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.

A comprehensive forage-to-fork book on beef farming that delivers veterinary level information to farmers and farm-related information to vets. The Veterinary Book for Beef Farmers is a complete guide to farming cattle for protein emphasising good practice, herd health management and disease prevention. The book begins with an introduction to the beef industry, moving on to health management through cattle life stages - neonatal health, weaned calf health etc. The next section covers disease and production problems through the same life stage format - disease problems in the breeding bull for example. Section 4 covers the monitoring and measurement of disease on the farm and the final section presents the business management of beef farming employing the balanced scorecard method as a management measurement tool. The emphasis throughout is on health maintenance and long term sustainable farming.

A compelling portrayal by the veteran journalist of the lives of farming communities on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border and the surprising connections between them "Conniff brings her skills and insights to a particularly urgent project: moving beyond the polarizing politics of our current era, and taking a deeper look at how people who have been pitted against each other can forge bonds of understanding." -E.J. Dionne Jr., co-author of 100% Democracy Winner of the Studs and Ida Terkel Award In the Midwest, Mexican workers have become critically important to the survival of rural areas and small towns-and to the individual farmers who rely on their work-with undocumented immigrants, mostly from Mexico, accounting for an estimated 80 percent of employees on the dairy farms of western Wisconsin. In Milked, former editor-in-chief of The Progressive Ruth Conniff introduces us to the migrants who worked on these dairy farms, their employers, among them white voters who helped elect Donald Trump to office in 2016, and the surprising friendships that have formed between these two groups of people. These stories offer a rich and fascinating account of how two crises-the record-breaking rate of farm bankruptcies in the Upper Midwest, and the contentious politics around immigration-are changing the landscape of rural America. A unique and fascinating exploration of rural farming communities, Milked sheds light on seismic shifts in policy on both sides of the border over recent decades, connecting issues of labor, immigration, race, food, economics, and U.S.-Mexico relations and revealing how two seemingly disparate groups of people have come to rely on each other, how they are subject to the same global economic forces, and how, ultimately, the bridges of understanding that they have built can lead us toward a more constructive politics and a better world.

Lessons, stories, and reflections from the Goat Midwife There is nothing about goat care that creates more anticipation, excitement, frustration, and fear than birthing goats. What can you expect with a goat pregnancy? What do you do if things go wrong when goats give birth? What happens when you have a challenging newborn kid? Seasoned goat farmer Deborah Niemann, author of Raising Goats Naturally, answers these questions and more by distilling the stories and experiences from over 600 goat pregnancies and births. Coverage includes: The differences between normal goat pregnancies Necessary C-sections Incidents that may turn deadly serious. For both new and experienced goat owners, Goats Giving Birth illuminates the joy, the sadness, and everything in between when birthing pregnant goats, giving you the confidence to handle a large spectrum of goat pregnancies and help birth happy thriving kids.

Originally published in England in 1910, this story of a shepherd, Caleb Bawcombe, describes life in the south-central English county of Wiltshire before the turn of the 20th century. It is a charming picture of pastoral life that often seems idyllic and simple when viewed from the present. Caleb Bawcombe is a fictitious name thought to represent one James Lawes, and the town in the tale, Winterbourne Bishop, has been identified as the town of Martin. Friends, family, and acquaintances are interwoven in Caleb's story, and the interaction between humanity and nature is highlighted, capturing life at that specific time and place.

In today's world, we are witnessing simultaneous breakthroughs in reproductive technologies, genomics, and molecular biology. Advances in molecular genetic technology and understanding of the bovine genome have led to the development of tools that can be used to enhance profitability on cow-calf enterprises. Factors Affecting Calf Crop: Biotechnology of Reproduction provides a detailed compilation of current and forthcoming technology for managing reproduction in cattle. The book discusses topics such as: approved techniques for controlling the estrous cycle in cattle; managing follicular growth with progesterone, estrogens, and prostaglandins; freezing, thawing, and transfer of cattle embryos; application of embryo transfer to the beef cattle industry; embryo transfer in topically adapted cattle; new factors affecting bull fertility; embryo collection and utilization technology, in vitro fertilization, somatic cell cloning, and genetic technologies; uses of real-time ultrasound; and sexed semen. Over 25 leading animal scientists have combined their expertise to produce the first single-source reference that covers successful reproductive techniques that will, most likely, be the wave of the future. Expansive in scope, the book addresses current biotechnologies as they impact the production of beef cattle. Written at a level to appeal to the researcher, commercial producer, or student, Factors Affecting Calf Crop: Biotechnology of Reproduction presents you with a wealth of technologies applicable to animal agriculture.

Whether a farmer is raising one cow or a herd, Storey's Guide to Raising Beef Cattle is the most reliable reference for ensuring a successful, healthy cattle operation. In this fully updated, full-color fourth edition, long-time cattle rancher and author Heather Smith Thomas explains every aspect of bovine behavior and provides expert guidance on breed selection, calving, feeding, housing, pasture, and health care. Along with in-depth information on raising grass-fed animals, there is also advice on creating a viable business plan and identifying niche markets for selling beef.

