Animal Breeder
Breeders of animals promote animal reproduction in order to create desirable animal breeds or desired animal features. For instance, a breeder of animals might focus on creating and marketing a unique breed of dog or breeding animals that have a propensity to produce more milk.
What is a breeder of animals?
Animal breeders frequently perform the following tasks as part of their jobs:
- Breeding animals to increase the number of attractive breeds or to increase the number of animals having desirable features in their bloodlines
- Perform artificial inseminations or establish conditions that encourage natural reproduction
- Work with other pet owners and breeders to arrange mutually advantageous breeding opportunities. Examine animals generated through breeding to verify if desired attributes are present.
- Sell bred animals, obtain the necessary paperwork and documentation for breeds with specific characteristics, and enter animals in contests
What a Day Is Like
There are many various kinds of animal breeders, and an animal breeder’s day-to-day responsibilities greatly depend on the industry they work in. For instance, some agricultural breeders work with animals and engage in breeding practices to promote the inheritance of desirable traits. Breeders can enhance desirable qualities in livestock through artificial insemination, such as beef cattle that mature at a greater size or dairy cattle that give more milk.
Other animal breeders are independent contractors who make a profession by creating and marketing rare breeds. They might raise and market uncommon varieties of cats, dogs, birds, or fish that are intended to be pets, or they might produce champion show dogs or competitive horses.
For instance, a breeder may produce puppies from parents who have won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show or horses from parents that have placed first in important equestrian competitions or the Kentucky Derby.
To be employed in research investigations and scientific tests, mice and other animals are bred by other animal breeders that operate in laboratories. Breeders in this position may raise animals to guarantee there are sufficient numbers for future research and testing, or they may raise animals to examine how breeding and genetics affect mammalian offspring. To progress medical and scientific research, these investigations are employed to transfer lessons learned to other fields.
Regular Work Hours
There isn’t actually a standard workday for animal producers. In order to ensure that animals are cared for at all times, those who work in farms or laboratories may need to work a variety of shifts in addition to their full-time hours. Independent breeders can carry out their duties in all facets of everyday life by providing care and food for animals in their homes and helping with births.
Specializations in Animal Breeding
- In order to sell animals for a profit, independent animal breeders promote the reproduction of specific breeds or show animals.
- Artificial insemination methods are used by livestock breeders to keep livestock populations in farms or to promote the distribution of desirable features in younger livestock generations.
- Animals employed in scientific or research experiments are bred in laboratories.
Common Employers
Animal breeders are most frequently employed in the agricultural or scientific sectors. The majority of people who work outside of these two sectors are self-employed and make a living as independent animal breeders.
How to Start a Pet Breeding Business
The most crucial qualities of an animal breeder are an in-depth knowledge of the species they breed, their reproductive cycles, and their ability to provide for their needs. The sources of this information can vary. Some aspirants to become animal breeders acquire college certificates and degrees that offer training in the biology and care of animals, such as those in veterinary, agricultural, or animal sciences.
However, animal breeders who work in the research sector are typically the only ones who need a formal education. Candidates for these occupations frequently need to possess a bachelor’s degree.
The most crucial qualification for independent breeders and livestock breeders is industry experience. Numerous livestock breeders receive their training on farms where they interact with animals on a daily basis and learn how to take care of and breed cattle. Many independent breeders get knowledge from more seasoned professionals in the industry.
Working for non-breeding oriented companies in positions where they handle and care for animals may also be beneficial for aspiring animal breeders who are having trouble finding the right training. Working in a zoo, a pet shop, an animal shelter, or for a veterinarian, for instance, can provide specific knowledge about animal physiology and care, which can pave the way for a rewarding career as an animal breeder.
Animal Breeder Pay Information
The information below will help you learn more about this profession. The editorial material and recommendations on this page are based on our research, while the income and growth information is based on newly released Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Low Range of National Annual Salary: $28,350; Average Range: $44,650; High Range: $75,210
- nationwide minimum wage
- Low Range $14 Per Hour Average $21 Per Hour High Range $36 Per Hour
How do animal breeder earnings compare to those at other American jobs? According to the most recent data on employment across the country, animal breeders may expect to earn an average yearly salary of $44,650, or $21 per hour. It is therefore a Salary Above Average. On the low end, they can earn $28,350, or $14 per hour, depending on the state you live in or perhaps when you’re first starting out.
Thanks for visiting Top Degree Programs