ONLINE CHAPTERAPPENDIXCHAPTER 237

Careers and Career Preparation in the Animal Sciences

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 Describe the career paths of Animal Science program graduates

 Explain the diverse nature of careers in animal-related fields

 Compare the salary opportunities in agribusiness, production, food processing, and

veterinary medicine

 Explore the process of career preparation

 Write an initial career plan

The millions of domestic animals that provide food, fiber, and recreation for people create a

multitude of diverse career opportunities. The results of a placement survey of approximately

10,000 agriculture graduates in the United States are shown in Table A.2.137.1. Data on

placement in careers in the animal sciences follow a similar pattern because workers in those

fields comprise a high percentage of the graduates shown in these tables.

TABLE A.2.137.1  Post Graduation Careers of Bachelor Degree Recipients in Agriculture

Post Graduation Career/Activity Percent of Graduates

Agribusiness (industry and business) 34%
Graduate and professional study 20
Farming and ranching 11
Education, extension, communications 10
Scientists, engineers, related specialists 9

1
Miscellaneous 16
Source: Adapted from the Food and Agricultural Education Information System Placement

Report.

Beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, and swine are the animals of primary

importance in animal science curricula; reproduction, nutrition, breeding (genetics), meats, and

management are the specialized topics typically covered in animal science courses. A few animal

science programs include studies of pet and companion animals. Most college and university

curricula in the animal sciences are designed to assist students in the broad career areas of

production, science, agribusiness, and the food industry. Some animal science departments

combine production and agribusiness into an industry concentration or a double-major program.

The major careers in these areas are shown in Table A.237.2.

TABLE A.237.2  A Sample of Animal Sciences Careers in Production, Science, Agribusiness,

Food Industry, and Equine-Related Fields

Animal Sciences
Production Science Agribusiness Food Industry Equine
Feedlot positions Graduate school for Sales and Food- Management

management processing (stalls, farm,

positions with plants breeding barn,

feed companies, foals, etc.)

packing

companies,

health and

pharmacy

2
 companies,

equipment

companies, etc.
Livestock Master of Science Livestock Food- Facility

production (M.S.) and Doctor of publications ingredient design and

operations (beef, Philosophy (Ph.D.) plants construction

dairy, swine, degrees

sheep, and

poultry)
Ranch positions Research (university Advertising and Food- Trainer—

or industry) in promotion manufacturing riding

nutrition, plants instructor

Breed reproduction, breeding Finance (PCAs, Government— Writer, artist,

associations and genetics, products, banks, etc.) protection and photographer

and production regulatory

management agencies
AI studs and University or college Public relations Government— Feed,

breeding teaching Department of pharmaceutic

Defense (food als, tack sales,

supply and marketing,

food service) and service

companies
Livestock buyers University extension Meat grading Government— Farrier

for feeders and and area extension (federal Department of

3
packers government) Agriculture

(research and

information)
County extension Management positions International University Recreation

agents/specialists in industry marketing research, related (guide,

opportunities teaching, and outfitter,

extension guest ranch,

etc.)
Meat grading and Government work Graduate Positions with Insurance

distribution school for food companies agent

Master’s in

Business

Administration

(M.B.A.)
Marketing International Foreign Research and Veterinarian

(auctions, Cattle opportunities agriculture development or vet-

Fax, livestock with food technician

sales companies

management,

alliances, etc.)
International Laboratory Technical sales Quality control Massage

opportunities technicians and service management therapist

Livestock and Veterinary school for Companion Association

meat market Doctor of Veterinary animals management,

4
reporting Medicine (D.V.M.): marketing,

(government) private practice, public

consulting, university relations

teaching and research

Feeding Meat inspection Horse buyer,

manufacturing appraiser
Companion Industry/commercial Horse-related

animals: real estate

boarding, sales

breeding, training
Game farm Companion animal

management research
PRODUCTION

Many individuals are intrigued with animal production because of the possibility of being their

own boss and working directly with animals livestock(">Fig. st>37.1></link>). These ambitions

should be held in light of the financial investment required in land, which is typically hundreds

of thousands of dollars. Beef cattle, dairy, poultry, sheep, and swine production operations

continue to become fewer in number, more specialized, and larger in terms of the amount of

capital invested. Some who find a career in the production area have a family operation to which

they can return. A few others have the needed capital to invest. Others find opportunities via

lease arrangements, in managing for non-family-owned enterprises, or with investors.

