Life As an Animal Breeder

Animal Breeder Job Description Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree.

Animal Breeder Responsibilities

• Bathe and groom animals.
• Examine semen microscopically to assess and record density and motility of gametes, and dilute semen with prescribed diluents, according to formulas.
• Measure specified amounts of semen into calibrated syringes, and insert syringes into inseminating guns.
• Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics.
• Exhibit animals at shows.
• Prepare containers of semen for freezing and storage or shipment, placing them in dry ice or liquid nitrogen.

Qualities of an Animal Breeder

Animal Breeders state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Types of Animal Breeder Jobs

• Rat Culturist
• Livestock Rancher
• Dog Breeder
• Canary Breeder
• Artificial Insemination Technician (AI Technician)

Job Opportunities for Animal Breeders

There were about 9,000 jobs for Animal Breeder in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Animal Breeder by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Animal Breeder are Missouri, Texas, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in North Carolina, Maryland, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Animal Breeder Salary

The salary for Animal Breeders ranges between about $25,220 and $67,180 a year.

Animal Breeders who work in Ohio, Washington, or Missouri, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Animal Breeders in different U.S. states.

State	Annual Mean Salary
California	$39,360
Florida	$38,720
Iowa	$33,880
Kentucky	$43,880
Michigan	$33,100
Missouri	$49,500
New Jersey	$44,920
New York	$45,010
Ohio	$64,700
South Dakota	$38,230
Tennessee	$44,640
Texas	$40,000
Virginia	$48,230
Washington	$59,980
Wisconsin	$40,060

What Tools & Technology do Animal Breeders Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Animal Breeders may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Email software
• Microsoft Windows
• Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Adobe Systems Adobe Creative Suite

How do I Become an Animal Breeder?

Education needed to be an Animal Breeder:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Animal Breeders?

Below are examples of industries where Animal Breeders work:

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: {} via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.