A couple working six months per year for 50 hours per week on 20 acres can net $25,000-$30,000 per year with an investment equivalent to the price of one new medium-sized tractor. Seldom has agriculture held out such a plum. In a day when main-line farm experts predict the continued demise of the family farm, the pastured poultry opportunity shines like a beacon in the night, guiding the way to a brighter future.

"Practical Beekeeping" is the complete guide to the bee and its management. Topics covered include the bee and its environment; hives and other equipment; management of the apiary; and control of pests and diseases. Profusely illustrated with photographs and specially commissioned line illustrations, this book will be an invaluable addition to the bookshelf of anyone involved in beekeeping.

Backyard chickens meet contemporary design! Matthew Wolpe and Kevin McElroy give you 14 complete building plans for chicken coops that range from the purely functional to the outrageously fabulous. One has a water-capturing roof; one is a great example of mid-Modern architecture; and another has a built-in composting system. Some designs are suitable for beginning builders, and some are challenging enough for experts. Complete step-by-step building plans are accompanied by full-colour photographs and detailed construction illustrations.

Prenatal life is the period of maximal development in animals, and it is well recognised that factors that alter development can have profound effects on the embryonic, fetal and postnatal animal. Scientists involved in research on livestock productivity have for decades studied postnatal consequences of fetal development on productivity. Recently, however, there has been a surge in interest in how to manage prenatal development to enhance livestock health and productivity. This has occurred largely due to the studies that show human health in later life can be influenced by events during prenatal life, and establishment of the Fetal Origins and the Thrifty Phenotype Hypotheses. This book, Managing the Prenatal Environment to Enhance Livestock Productivity reviews phenotypic consequences of prenatal development, and provides details of mechanisms that underpin these effects in ruminants, pigs and poultry. The chapters have been divided into three parts: Quantification of prenatal effects on postnatal productivity, mechanistic bases of postnatal consequences of prenatal development and regulators of fetal and neonatal nutrient supply. Managing the Prenatal Environment to Enhance Livestock Productivity is a reference from which future research to improve the level of understanding and capacity to enhance productivity, health and efficiency of livestock in developing and developed countries will evolve. It is particularly timely given the development of molecular technologies that are providing new insight into regulation and consequences of growth and development of the embryo, fetus and neonate.

A fully updated and expanded new edition of the official reference to all the recognised Poultry Standards in Great Britain The seventh edition of British Poultry Standards contains complete specifications together with judging points for all standardised breeds and varieties of poultry, as compiled by the specialist Breed Clubs and published under the guidance of the Poultry Club of Great Britain. Intended as a manual to aid in the instruction and identification of breeds for the novice through to the veterinarian, this new edition has been thoroughly revised and edited, with numerous changes to breed pictures and profiles, providing a well-defined update for contemporary breeding, judging and exhibiting. Under the guardianship of the Poultry Club of Great Britain, this book details the authorised standards of excellence for each breed, covering categories such as feather markings, breed classification, and defects and deformities. The must-have reference for keepers, breeders, judges and exhibitors of pure bred poultry Features over 500 colour photographs, including 150 new images Includes 10 new breeds as well as all standardised breeds, and features photographs of many different varieties Provides complete specifications and judging points of all standardised breeds and varieties of poultry Recognised by the Poultry Club of Great Britain British Poultry Standards, 7th Edition is an essential resource for all poultry judges, breeders, exhibitors and keepers, as well as agricultural and veterinary college libraries and conservationists.