TABLE A.2.337.3  Livestock Enterprise Salaries and Benefits, 2006

% Partial or Full Benefit in Addition

5
 to Salary
Enterprise/Position Averagea Range Housing Insurance

($1,000) ($1,000)
Swine
Manager 432.8 6058–303 41 81
Assistant 32.1 453–256 22 83

manager
Herdsman 30.2 35–257 10 81
Dairy
Manager 44.0 5048–35 21 68
Assistant 312.7 453–25 8 81

manager
Herdsman 365.7 40–30 68 42
Beef
Manager 44.3 7068–30 52 82
Assistant 32.6 4038–25 42 68
a
Does not include performance bonus/incentive.

Source: Adapted from Agri-Careers, Incmultiple sources.

Sometimes students who seek employment in animal production are disillusioned with the

base salary, benefits, and working hours when production work is compared with agribusiness

careers. Salary and benefits in the production sector are becoming more competitive (Table

A.2.337.3). However, some graduates are anxious and willing to obtain experience and prove

they can work, and eventually locate permanent employment in production operations. Some

producers of cattle, sheep, swine, and horse operations allow an employee to buy into an

operation on a limited basis or own some of the animals after working a year or two.

Certain careers require education and experience in the production area even though the

6
individual will not be producing animals directly. Career opportunities such as those for breed

association and publication positions, field persons, extension agents, associated product and

service sales, and livestock marketing require an understanding of production, as one works

directly with livestock producers.

SCIENCE

An animal science student who concentrates heavily in science courses is usually preparing for

further academic work with a goal of achieving one or more advanced degrees. A minimum

grade average of 3.0 and relatively high scores on the Graduate Record Exam are usually

required for admission to graduate school or a professional veterinary medicine program.

Advanced degrees are usually obtained after entrance into graduate school or after being

admitted to a professional veterinary medicine program (<link linkend="fg37_00200"

preference="1">Fig. <xref linkend="fg37_00200"

label="37.2"><inst>37.2</inst></xref></link>) where a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

(D.V.M.) degree is awarded. Table A.237.4 shows where graduates of veterinary medical

colleges are employed and their average starting salaries. One of the major emerging

opportunities for veterinarians is in the area of food animals. The shortage of well-trained food

animal veterinarians is of concern to the livestock industry, and a number of programs have been

initiated to attract people into the field of food animal medicine.

TABLE A.237.4  Professional Incomes and Employment for U.S. Veterinarians

Career Area 1995 Avg. 2003 Avg. Avg. Starting Avg. Starting

Incomea Incomea Salary in 1995 Salary in 2006

Large animal $63,547 $101,435 $39,535 $61,028

7
exclusive
Large animal

predominant 56,500 80,689 34,290 53,397

Mixed animal 50,862 83,656 31,892 52,254
Small animal

predominant 55,179 92,236 30,970 56,241

Small animal 57,991 103,108 31,882 57,117

exclusive
Equine predominant 64,240 117,799 31,924 40,130
Average (private $57,557 101,140 NA 55,031

practice)
College or $63,749 $96,788 NA NA

university
Federal government 59,626 90,163 NA NA
State/local 57,430 74,997 NA NA

government
Uniformed services 57,619 86,587 NA NA
Corporate 94,046 131,748 NA NA
Average (public or $67,043 103,750 NA NA

corporate)
a
Annual salary after several years of employment.

Source: Adapted from JAVMA 229:1087 (Oct. 1, 2006); 226:208 (Jan. 15, 2005).

The Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are the advanced

degrees received by the science-oriented student (<link linkend="fg37_00300"

preference="1">Fig. <xref linkend="fg37_00300" label="37.3"><inst>37.3link>). Although the

2-year college certificate or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree allows breadth of education,

8
advanced degrees are generally directed toward a specialization. These specialized animal

science areas are typically in nutrition, reproduction, breeding (genetics and statistics), animal

products, and management systems.

AGRIBUSINESS

Although the number of individuals employed in livestock and poultry production has decreased,

the number of individuals and businesses serving producers has greatly increased. Positions in

sales, management, finance, advertising, public relations, and publications are prevalent in feed,

animal health, equipment, meat packing, marketing, and livestock organizations (">Fig.

37.4"><inst>37.4ink>).

