Addressing principles associated with breeding animals for enhanced health and resistance to specific diseases, this new edition provides an updated review of the field and is illustrated with examples covering many diseases of importance to livestock production across all major livestock species. Authored by experts in the field, the book covers techniques and approaches, viruses, TSEs, bacteria, parasites, vectors, and broader health issues seen in production systems, including metabolic diseases. The book will be an essential reference for professionals in the field, scientists and researchers, students, breeders, vets, agricultural advisors and policymakers.

"I grab the motionless lamb, which is frighteningly slippery, and scramble on my feet, swinging its little body around to help it breathe. I see its chest move, then it sneezes and starts breathing. It's stunned by its delivery experience. As am I. I'm high on adrenaline. Tears are streaming down my face. I pop the lamb down on the ground and start frantically rubbing its tiny body... Looking back, I can see that this was one of the first moments of questioning whether I'm truly cut out for farming and realising that the answer might be... yes" -------------------------------------------------------------- Zoë Colville spent years in a fancy hair salon with a long list of clients, living on cigarettes, croissants, and a shoestring. It was everything she'd ever wanted. But when an unexpected and overwhelming loss caused her life to shift unexpectedly, she found herself on a different path. One where the only use for a hairdryer is warming new-born lambs; where the cycle of life on a farm gives new meaning on purpose, and where nature is both a strict teacher and a balm to soothe the pressures of everyday life. Alongside her long-term boyfriend, Zoë is now a full-time farmer, business owner and activist. In this memoir, she speaks vivaciously, humourously, and candidly about the lessons learned along the way, from mental health, social media and identity to surviving as an entrepreneur in a shifting economy. And through those lessons - in love, loss, and lambing - discovering something even more important: that it's always the right time to take a bold step and try something new. PRAISE FOR THE CHIEF SHEPHERDESS 'A new breed of shepherdess blazing a trail across social media, challenging outdated ideas about the job and capturing the public's imagination along the way' - Daily Mail 'The shepherdess whose flock you definitely need to follow' - Hello!

In Masterminding Nature, Margaret Derry examines the evolution of modern animal breeding from the invention of improved breeding methodologies in eighteenth-century England to the application of molecular genetics in the 1980s and 1990s. A clear and concise introduction to the science and practice of artificial selection, Derry's book puts the history of breeding in its scientific, commercial, and social context.

Masterminding Nature explains why animal breeders continued to use eighteenth-century techniques well into the twentieth century, why the chicken industry was the first to use genetics in its breeding programs, and why it was the dairy cattle industry that embraced quantitative genetics and artificial insemination in the 1970s, as well as answering many other questions. Following the story right up to the present, the book concludes with an insightful analysis of today's complex relationships between biology, industry, and ethics.

"Overall, this new Burleigh Dodds text, Ensuring Safety and Quality in the Production of Beef, is a breath of fresh air. It covers a mountain of factors that can contribute to beef demand. It assembles a truly remarkable set of authors; scientists that have spent a career on their specific topics. This text is a "must read"!! Meat Science Consumer expectations of sensory and nutritional quality have never been higher. Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research in understanding and improving the quality of beef. Part 1 reviews how breeding and growth affect carcass composition. Part 2 discusses aspects of husbandry affecting meat quality such as nutrition, metabolic modifiers and handling of cattle. The book then goes on to discuss factors affecting flavor, color and tenderness, as well as grading, packaging and methods for measuring sensory quality. Ensuring safety and quality in the production of beef Volume 2: Quality will be a standard reference for animal and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in beef production. It is accompanied by Volume 1 which reviews safety issues in beef production.

This book reviews the biological science and background to breeding meat poultry, specifically broiler, turkey and duck. These commercial birds have been changed by genetic selection to such an extent that they are substantially different from traditional breeds and laying hens. Covering science, management and husbandry systems, this comprehensive text provides the most up to date collection of papers on the topic from a range of international experts.

