Animal Nutritionist

SUMMARY:

A well-established manufacturer and distributor of animal health and nutrition products is seeking a candidate to be responsible for developing and optimizing nutritional solutions that enhance the health, productivity, and well-being of animals, including livestock, poultry, and potentially companion animals. The role involves formulating balanced diets, conducting research on innovative feed additives (including alternative biocontrol agents and bio-fungicides), and providing technical expertise to support the company’s animal health products and services. The position requires collaboration with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders to drive sustainable and cost-effective nutrition strategies.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a B.Sc. Agric in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Science, or a related field; Master’s degree or PhD in Animal Nutrition or a related discipline is advantageous
• Professional Registration with SACNASP is essential
• Minimum 3-5 years’ professional experience in animal nutrition, preferably in livestock, poultry, or companion animal sectors
• Hands-on experience in designing and conducting nutritional research trials, ideally with exposure to biocontrol or bio-fungicide applications
• Practical experience working with farmers, feed manufacturers, or veterinary professionals is advantageous
• Previous work in a corporate or agricultural research environment is preferred

• Developing and assessing feed formulations to meet the nutritional requirements of various animal species, considering factors such as age, breed, production stage, and health conditions.
• Formulating cost-effective diets that optimize growth, reproduction, and performance while ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Designing and conducting internal research trials to evaluate the commercial viability of alternative biocontrol agents and bio-fungicides as feed additives or health supplements.
• Establishing trial protocols, including treatment dosages, application methods, and control groups, to ensure statistically valid results.
• Collecting and analyzing data on trial outcomes, such as animal health, feed efficiency, and disease resistance, to inform product development.
• Providing expert nutritional advice to farmers, veterinarians, and clients to improve animal health and productivity.
• Supporting commercial teams in launching new nutrition products, including developing technical documentation and marketing materials.
• Ensuring all feed formulations and trial products are complying with local and international regulations (e.g., South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development or equivalent).
• Monitoring environmental impacts of nutritional solutions, including effects on non-target organisms and residue levels.
• Conducting field inspections to assess the effectiveness of nutritional programs and trial outcomes on animal health, growth rates, and productivity.
• Adjusting feed formulations and trial protocols based on performance data and client feedback.
• Collaborating with research institutions, suppliers, and industry partners to stay updated on advancements in animal nutrition and biocontrol technologies.
• Working with sales, marketing, and product development teams to align nutritional solutions with market needs.
• Training farm staff, distributors, and clients on the application of nutritional products and trial outcomes.
• Presenting research findings and product benefits at industry events, workshops, or client meetings to promote nutritional solutions.
• Aligning nutritional strategies with sustainability goals, such as reducing reliance on chemical additives and enhancing environmental stewardship.
• Exploring innovative approaches, such as integrating precision agriculture tools with nutritional programs.
• Maintaining accurate records of diet formulations, trial data, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Preparing detailed reports on research outcomes and nutritional program performance for internal and external stakeholders.
• Staying abreast of industry trends, scientific advancements, and regulatory changes through continuous learning, attending conferences, and reading relevant literature.