For example, breeders may try to raise rats that are good at running through mazes or quick to learn how to push buttons. They may, however, breed animals to develop other traits. Laboratory animal breeders are usually not concerned with the quality of animals' fur. A sick or underfed animal may ruin an experiment and waste scientists' time. Laboratory animals are used in scientific experiments, medical laboratories, and tests of animal behavior. After the pelts are removed and cleaned, farmers sell them-often through fur farmers' cooperatives. Usually the animals are killed by injection or electrocution.
#Animal breeder education skin
When the pelts are in prime condition, farmers kill and skin the animals. Healthy and that they receive cages of their own as soon as they can be taken from their mothers. When babies are born, farmers must make sure that they are Then they put these pairs in cages where the conditions are right for breeding. First, farmers select pairs of healthy animals that have good pelts. Success or failure in fur farming often depends on how well farmers can get their animals to reproduce. Often this equipment includes a conveyor system. Most farmers use some kind of labor-saving equipment to keep their animals' cages clean. Some animals are fed from small electric carts that pump feed into their cages. Some fur farmers use automatic sprinkler systems that provide water. In addition, the animals must be fed and given water each day. Fur farmers must give each animal a separate cage so that the animals do not fight and damage their fur. Because laboratory animals may be bred indoors, breeders and technicians work in all sections of the country.įur-bearing animals are hard to raise commercially. They also work for drug companies, universities, hospitals, and medical laboratories where they breed and care for animals involved in experiments. Laboratory animal care technicians work for companies that breed laboratory animals for sale. Laboratory animal breeders are generally self-employed. These animals include mice, rats, guinea pigs, cats, chickens, monkeys, and dogs. Laboratory animal breeders raise animals used in medical or research laboratories. Some manage fur farms on behalf of farm owners. Breeders usually work in rural sections of the country where the animals can be raised in outdoor cages. Fur-bearing animals are bred for the quality of their pelts, or skin.
Fur farmers raise animals such as minks, chinchillas, foxes, rabbits, and squirrels. Small animal breeders raise and market fur-bearing animals and animals used in laboratory experiments. Education and Training: Varies-see profileĮmployment Outlook: Varies-see profile Definition and Nature of the Work