"Animal nutritionists can be found in many different areas," says Ronald
Lemenager. He is a professor of animal nutrition at Purdue University. "There
are many in private feed industries, and more doing research at universities."
Mad cow disease has raised the public's awareness of the importance of
animal nutrition and what is being fed to animals.
"Although in the United States, [mad cow disease] is a bit of a non-issue,"
says Lemenager.
"Because we protected ourselves early, it in itself hasn't increased a
need for animal nutritionists. But a realization of the importance of nutrition
in feeding animals is becoming better researched and better understood."
Salaries for animal nutritionists vary, depending on the actual work and
the nutritionist's level of education. "Some nutritionists have master's level
and many working in research have PhDs. That makes a difference," says Lemenager.
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.