Do you love animals and want to turn that passion into a career? Becoming an animal breeder might be the perfect choice. Animal breeders play a vital role in raising healthy, high-quality animals like cows, goats, dogs, chickens, and even horses. They focus on improving traits in animals, such as milk production in cows, strength in horses, or appearance in dog breeds.
Let’s explore what animal breeders do, how you can become one in India, and what kind of salary and opportunities this career offers.
Who Is an Animal Breeder?
Animal breeders select and breed animals with desirable traits to improve future generations. They may:
- Raise animals for farming, pets, or research.
- Provide proper food, shelter, and healthcare.
- Use methods like artificial insemination to ensure successful breeding.
- Keep records of animal health, traits, and lineage.
- Work independently or with farms, pet businesses, or research labs.
For example, a breeder might focus on developing a dog breed that is both intelligent and hypoallergenic or breeding dairy cattle that produce more milk.
How to Become an Animal Breeder in India
Step 1: Choose the Right Subjects in School
- Focus on Science subjects—especially Biology and Agriculture-related topics—during your 10+2 education.
- A background in farming or basic life sciences helps a lot.
Step 2: Get the Right Qualification
To build a solid career in animal breeding, consider these popular undergraduate courses:
Courses You Can Pursue:
| Course | Duration | Key Topics | Approx. Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc in Agriculture | 3-4 years | Genetics, Animal Husbandry, Soil Science | ₹27,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| BVSc (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) | 5 years | Animal Health, Breeding, Surgery, Nutrition | ₹50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
Some colleges may ask for entrance exams like NEET, AP EAMCET, or BHU UET for admission.
Types of Animal Breeders
Different breeders focus on different animal types or purposes:
| Type of Breeder | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Independent Breeder | Breeds pets or show animals for profit |
| Livestock Breeder | Breeds of animals used in scientific research |
| Laboratory Breeder | Breeds animals used in scientific research |
Skills You’ll Need
To be successful in this field, you’ll need more than just love for animals. Here are the key skills:
- Animal care and handling
- Knowledge of genetics and reproduction
- Record-keeping and documentation
- Patience and observational skills
- Basic medical care
Some understanding of greenhouse techniques, pest control, and farm tools can also help if you work in rural settings.
Salary of Animal Breeders in India
According to Recruiter.com, this field is growing fast, with a 128% increase in job demand in recent years.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | ₹3.2 Lakh – ₹5 Lakh |
| Mid-level | ₹5 Lakh – ₹8 Lakh |
| Experienced | ₹8 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh |
Specialized breeders or those working with exotic animals or in international markets can earn even more.
Career Opportunities
You can work in various roles like:
- Animal Breeder
- Veterinary Assistant
- Livestock Supervisor
- Research Lab Breeder
- Pet Business Owner
- Animal Welfare NGOs
Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Agriculture & Animal Science |
| Eligibility | Minimum 10th pass (preferably 12th with science) |
| Best Courses | BSc Agriculture, BVSc |
| Entrance Exams | NEET, AP EAMCET, BHU UET |
| Top Employers | Farms, Vet Clinics, Research Labs, NGOs |
| Starting Salary | ₹3.2 Lakhs per year (approx.) |
FAQs
Q1. Do I need a degree to become an animal breeder in India?
No, formal education isn’t mandatory, but a degree in agriculture or veterinary science improves job prospects.
Q2. Is NEET mandatory for BVSc?
Yes, most colleges in India now admit BVSc students through NEET scores.
Q3. Can I start my own animal breeding business?
Absolutely. Many breeders start their own pet breeding or livestock businesses after gaining experience.
Q4. Is this job physically demanding?
Yes, it can be physically intensive as it involves direct interaction with animals, maintaining hygiene, and managing breeding cycles.
Q5. What is the job outlook for animal breeders?
Very promising, especially in rural areas, dairy farms, and pet markets. Technological advancements in breeding are also increasing demand.
