Zoology). Taxonomy includes many different studies of many different animals

and organisms. “Modern taxonomic classification, based on the natural concepts and system of

the Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus, has progressed steadily since the 18th century, modified

by advances in knowledge of morphology, evolution, and genetics” (Zoology). Zoology ties the

loose ends for the final topic.

In conclusion, Animal Science can lead into many different career options to pursue.

Each career stated in this essay could lead to a great job opportunity. Veterinary Medicine,

Marine Biology and Zoology all relate to the study of Animal Science. All three of the topics in

this paper relate to Animals and outline many details that branch off of the study of Animal

Science. Studying Animal Science allows people to open new doors to life and gains more

knowledge other than just the studies of animals alone. In the field of animal science, many

different career opportunities such as Marine biology, Veterinary Medicine, Zoology, and many

other careers all stem from the study of animal science.


Marchionda 9

Works Cited

“Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M.” Department of Animal Science < Texas A&M

University, College Station, TX,

catalog.tamu.edu/undergraduate/agriculture-life-sciences/animal-science/#text.

<​http://catalog.tamu.edu/undergraduate/agriculture-life-sciences/animal-science/#text​>

“Department of Animal Science, MSU.” Michigan State University,

www.canr.msu.edu/ans/index​.

<​https://www.canr.msu.edu/ans/index​>

"Diseases of Animals." ​Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia​, 2017, p. 1p. 1. EBSCO​host,​

2 Jan.

2018.<​http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid

=s8455861&db=funk&AN=DI063100&site=ehost-live&scope=site​ >

"Germ Theory." ​Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia,​ 2017, p. 1p. 1. EBSCO​host.​ 2 Jan.

2018.<​http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid

=s8455861&db=funk&AN=GE034050&site=ehost-live&scope=site​ >

Jones, Kevin. Personal Interview Feb.12 2018

Kovács, Adam and Patrik Nagy. Advances in Marine Biology. Nova Science Publishers, Inc,

2016. Advances in Marine Biology. EBSCOhost,

<​http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=s845

5861&db=e862xna&AN=1385380&site=ehost-live&scope=site​>
Marchionda 10

Kramer, Mary Hope. “The Top Reason to Become a Veterinarian”. ​Animal Careers​. 20 Nov.

2017. Web. 2 Jan. 2018.

<​https://www.thebalance.com/top-reasons-to-become-a-vet-125728​>

Lichtmannegger, Karolina, et al. "Alternative Quechers-Based Modular Approach for Pesticide

Residue Analysis in Food of Animal Origin." ​Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry​, vol.

407, no. 13, 25 May 2015, pp. 3727-3742. EBSCO​host​, 2 Jan.

2018<​http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=

s8455861&db=a9h&AN=102170467&site=ehost-live&scope=site​>

“Shaping The Future.” NC State Veterinary Medicine,

cvm.ncsu.edu/education/#State-of-the-Art-Facilities.

<​https://cvm.ncsu.edu/education/#State-of-the-Art-Facilities​>

“State of The Art Facilities” NC State Veterinary Medicine,

cvm.ncsu.edu/education/#State-of-the-Art-Facilities.

<​https://cvm.ncsu.edu/education/#State-of-the-Art-Facilities​>

"Zoology." Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 2017, p. 1p. 1. EBSCOhost

<​http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,custuid&custid=s845

5861&db=funk&AN=ZO009100&site=ehost-live&scope=site​>

You might also like