"This book gives a good overall review of the advances that have recently occurred in the fields of poultry genetics and genomics...one thing that really struck me about this book was the calibre of the editorial team and the international range and expertise of the contributing authors. With over 550 pages this book is well worth its place on the bookshelf of anyone who is interested in poultry breeding and genomics."International Hatchery Practice The poultry breeding sector faces a number of challenges, including the need to produce more resilient breeds in the face of disease, antibiotic resistance, increasing consumer concerns about bird health and welfare and expectations of poultry meat and egg quality. Advances in poultry genetics and genomics provides a comprehensive review of the recent developments in poultry genetics, breeding and genomics, focussing on the improvement of functional traits to build resilience, the use of genomic selection and its application in breeding improved layers and broilers, as well as the sector's emerging trends such as epigenetics and genome editing. With its distinguished editor team and international range of expert contributors, Advances in poultry genetics and genomics will be a standard reference for poultry scientists, companies involved in poultry breeding and government agencies supporting the poultry sector.

A lively, engaging introduction to the history of goats in Britain, and the recent renaissance of goat-related products. Ever wondered why a goat's eyes have rectangular pupils? Or what happened to Thor's goats each day after they finished pulling his thunderous chariot? Do goat's milk, cheese and meat represent more ethical food choices than cow and sheep products, and if so, can goat farming play an important role in humankind's future? Whether you're an aspiring smallholder, cheese fanatic or simply want to know more about our caprine companions, this guide introduces the fascinating history and folklore of goats and examines the development of goatkeeping in Britain, shedding light on one of our most intelligent, curious and mischievous domestic animals. It also explains the origins and features of the sixteen British goat breeds and the qualities of their products, and even has a few craft and recipe ideas for you to try.

Nanobiotechnology for the Livestock Industry: Animal Health and Nutrition delivers a multidisciplinary reference of nanobiotechnology applications in various sectors, including farming practices, healthcare and breeding practices, market and economic analysis/benefits, biosafety, regulation, and more. The book explores nanobiotechnology's role in livestock handling, including hygiene maintenance and feed/nutrient delivery. The book also examines nanobiotechnology's role in maintaining nutrient quality in food products, and covers healthcare practices utilizing nanobiotechnology, such as maintaining and monitoring livestock health, diagnosis and treatment of disease, monitoring drug delivery, optimizing breeding patterns, and cryopreservation of sperm and eggs.

The first book to compile the clinical signs associated with deficiencies, toxicities, imbalances, or exposures to minerals, trace elements, and rare earth elements in humans and animal species, Clinical Signs in Humans and Animals Associated With Minerals, Trace Elements, and Rare Earth Elements aims to increase awareness to improve diagnosis and to encourage further investigation based on comparative data. Written by an experienced veterinary clinician having worked in private practice, academia, and pharmaceutical and pet food industries, this book includes data on humans and primates, as well as companion animals, horses, rabbits, reptiles, ruminants, poultry, fish, and species typical in zoo populations. The subject material is divided into three sections to provide easy access to information on clinical signs, specific elements, or species. This book is written for medical and veterinary researchers, clinicians, and practitioners, specifically those working with animal nutrition and animal feed health. Academics and public health scientists will also benefit from the book's information and data on rehabilitating and maintaining animal health.

Advances in Animal Genomics provides an outstanding collection of integrated strategies involving traditional and modern - omics (structural, functional, comparative and epigenomics) approaches and genomics-assisted breeding methods which animal biotechnologists can utilize to dissect and decode the molecular and gene regulatory networks involved in the complex quantitative yield and stress tolerance traits in livestock. Written by international experts on animal genomics, this book explores the recent advances in high-throughput, next-generation whole genome and transcriptome sequencing, array-based genotyping, and modern bioinformatics approaches which have enabled to produce huge genomic and transcriptomic resources globally on a genome-wide scale. This book is an important resource for researchers, students, educators and professionals in agriculture, veterinary and biotechnology sciences that enables them to solve problems regarding sustainable development with the help of current innovative biotechnologies.