The nature .and diversity of presentations at the conference on: "Bee Products: Prop erties, Applications and Apitherapy" held at Tel-Aviv on May 26--30, 1996, emphasize the increasing interest of physicians, practitioners, scientists, herbalists, dieticians, cosmeti cians, microbiologists, and beekeepers in different facets of bee products. This volume consists of a selection of 31 contributions presented at the conference and which provide information on the present status of our knowledge in this area. In spite of their diversity, they reflect the mainstream of the conference, namely: "Imported" Prod ucts (honey, pollen and propolis), Exocrine Secretions of Workers (venom, royal jelly). Toxicity and Contaminants, Quality Control, Marketing, Apitherapy, Cosmetics, etc. Since antiquity, honey as well as other bee products were used as food, as a cure for ailments of humans and animals, and as cosmetics. We hope that this volume will contribute to interdisciplinary studies on chemical composition, pharmacological effects, nutrition, and other aspects of bee products. Critical and unbiased experimental research may unravel the yet unknown composition and mode of action of bee products and elucidate many unanswered questions. The noteworthy features of this conference were the participants from all parts of the world and of different cultural backgrounds, who shared their keen interest and curios ity regarding honey bees and their products. We thank all of them for their personal con tribution to the success of this conference."

The Small-Scale Dairy includes everything you need to know in order to successfully produce nourishing, healthy, farm-fresh milk. Whether for home use, direct sale to the consumer, or sale to an artisanal cheesemaker, high-quality raw milk is a delicate, desirable product. Successful and sustainable production requires the producer to consider and tackle many details, ranging from animal care to microbiology to good hygienic practices-and, for those with commercial aspirations, business plans, market savvy, and knowledge of the regulations. Applicable to keepers of cows, goats, or sheep, The Small-Scale Dairy offers a holistic approach that explores the relationships between careful, conscientious management and the production of safe, healthy, and delicious milk. A historical overview offers readers a balanced perspective on the current regulatory environment in which raw milk lovers find themselves. Included are options for designing a well-functioning small dairy, choosing equipment, and understanding myriad processes-such as the use of low-temperature pasteurization where raw milk sales are prohibited. Whether you have a one-cow home dairy, a fifty-goat operation, or are simply a curious consumer, The Small-Scale Dairy is an accessible and invaluable resource for achieving your goals.

Cattle Plague: A History is divided into five sections, dealing with the nature of the virus, followed by a chronological history of its occurrence in Europe from the Roman Empire to the final 20th century outbreaks; then administrative control measures through legislation, the principal players from the 18th century, followed by an analysis of some effects, political, economic and social. Then follows attempts at cure from earliest times encompassing superstition and witchcraft, largely Roman methods persisting until the 19th century; the search for a cure through inoculation and the final breakthrough in Africa at the end of the 19th century. The last section covers the disease in Asia and Africa. Appendices cover regulations now in force to control the disease as well as historical instructions, decrees and statutes dating from 1745-1878.

Poultry Meat and Egg Production has been prepared primarily for use as a text for students taking their first courses in poultry manage ment. The general overall science and production practices currently in use in the industry have been characterized and described so that the student can gain insight into the industry. Reading portions of chapters before the lecture discussions and laboratory sessions will be helpful in giving students an understanding of the material. Also, this gives the instructor an opportunity to emphasize in the lectures areas of current concern in the industry, and to present topics of his or her choice in greater detail. We wish to acknowledge and thank the following scientists who reviewed and critically evaluated the several chapters and made many helpful suggestions: Dr. Bobby Barnett, Clemson University; Mr. D. O. Bell, University of California; Dr. Donald Bray (retired), University of Illinois; Dr. W. H. Burke, University of Georgia; Dr. Frank Cherms, Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms, Inc., Sonoma, California; Dr. Wen dell Carlson (retired), South Dakota State University; Dr. J. V. Craig, Kansas State University; Dr. K. Goodwin (retired), Pennsylvania State University; Dr. T. L. Goodwin, University of Arkansas; Dr. G. C."

More and more people are deciding to raise their own meat, from farmers to homesteaders, even chefs. This is the book that shows them exactly how to handle the slaughter and butchering of their livestock in a humane and sustainable way. With step-by-step photographs of the farm to table process, it is destined to be the bible on the topic. It begins with general information about food safety, freezing and packaging, tools and equipment, butchering methods, and pre-slaughter conditions before moving into the specifics of slaughtering and butchering cattle. It includes detailed descriptions of specialty cuts and how to make them.