Agribusiness careers that relate to the livestock industry require a student to have a

foundation of knowledge of livestock along with an excellent comprehension of business,

economics, computer science, and effective communication. A graduate should understand

human interaction, know how to effectively communicate, and enjoy working with people.

Extracurricular activities that give students experience in leadership and working with people are

invaluable for meaningful career preparation.

Some animal science students who concentrate heavily in business and economics courses

will pursue an advanced degree. This is typically a Master’s in Business Administration

(M.B.A.). A combination of a B.S. degree in Animal Science with an M.B.A. is an excellent

preparation for management positions in livestock-oriented businesses.

FOOD INDUSTRY

Red meats, poultry, milk, natural fibers, and eggs—the primary end products of animal

production—provide basic nutrition and eating enjoyment for millions of consumers. Career

9
opportunities are numerous in providing one of our basic needs—food. Processing, packaging,

and distribution of food are important components of the food-production chain. New food

products are continually being produced (<link linkend="fg37_00500" preference="1">Fig.

<xref linkend="fg37_00500" label="37.5"><inst>37.5</inst></xref></link>), , and new

methods of manufacturing and fabricating food are being developed. Electrical stimulation of

carcasses for increased tenderization; vacuum packaging of primal cuts for a longer shelf life,

and preparation of convenience products are examples of innovations in meat processing. A vital

and continuing challenge over the next several decades will be to provide a food supply that is

nutritious, safe, convenient, attractive, and economical—which is also satisfying to the

consumer.

Middle and senior management positions in the food processing sector are financially

rewarding and provide a high degree of professional challenge and fulfillment (Table A.237.5).

Attainment of at least a B.S. degree is an important prerequisite for these positions.

TABLE A.237.5  Meat and Poultry Processing Company Salaries—20095

Average Years

Median Totala Employed in

Position Cash IndustryPercent

Compensation with a Four-Year

Degree or Higher
Corporate Chief Executive Officer $357,0298,700 2655
General ManagerCorporate Chief $153,700228,0
23100
Financial Officer 00
Corporate Marketing Executive 160,600 60

10
Plant General Manager 13823,0300 2572

Sales and Marketing 121,000 26

Plant R&D Manager 77,00094,000 10017

Plant Operations 86,000 17

Plant HACCP Manager 74,25082,000 7413

Plant Quality Assurance Manager 70,00080,000 7220

Plant Engineer 79,050 60

a
Salary plus profit sharing, etc.

Source: Adapted from Meat & Poultry, 20096.

HORSES

While horses continue to play an important role in many agricultural settings, their greatest use

is recreation and sport. The list of employment options related to horses is exceptionally diverse.

Many of the opportunities are similar to those in other livestock industries (Table A.237.2).

However, students will find careers in the horse industry that range from artist to trail ride

operator (Table A.237.2).

PEOPLE SEEKING CAREER OPTIONS IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY WILL

TYPICALLY FIND IT EASIER TO GET STARTED IN POSITIONS RELATED TO SALES

OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES UTILIZED BY HORSE OWNERS. IT IS MORE

DIFFICULT TO GAIN ENTRY AS A HORSE FACILITY MANAGER OR TRAINER.

FLEXIBILITY, TENACITY, AND A WILLINGNESS TO WORK UP THE LADDER ARE

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS. THE VALUE OF INTERNSHIPS AND MENTORS

CANNOT BE OVERSTATED. (<LINK LINKEND="FG37_00600" PREFERENCE="1">FIG.

11
<XREF LINKEND="FG37_00600" LABEL="37.6"><INST>37.6</INST></XREF></LINK>).

COMPANION ANIMALS

The most obvious career related to companion animals is that of the veterinarian. However, jobs

are available in boarding, breeding, training, and grooming of companion animals. Furthermore,

the animal health care products and pet nutrition industries offer opportunities for those desiring

to work with companion animals (Table A.237.2). Very limited opportunities are available in

working with animals at zoological gardens and wildlife parks (<link linkend="fg37_00700"

preference="1">Fig. <xref linkend="fg37_00700"

label="37.7"><inst>37.7</inst></xref></li.nk>).

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Much has been written during the past decade of the challenge to provide adequate nutrition to

an ever-expanding world population. Many countries have tremendous natural resources for

expanded food production but lack technical knowledge and adequate capital to develop these

resources. Federal government programs, designed to help foreign countries help themselves,

offer several career opportunities in organizations such as the Peace Corps, Vista, and USAID.