"Each chapter provides an overview of current knowledge on the topic in question, accompanied by an outline of advances in both scientific and applied fields. The chapters are written by twenty-five authors, all scientific experts in the subject discussed... In conclusion, Understanding the behaviour and improving the welfare of chickens is an expertly written, widely accessible book for all professionals in the field, which should provide increased understanding of chicken behaviour and welfare." (Animal Welfare - Universities Federation for Animal Welfare) With rising consumer concerns about the welfare of farm animals, such as chickens, there is a growing urgency for the livestock production sector to ensure that welfare standards are met throughout the supply chain, from breeding to slaughter. Understanding the behaviour and improving the welfare of chickens offers a comprehensive summary on the wealth of recent research completed on understanding chicken behaviour and discusses how best to use this rich body of knowledge to optimise welfare management of broilers and layers. This collection features expert insights into the use of wearable, video and acoustic technologies as a means of monitoring behaviour, as well as improving current welfare protocols. With its distinguished editor and team of leading experts in their fields, Understanding the behaviour and improving the welfare of chickens will be a standard text for university researchers in poultry and veterinary science as well as ethology. The book will also be an authoritative reference for government and other agencies responsible for the poultry sector and farm animal welfare, as well as companies involved in rearing chickens and processing poultry meat and eggs.

Strategies for Successful Animal Shelters is the first book to assess the relationship between shelter traits, activities and critical outcome variables, such as live release or save rates. This book provides a data-based evaluation of shelter processes and practices with explicit recommendations for improved shelter activities. Using a survey of licensed animal shelters, case studies, and data on state inspections, complaints, and save rates, this book provides an assessment of the activities, processes, and procedures that are most likely to lead to positive outcomes for a variety of animal shelters. The book also contributes to community debate around animal sheltering and provides best practices, methods and means to assess local shelters to ensure the highest level of animal welfare. It is a valuable resource for animal shelter professionals and rescue groups, as well as students in disciplines such as animal science, animal welfare and shelter medicine.

To meet growing demand, the FAO has estimated that world poultry production needs to grow by 2-3% per year to 2030. Much of the increase in output already achieved has been as a result of improvements in commercial breeds combined with rearing in more intensive production systems. However, more intensive systems have increased the risk of transmission of animal diseases and zoonoses. Consumer expectations of sensory and nutritional quality have never been higher. At the same time consumers are more concerned about the environmental impact of poultry production as well as animal welfare. Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research on poultry breeding and nutrition. The first part of the book reviews how advances in genetics have impacted developments in breeding. Part 2 discusses ways of optimising poultry nutrition to ensure quality and sustainability in poultry meat production. Chapters review the use of feedstuffs and ingredients such as amino acids, enzymes and probiotics as well as feed formulation and safety. Achieving sustainable production of poultry meat Volume 2: Breeding and nutrition will be a standard reference for poultry and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in poultry production. It is accompanied by two further volumes which review safety, quality and sustainability as well as poultry health and welfare.

"Overall, Drs Acuff and Dickson have produced a truly international and model reference here; it reflects robust research-based knowledge and best practices across the entire supply chain of the beef industry. Authors reflect international expertise, and the topics are well-organized and germane to beef's role in public health. Each author has compiled a very comprehensive discussion of their respective topics; but each chapter is ultimately comprehensible on food safety issues for even the less-knowledgeable reader. The text reflects the thoughts and knowledge of some of the best food safety minds in the business... all-in-all, a great read!" Meat Science Beef production faces a range of challenges. There is an ongoing need to ensure safety in the face of threats from zoonoses and other contaminants, particularly in more intensive beef production systems and with more complex supply chains (allowing potentially broader transmission). At the same time, consumers have ever higher expectations of sensory and nutritional quality. Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research addressing safety challenges in beef production. The first part of the book addresses pathogenic risks on the farm, developments in detection techniques and safety management. The second part of the book reviews safety issues in the rest of the supply chain, from slaughterhouse operations to management of the cold chain and consumer handling of fresh beef. Ensuring safety and quality in the production of beef Volume 1: Safety will be a standard reference for animal and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in beef production. It is accompanied by Volume 2 which reviews quality issues in beef production.

From the bestselling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook comes the definitive guide to choosing the perfect puppy for you. Ready for an adorable puppy in your life? With over 200 breeds to choose from, picking your new life companion can be hard. But the dog of your dreams is out there, and Choosing the Perfect Puppy is here to help you find it. In this book you will discover: - How to compare pedigree with mixed breeds - At-a-glance information on the most popular dog breeds in the world - How to choose the best place to start searching - How to choose the right puppy from a litter And many more tips to find the perfect pooch to complete your life! Written by dog-training expert and puppy enthusiast Pippa Mattinson, this book tells you everything you need to know before you welcome a new puppy into your life.