What constitutes animal welfare? With animals being used for companionship, service, research, food, fiber, and by-products, animal welfare is a topic of great interest and importance to society. As the world's population continues to increase, a major challenge for society is the maintenance of a strong and viable food system, which is linked to the well-being and comfort of food animals. Animal Welfare in Animal Agriculture: Husbandry, Stewardship, and Sustainability in Animal Production explores the pressing issue of farm animal welfare in animal production systems in the United States and globally. A framework for open discussion on animal welfare, this multidisciplinary book brings together the perspectives of 40 highly qualified and recognized experts in their respective fields. Fourteen chapters address a range of topics that includes ethics, sociology, food safety, ecology, feed resources, biotechnology, government regulations, and sustainability, as well as animal comfort, health, and contributions to society. The book also offers a historical perspective on the growth of animal agriculture from family farms to industrial animal agriculture-and the impact this has had on society. Illustrating the diversity of viewpoints, the concept of animal welfare is defined from the perspectives of an ethicist and philosopher, a research scientist, a veterinarian, an industrialist, and an activist, as well as from the perspective of sustainability and product quality. Written primarily for students, but also highly relevant for professionals in varying fields of academia and industry, this timely book reveals important insights into animal welfare and animal agriculture. Unique in its depth, breadth, and balance, it underscores the need for dialogue on wide-ranging and often contentious issues related to animal production systems.

"Global Livestock Health Policy" is designed to provide an understanding of the complexities of national and subnational animal and public health policies and how those policies impact domestic livestock industries. These policies shape domestic disease control programs, international trade, and food safety efforts.

This book offers public policy makers and animal health officials in government and industry a foundation on which to institute scientifically sound national and subnational animal health programs; solidify infrastructures; enhance communication between legislators, regulators, and affected parties; and expedite international agreements for safe worldwide movement of animals and animal products in a global free market economy.

Organized in eight free standing chapters which include case studies, a glossary and an epilogue, this arrangement leads readers progressively through the events and decisions underlying the present US and global animal health policy status, lays out challenges facing the US and other nations, describes the components of a credible and competitive animal health infrastructure, and puts forward strategies for achieving policies that are adaptable to global and domestic dynamics while addressing the multiple issues and interests bearing on animal health, animal welfare, and food safety. The case studies contain background information and questions for group discussions.

The book is intended for use by animal health officials; agribusiness leaders; commodity groups; financial institutions; legislators and their staffs; importers and exporters of animals, animal products, biologics and pharmaceuticals; leadership of the regulatory, academic and diagnostic sectors of the agricultural and veterinary communities; consumers; or anyone else interested in protection, production, processing, and distribution of animals and related products.

With Common Sense Natural Beekeeping, learn to keep bees sustainably with limited chemical or human intervention. Today's bees face unprecedented challenges. Chemical treatments for pests like the ubiquitous and deadly varroa mite have become standard even as resistance to such treatments grows and evidence suggests the chemical treatments themselves are contributing to the widely discussed Colony Collapse Disorder. Common Sense Natural Beekeeping offers beekeepers a different choice. Based on expert advice from Kim Flottom, editor emeritus of Bee Culture magazine and best-selling author of The Backyard Beekeeper, this book teaches holistic, sensible alternatives to conventional apiary practices, and includes: Lessons from the way bees live in the wild Management strategies that respect the natural intelligence of the bee Hive design elements that promote colony health and resilience Case studies highlighting successful natural beekeepers from around the world Beekeepers today have myriad choices to make that affect their bees' health and productivity. From housing to nutrition, including pests and diseases, Common Sense Natural Beekeeping introduces sustainable alternatives for natural hive management.

