Animal Nutritionist

Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company seeks a specialist in animal nutrition to develop innovative feed formulations and conduct impactful research trials. The role involves collaborating with farmers, providing expert advice, and ensuring compliance with local regulations, aimed at enhancing animal health and performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years in animal nutrition, especially with livestock.
• Professional registration with SACNASP is essential.
• Hands-on experience in nutritional research trials.

Responsibilities

• Develop feed formulations tailored to animal species.
• Conduct research trials on biocontrol and health supplements.
• Provide nutritional advice to farmers and veterinarians.

Skills

Nutrition expertise

Research design

Data analysis

Consultative skills

Education

B.Sc. in Animal Science or related field

Masters or PhD in Animal Nutrition

Job description

• Must have a B.Sc. Agric in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Science, or a related field; Masters 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

The successful candidate will be responsible for :

• 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.

Please note that subsequent to the screening and shortlisting process, all further communication will be entered into, only with the shortlisted candidates