Many of these opportunities of assisting people in agricultural production in developing

countries are open to individuals educated and experienced in the animal sciences.

The Foreign Agricultural Service of the USDA employs people in animal economics,

marketing, and administration as attachés and international secretaries. Animal science students

take several courses in economics, marketing, foreign languages, and business administration if

they wish to qualify for these positions.

Certain private industries offer opportunities in animal production and related businesses in

12
foreign countries. Multinational firms such as livestock feed companies, animal health and

pharmaceutical companies, companies that export and import animals and animal products, and

consulting companies are some examples.

MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

Management and administrative positions exist in the production, science, agribusiness, and food

industry areas of animal science. Because management sometimes implies more responsibility

and more pay than other positions that require more physical labor, young men and women

typically desire management positions. Nevertheless, although management and administrative

salaries are usually higher, the workload and pressures are usually much greater.

Many college graduates have the impression that once the degree is in hand, it automatically

qualifies them for management positions. In actuality, management positions are usually earned

based on a person’s proven ability to work with people, solve problems, and make effective

decisions. After being employed for a few years, individuals having previously learned the

academic principles must also experience the component parts of an operation or business. For

example, presidents or vice presidents of feed companies have typically started their initial

careers in feed sales. Most successful managers have had a continual series of learning

experiences since the end of the formal education. Managers need to understand all aspects of

the business they are managing, particularly the products that are produced and sold. Students

can begin the process of preparing for management opportunities by seeking appropriate

internships, developing a professional network, reading and studying business and

entrepreneurial issues, and fine-tuning communication and presentation skills.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVEMENT IN STUDENT CLUBS, JUDGING TEAMS,

13
AND OTHER EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES CANNOT BE OVERSTATED WHEN

EVALUATING THE CAREER PATHS OF PEOPLE SUCCESSFUL IN ANIMAL

AGRICULTURE (<LINK LINKEND="FG37_00800" PREFERENCE="1">FIG. <XREF

LINKEND="FG37_00800" LABEL="37.8"><INST>37.8</INST></XREF></LINK>).

FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A 201005 USDA report (Table A.237.6) suggests that during 201005–20150, average annual

employment opportunities for agricultural graduates will be 54,42,000 with only 249,300

graduates (agriculture, natural resources, veterinary medicine) available and only 24,200

graduates available from other programs such as biology, health sciences, and business. Job

growth will be highest for biochemists, veterinarians, environmental engineers, market research

analysts, and environmental scientists/specialists. Excellent job growth will also occur in public

relations, financial and credit analysis, information systems management, food science, technical

communications, and management analysis. The need for sales managers, general animal

scientists, and agricultural inspectors is also expected to grow.

. The shortage will largely be concentrated in marketing, financial, and sales positions.

However, excellent opportunities will exist in value-added technologies and processes, as well as

in the science and engineering.</para>

14
 <PARA>IN CONTRAST, CONSUMER SERVICES PROFESSIONALS AND

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION MANAGERS WILL FIND A MORE COMPETITIVE JOB

MARKET. THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT THERE ARE NO OPPORTUNITIES IN THESE

FIELDS. HOWEVER, STUDENTS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT IN THESE AREAS WILL

HAVE TO ASSURE THAT THEY ARE EXCEPTIONALLY WELL PREPARED AND ABLE

TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO POTENTIAL

EMPLOYERS.</PARA></SECTION><SECTION ID="CH37LEV1SEC10">

Career Preparation

An education should provide opportunities for people to earn a living, continue learning, and

live a full, productive life even beyond the typical retirement years. A broad-based education is

important because a person may be preparing for a career that does not presently exist or a career

not recognized at the present time. People tend to change positions 6–8 times during their

careers, so a person needs to be flexible and adaptable and willing to continue learning

throughout life. Students should be aware of industry trends affecting employment opportunities

(Table A.2>37.7).

TABLE A.237.6  Projected Average Annual Employment Opportunities for College Graduates

inthe Food and Agricultural Sciences, United States, 201005–201510

Job Category Opportunities Percent of Qualified

(N) Total Graduates

Available from

Agriculture,

Natural Resources,

15
 and Allied Fields

(N)
Science and engineering occupations 14,5002,916 275 14,1007,423

Management and business occupations 25,7004,125 476 23,80012,198

Communication-education occupations 6,200967 113 7,5006,323

Agriculture production occupations 7,9008,022 156 8,0506,381

Source: Adapted from USDA, 201005.

