Alabama Department of Labor

SOC: 45-2021 Animal Breeders Breed animals, including cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, dogs, cats, or pet birds. Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require a knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree. Exclude "Nonfarm Animal Caretakers" (39-2021) who may occasionally breed animals as part of their other caretaking duties. Exclude "Animal Scientists" (19-1011) whose primary function is research. Default

Education:		Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

OJT:		Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Tasks:		Feed and water animals, and clean and disinfect pens, cages, yards, and hutches. Examine animals in order to detect symptoms of illness or injury. Place vaccines in drinking water, inject vaccines, or dust air with vaccine powder, in order to protect animals from diseases. Select animals to be bred, and semen specimens to be used, according to knowledge of animals, genealogies, traits, and desired offspring characteristics. Treat minor injuries and ailments, and contact veterinarians in order to obtain treatment for animals with serious illnesses or injuries. Observe animals in heat in order to detect approach of estrus, and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary. Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets. Exhibit animals at shows. Build hutches, pens, and fenced yards. Clip or shear hair on animals.

License:		License not required.

Outlook:		Satisfactory

Alabama Employment Outlook
Comprehensive wage data available: Alabama Occupational Wage Survey	Alabama Projections Estimated Employment 2016 Projected Employment 2026 Annual Average Openings Annual Growth Rate 20 20 5

Related Occupations:

Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:

Bicycle Repairers Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles Forest and Conservation Workers Home Appliance Repairers Maintenance Workers, Machinery Model Makers, Metal and Plastic Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation

No postsecondary schools reported programs.

Occupational Videos 45-2021.00 Animal Breeders