In Masterminding Nature, Margaret Derry examines the evolution of modern animal breeding from the invention of improved breeding methodologies in eighteenth-century England to the application of molecular genetics in the 1980s and 1990s. A clear and concise introduction to the science and practice of artificial selection, Derry's book puts the history of breeding in its scientific, commercial, and social context.

Masterminding Nature explains why animal breeders continued to use eighteenth-century techniques well into the twentieth century, why the chicken industry was the first to use genetics in its breeding programs, and why it was the dairy cattle industry that embraced quantitative genetics and artificial insemination in the 1970s, as well as answering many other questions. Following the story right up to the present, the book concludes with an insightful analysis of today's complex relationships between biology, industry, and ethics.

Wildlife Conservation in Africa: A Scientific Approach presents comprehensive management strategies for the consumptive and non-consumptive utilization of wildlife across Sub-Saharan Africa. It describes African economies that are currently dependent on wildlife resources and prescribes strategies for conserving biodiversity in both forests and animals in ecosystems across the continent. The book covers the history and current status of how Africa's culture, traditions, healthcare and food sources are woven intricately around the local wildlife and resources. It is a necessary resource for researchers and practitioners in wildlife and ecological conservation, but is also useful for administrators and managers of protected areas.

"All three volumes of Achieving sustainable production of milk should be considered as a whole...Over more than 1200 pages, the authors review all fields of milk production, beginning with milk composition, genetics and breeding, safety and milk quality, sustainability of milk production as well as dairy herd management, health, welfare and nutrition of dairy. All three volumes could be considered a standard reference for graduate students in the fields of dairy science and veterinary medicine, animal and dairy scientists at universities and other research centres, and also those in governments and companies involved or working in the field of milk production." Animal Feed Science and Technology In meeting rising demand, more intensive dairying systems face a range of challenges such as maintaining high standards of safety in the face of the continuing threat from zoonoses entering the food chain, whilst sustaining nutritional and sensory quality. At the same time farms need to become more efficient and sustainable. Finally, farming must also meet higher standards of animal health and welfare. Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research addressing the welfare, nutrition and health of dairy cattle. Part 1 begins by discussing key issues in welfare followed by topics such as genetic selection and welfare, housing and transportation. Part 2 looks at nutrition with chapters on rumen microbiology, feed evaluation and formulation, feed supplements and feed safety. The final part of the book covers aspects of health such as control of diseases and other disorders such as lameness as well as dairy herd health management. Achieving sustainable production of milk Volume 3: Dairy herd management and welfare will be a standard reference for animal and dairy scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in beef production. It is accompanied by two other volumes which review milk composition, genetics and breeding as well as safety, quality and sustainability.

Better validation of indigenous domestic animal genetic resources is becoming more important with regard to the potential of livestock for poverty alleviation and income generation. To improve indigenous breeds for sustainable income and employment generation, the methods to be employed are the same as developed in systematic breeding programs, be it for cross-breeding or selective breeding within a specific breed. This book systematically introduces the reader to the breed improvement theory and illustrates the theory with practical examples and case studies. The book is addressed to animal science teachers, to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as to decision makers in the state and central livestock departments.

Although biologists recognize evolutionary ecology by name, many only have a limited understanding of its conceptual roots and historical development. Conceptual Breakthroughs in Evolutionary Ecology fills that knowledge gap in a thought-provoking and readable format. Written by a world-renowned evolutionary ecologist, this book embodies a unique blend of expertise in combining theory and experiment, population genetics and ecology. Following an easily-accessible structure, this book encapsulates and chronologizes the history behind evolutionary ecology. It also focuses on the integration of age-structure and density-dependent selection into an understanding of life-history evolution.

Reproductive Technologies in Animals provides the most updated and comprehensive knowledge on the various aspects and applications of reproductive technologies in production animals as well as companion, wild, exotic, and laboratory animals and birds. The text synthesizes historical information and recent discoveries, while dealing with economical and geographical issues related to the implementation of the same technologies. It also presents the effects of reproductive technology implementation on animal welfare and the possible threat of pathogen transmission. Reproductive Technologies in Animals is an important resource for academics, researchers, professionals in public and private animal business, and students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as it gives a full and detailed first-hand analysis of all species subjected to the use of reproductive technologies.