As a form of applied biology, animal science is essential to animal health and productivity. It uses principles from various biological fields—like genetics, nutrition, and immunology—to improve the care and management of domesticated animals. This goes beyond just treating sick animals; it’s about using science to prevent disease and create optimal conditions that enhance both animal well-being and the production of products like meat, milk, and eggs.

Animal nutrition is a key component of applied biology. Scientists formulate balanced diets to ensure animals receive the proper nutrients for their specific life stage and purpose. For example, a diet for a lactating dairy cow will be different from one for a young growing horse (yearlings) or beef cattle in a finishing phase. Proper nutrition is critical for safe growth, reproduction, and overall health.

Formulation and diet balance, in the form of calculation and quantification of requirements, is often perceived as the foundation of animal nutrition.