Occasionally someone chooses a career for which he or she has little real talent or for which

she or he is not qualified or properly motivated. These individuals may spend years preparing for

or achieving partial success when they could have been outstanding in another area. In the

animal sciences, students preparing for acceptance into veterinary medicine, graduate school, or

another professional school seem to experience this frustration frequently. Individuals are

capable of success in several different careers if they receive the appropriate education and

experience. A career choice should be consistent with a person’s interest, desire, and motivation.

A career goal should be established with flexibility for change if it proves to be unrealistic.

TABLE A.237.7  Four Major Trends That Significantly Affect the U.S. Employment

Opportunities for Agricultural Graduates

Macroeconomic conditions and retirements.

Consumer preferences for nutritious and safe foods.Consumers and their preferences for food,

services, and experiences.

<row><entry valign="top"><para>Changing structure of the U.S. and global food system driven

by markets, consolidation, and policy.</para></entry></row>

16
Food, energy, and environment public policy choices.Innovations in science and technology.

Global market shifts in population, income, food, and energy.Public policy relative to agriculture

and the food system including food security issues.

Source: Adapted from USDA, 201005.

After tentatively choosing a career area, it should be pursued vigorously with sustained

personal motivation. Students should write to and visit with people currently working in the

student’s chosen career area. Every personal visit or written letter should request another lead or

source of further information. Students should continually evaluate the reality of a chosen career.

They should think realistically about the facts rather than getting caught up in the perceived

glamour of a career choice. Career interest tests can be helpful in identifying areas to pursue in

more detail. However, these tests are not infallible; they can provide direction but they are not

the final answer. Students should always temper the results with additional information from

several sources before making final decisions.

Preparing for a career is a lifelong process that is founded on several fundamental concepts—

there are no shortcuts, first impressions count, improvement is a continuous process, and

development of an array of skills is typically more valuable than having a narrow specialization.

Furthermore, there is absolutely no substitute for hard work, tenacity, and enthusiasm regardless

of the career area. Students desiring insight into a particular career should practice a three-step

process—observe, evaluate, and emulate. Opportunities to observe professionals should be

pursued, the traits demonstrated by successful professionals should be critically evaluated, and

then the true principles of success should be emulated.

The effectively prepared student maintains a balance of good grades, development of

17
teamwork and leadership skills via participation in extracurricular activities, and attainment of

professional experiences via internships, independent studies, and summer employment.

Students seeking careers related to the livestock, poultry, and food industries should develop

appropriate technical skills in animal sciences and then couple those experiences with study in

related fields. This process allows individuals to create unique arrays of skills that enhance the

number of options available.

Employers typically list hard work, communication skills, people skills (management,

coaching, leadership, and teamwork), job experience, business background, willingness to

relocate, technical knowledge appropriate to the position, curiosity, and enthusiasm as important

traits. Too often entrants into a profession overfocus on the initial salary instead of seeking

unique experiences that offer more upside potential once job performance is established. A

combination of useful courses, practical experience, effective communication, and excellent

work habits is the best assurance of finding and keeping a meaningful career in the animal

sciences.

CHAPTER SUMMARY

 Livestock production and the associated organizations and agribusinesses provide numerous

and varied career opportunities for students majoring in the animal sciences.

 Students concentrating on science courses are usually preparing for advanced degrees, such

as doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M.) or the research-oriented degrees of master of

science (M.S.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.).

 Students concentrating on economics, agricultural business, and business courses are usually

preparing for careers in livestock production and the agribusiness careers in the meat, animal

18
 health, and feed industries.

 In addition to an excellent course preparation, employers emphasize skills in effective

communication, computers, and work ethic.

 Meaningful internships make a significant contribution to career preparation.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. True or False: Agribusiness employs more agricultural degree recipients than does farming

and ranching.

2. True or False: Career options for animal science graduates are limited.

3. True or False: Managers in the swine industry tend to have higher average salaries than

managers in the beef industry.

4. What are four major trends affecting employment of agricultural graduates?

SELECTED REFERENCES

<bibliomixed id="ch37biblio_01">Agri-Careers, Inc. 2006. Highways 148 and 92 West,

Wassena, Iowa 50853, (800) 633-8387.</bibliomixed>

Annual M&P Salary Survey. 20096. Meat & Poultry, July.

