Animal Breeders - 45-2021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Animal Breeder
  • Canary Breeder
  • Fur Farmer
  • Hog-Confinement-System Manager
  • Livestock Rancher
  • Poultry Breeder
  • Reptile Farmer

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust controls in order to maintain specific building temperatures required for animals' health and safety.
  • Arrange for sale of animals and eggs to hospitals, research centers, pet shops, and food processing plants.
  • Attach rubber collecting sheaths to genitals of tethered bull, and stimulate animal's organ in order to induce ejaculation.
  • Brand, tattoo, or tag animals in order to allow animal identification.
  • Build hutches, pens, and fenced yards.
  • Clip or shear hair on animals.
  • Examine animals in order to detect symptoms of illness or injury.
  • Examine semen microscopically in order to assess and record density and motility of gametes, and dilute semen with prescribed diluents according to formulas.
  • Exhibit animals at shows.
  • Feed and water animals, and clean and disinfect pens, cages, yards, and hutches.
  • Inject prepared animal semen into female animals for breeding purposes, by inserting nozzle of syringe into vagina and depressing syringe plunger.
  • Maintain logs of semen specimens used and animals bred.
  • Measure specified amounts of semen into calibrated syringes, and insert syringes into inseminating guns.
  • Observe animals in heat in order to detect approach of estrus, and exercise animals to induce or hasten estrus, if necessary.
  • Package and label semen to be used for artificial insemination, recording information such as the date, source, quality, and concentration.
  • Perform procedures such as animal dehorning or castration.
  • Place vaccines in drinking water, inject vaccines, or dust air with vaccine powder, in order to protect animals from diseases.
  • Prepare containers of semen for freezing and storage or shipment, placing them in dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
  • Record animal characteristics such as weights, growth patterns, and diets.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • administer injections
  • administer medications or treatments
  • artificially inseminate livestock
  • breed animals to propagate stock or to develop new types
  • build or repair pens, yards, or cages
  • clean rooms or work areas
  • construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • examine animals to detect illness, disease, or injury
  • feed or water animals
  • groom animals
  • hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
  • identify livestock characteristics
  • maintain or repair farm vehicles, machinery, or mechanical implements
  • maintain production or work records
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • monitor forage plant growth
  • negotiate business contracts
  • operate agricultural equipment or machinery
  • package goods for shipment or storage
  • recognize disease or parasites in animals
  • resolve animal breeding problems
  • resolve or assist workers to resolve work problems
  • select animals to be bred
  • slaughter animals, fish, or poultry
  • tan or dress animal pelts
  • treat medical condition of patient
  • use animal disease control techniques
  • use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
  • weigh patients