The Healthy Donkey provides a fascinating background to the history of this iconic animal and introduces potential owners to everything they need to know about donkey guardianship, with useful information about diet, bedding and grooming. Those already familiar with donkeys will also find invaluable information about addressing behavioural issues using patience, kindness and bodywork using the Tellington TTouch techniques - a non-invasive system of touch and massage designed to bring about calmness, trust and confidence. Case studies show how these techniques can be used to address a variety of problems.

Meat and dairy production and consumption are in crisis. Globally, 70 billion farm animals are used for food production every year. It is well accepted that livestock production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) predicts a rough doubling of meat and milk consumption in the first half of the 21st century, with particularly rapid growth occurring in the developing economies of Asia. What will this mean for the health and wellbeing of those animals, of the people who consume ever larger quantities of animal products, and for the health of the planet itself? The new edition of this powerful and challenging book explores the impacts of the global growth in the production and consumption of meat and dairy, including cultural and health factors, and the implications of the likely intensification of farming for both small-scale producers and for animals. Several chapters explore the related environmental issues, from resource use of water, cereals and soya, to the impact of livestock production on global warming and issues concerning biodiversity, land use and the impacts of different farming systems on the environment. A final group of chapters addresses ethical and policy implications for the future of food and livestock production and consumption. Since the first edition, published in 2010, all chapters have been updated, three original chapters re-written and six new chapters added, with additional coverage of dietary effects of milk and meat, antibiotics in animal production, and the economic, political and ethical dimensions of meat consumption. The overall message is clearly that we must eat less meat to help secure a more sustainable and equitable world.

This indispensable beekeeping reference-packed with helpful diagrams, color photos, and easy-to-follow yet thorough instruction-gently guides you through setting up and caring for your first colonies. Are you an absolute beginner when it comes to keeping bees? With First Time Beekeeping, help is at hand. Featuring the sage advice of Bee Culture editor emeritus and best-selling author of The Backyard Beekeeper Kim Flottum, this is your step-by-step guide to healthy, happy, and productive hives. This complete resource features expert beginner advice for: Setting up and caring for your own colonies Selecting the best location to place your new bee colonies for their safety and yours The most practical and nontoxic ways to care for your bees Harvesting the products of a beehive and collecting and using honey Bee problems and treatments By following this advice, your colony or two of honey bees can pollinate the vegetables in your garden; produce wonderful honey and other beneficial products; and help your local ecosystem thrive. What could be sweeter? Each book in the First Time series distills how-to guidance and advice from an expert on a specific topic into targeted step-by-step instruction geared toward the absolute beginner.

Updated and revised, this bestselling textbook continues to provide a broad introduction to the key topics in the welfare of animals both large and small, farm and companion, wild and zoo. It retains all the popular features of the previous editions with coverage of key issues such as ethics, animal pain and injury, health and disease, social conditions, and welfare dilemmas and problems. Importantly, it also offers practical advice for welfare assessment, with a full section dedicated to the implementation of solutions. The third edition: - Contains many more examples of welfare issues in different countries, particularly the implications for smallholders as well as larger scale agriculture - Covers fish welfare as well as welfare of amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates - Includes concepts of positive emotion and other positive aspects of welfare - Focuses on animal welfare and sustainability - Includes an integrated ebook with additional material and videos With contributions from renowned international experts and a new editorial team, Animal Welfare, 3rd Edition is an essential resource for students and researchers in animal and veterinary sciences and other disciplines considering the science and practice of animal welfare, and for practitioners and decision-makers worldwide.

Important tips include attractive and effective fencing options to keep the chickens contained and guidance for choosing the best plants for gardeners and their birds. For everyone who has been bitten by the chicken bug, this indispensable guide is a must-have for how to garden with, for, and around chickens. Only book to teach readers how to have a thriving garden and chickens too! Innovative ideas for gardening with chickens, including solar and green roof coops Extensive lists of the best plants to create a chicken-friendly oasis, and design strategies and problem solving plans for homeowners