Employment starting salaries and educational indebtedness of 2006 graduates of U.S. veterinary

medical colleges. 2006. JAVMA 229:1087.

Food and Agricultural Education Information System. 2010005. Placement for Agricultural and

Natural Resources Graduates. Washington, DC: USDA.

Goecker, A. D., J. L. Gilmore, E. Smith, and P. G. Smith. 2005. Employment Opportunities for

19
 College Graduates in the Food and Agricultural Sciences. Washington, DC: USDA, Higher

Education Program.

Income of U.S. veterinarians. 2005. JAVMA 226:208.

<figure id="fg37_00100" label="37.1" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.1  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Many opportunities exist for people to

work in animal production. (A) Herdsman. (B) Livestock marketing specialist. (C) AI technician. (D) Horse

trainer. (E) Riding instructor.</para></caption><source><inst> </inst>Photo D courtesy of the American Quarter

Horse Association.</source></mediaobject></figure> <NOXMLTAGINDOC> <DOCPAGE NUM="684">

<ART FILE="fg37_00100.eps" W="407.904pt" H="450.235pt" XS="100%" YS="100%"/> </DOCPAGE>

</NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<figure id="fg37_00200" label="37.2" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.2  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Careers in the veterinary profession

require admission to a professional school of veterinary medicine.</para></caption></mediaobject></figure>

<NOXMLTAGINDOC> <DOCPAGE NUM="686"> <ART FILE="fg37_00200.tif" W="192.24pt" H="276.48pt"

XS="100%" YS="100%"/> </DOCPAGE> </NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<figure id="fg37_00300" label="37.3" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.3  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Advances in science and biotechnology

offer new career opportunities to students with excellent preparation in both theory and

application.</para></caption></mediaobject></figure> <NOXMLTAGINDOC> <DOCPAGE NUM="687">

<ART FILE="fg37_00300.tif" W="193.2pt" H="135.6pt" XS="100%" YS="100%"/> </DOCPAGE>

</NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<figure id="fg37_00400" label="37.4" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.4  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Opportunities to work as executives in

agricultural organizations offer job satisfaction to those with an interest in working with

people.</para></caption></mediaobject></figure> <NOXMLTAGINDOC> <DOCPAGE NUM="687"> <ART

FILE="fg37_00400.tif" W="263.52pt" H="186.957pt" XS="100%" YS="99.998%"/> </DOCPAGE>

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</NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<figure id="fg37_00500" label="37.5" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.5  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Improving value-added characteristics of

animal products is essential to success.</para></caption></mediaobject></figure> <NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<DOCPAGE NUM="688"> <ART FILE="fg37_00500.tif" W="240.96pt" H="168.723pt" XS="100%"

YS="100.002%"/> </DOCPAGE> </NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<figure id="fg37_00600" label="37.6" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.6  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Internships and working with mentors are

critical for students desiring to obtain meaningful career opportunities.</para></caption></mediaobject></figure>

<NOXMLTAGINDOC> <DOCPAGE NUM="690"> <ART FILE="fg37_00600.tif" W="360.24pt" H="255.12pt"

XS="100%" YS="100%"/> </DOCPAGE> </NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<figure id="fg37_00700" label="37.7" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.7  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Limited opportunities exist to work with

zoo animals.</para></caption></mediaobject></figure> <NOXMLTAGINDOC> <DOCPAGE NUM="690">

<ART FILE="fg37_00700.tif" W="312.48pt" H="213.36pt" XS="100%" YS="100%"/> </DOCPAGE>

</NOXMLTAGINDOC>

<figure id="fg37_00800" label="37.8" prefix="FIGURE" float="1"><inst> FIGURE 37.8  </inst><mediaobject

float="0"><imageobject><imagedata/></imageobject><caption><para>Participation in a judging team allows

students the opportunity to travel, expand their professional networks, and become more familiar with the

challenges and enjoyment that come from working in the livestock

industry.</para></caption></mediaobject></figure> <NOXMLTAGINDOC> <DOCPAGE NUM="692"> <ART

FILE="fg37_00800.tif" W="336pt" H="250.8pt" XS="100%" YS="100%"/> </DOCPAGE>

</NOXMLTAGINDOC>

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