Here is the complete source of information on egg handling, processing, and utilization. Egg Science and Technology, Fourth Edition covers all aspects of grading, packaging, and merchandising of shell eggs. Full of the information necessary to stay current in the field, Egg Science and Technology remains the essential reference for everyone involved in the egg industry. In this updated guide, experts in the field review the egg industry and examine egg production practices, quality identification and control, egg and egg product chemistry, and specialized processes such as freezing, pasteurization, desugarization, and dehydration. This updated edition explores new and recent trends in the industry and new material on the microbiology of shell eggs, and it presents a brand-new chapter on value-added products. Readers can seek out the most current information available in all areas of egg handling and discover totally new material relative to fractionation of egg components for high value, nonfood uses.Contributing authors to Egg Science and Technology present chapters that cover myriad topics, ranging from egg production practices to nonfood uses of eggs. Some of these specific subjects include: handling shell eggs to maintain quality at a level for customer satisfaction trouble shooting problems during handling chemistry of the egg, emphasizing nutritional value and potential nonfood uses merchandising shell eggs to maximize sales in refrigerated dairy sales cases conversion of shell eggs to liquid, frozen, and dried products value added products and opportunities for merchandising egg products as consumers look for greater convenience Egg Science and Technology is a must-have reference for agricultural libraries. It is also an excellent text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in food science, animal science, and poultry departments and is an ideal guide for professionals in related food industries, regulatory agencies, and research groups.

The rapid growth of organic farming has been amongst the most remarkable changes in global agriculture in recent decades. Initially, more attention was paid to the crop side of organic systems, but that has now changed and there is greater recognition of the need to understand animal health and welfare better.This book will further the understanding of organic animal husbandry, demonstrating practical solutions and innovative methods, and drawing mainly on research and practical experience with organic farming in Europe.

We all need to understand the story behind our food. This is the strongest and most articulate case for understanding the central importance of grazing livestock in sustainable food systems that I've read. Patrick Holden, founder and chief executive, Sustainable Food Trust With more public awareness of the connection between health and diet, food, climate and farming, Defending Beef - a modern classic on sustainable food culture - has never been more timely. As the meat industry - from small-scale ranchers and butchers to sprawling slaughterhouse operators - respond to climate threats, a pandemic and the rise of plant-based and lab-produced meats, environmental lawyer turned cattle farmer Nicolette Hahn Niman delivers a passionate argument for responsible grassfed, meat production and consumption in this updated and expanded new edition of her bestselling Defending Beef. Hahn Niman dispels popular myths about how eating beef is bad for our bodies and the planet. The impact of grazing can be either negative or positive, depending on how livestock are managed. In fact, with proper oversight, livestock can play an essential role in maintaining grassland ecosystems by performing the same functions as the natural herbivores that once roamed and grazed there.Grounded in empirical scientific data and citing examples of regenerative agriculture from around the world, she illustrates how cattle can help build carbon-sequestering soils to mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, prevent desertification and provide essential nutrition.

This book is an officially authorised advisory manual that implements the recommendations on the energy and protein requirements of cattle, sheep and goats made by the AFRC Technical Committee on Responses to Nutrients (TCORN) since its establishment in 1982. TCORN has produced a series of numbered reports including No. 5 in 1990 on 'Nutrient Requirements on Ruminant Animals: Energy' and in 1992, No. 9 'Nutrient Requirements of Ruminant Animals: Protein'. The former recommended, with only minor modifications, the adoption of the AFRC's 1980 Technical Review's full recommendations on energy requirements of ruminants, while the latter recommended the adoption of a protein system based on Metabolisable Protein as the unit. Opportunity has been taken to include material from TCORN Report No. 8, 1991 on the 'Voluntary Intake of Silage by Cattle' and from an unpublished TCORN Report on the 'Nutrition of Goats'. The current volume presents these recommendations in a practical form designed for use by advisors, farmers, lecturers, research workers and students concerned with the nutrition of ruminant animals. The manual includes 45 tables of requirements (incorporating agreed safety margins) and 29 example diets.

Air quality has a direct influence on health, welfare and production performance of livestock as the high concentrations of noxious gases, dust and airborne microorganisms are likely to reduce production efficiency and the general welfare of farm animals. Long term exposure to particulates in livestock buildings might also affect the respiratory health of farm workers. Dust in animal buildings contains many biologically active substances such as bacteria, fungi, endotoxins and residues of antibiotics (as a result of veterinary treatments) that are suspected to be hazardous to human health. Furthermore, air pollutants emitted from livestock buildings can reduce air, water and soil quality and can potentially undermine the health of nearby residents. Airborne emissions include ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, particulates like dust and microorganisms. In addition, other potentially harmful substances such as heavy metals, antibiotic residues and components of disinfectants might be also emitted from livestock building that are potentially damaging to ecosystems. In this book, key aspects of agricultural air quality, such as monitoring, managing and reducing airborne pollutants in and around livestock facilities are reviewed. Features: addressing the raising awareness of the importance of optimal health and welfare for lifestock species with contributions from international specialists and researchers providing up-to-date information for professionals involved in modern animal producti This book will be useful for farming professionals, academics, students, policy makers, business leaders, regulatory bodies and agricultural consultants.

The first edition of this book, published in 1993, was very well received as providing a comprehensive review of the digestion and metabolism of ruminant animals. Since its publication, much new research has been conducted in the subject and knowledge has increased. This is incorporated in this second edition through the addition of five completely new chapters. These cover: the gas production technique in feed evaluation, calorimetry, the relationship between pasture characteristics and animal performance, feed processing and the integration of data in feed evaluation systems. Other chapters have been fully expanded and updated as appropriate and Dr. Dijkstra has also been enrolled as the lead editor. This book brings together quantitative approaches used in the study of mechanisms of ruminant digestion and metabolism.

WITH A FOREWORD BY PATRICK BARKHAM And an essay by Welsh hill farmer, Dafydd Morris-Jones 'One of the great no-holds-barred life-adventures in the wilds of the British landscape.' ADAM NICOLSON Written on the eve of the Second World War, this memoir tells the remarkable story of how 21-year-old Thomas Firbank decided on impulse to purchase a 2,400-acre hill farm in the rugged, inhospitable mountains of Snowdonia, and how he and his wife struggled to build it back into prosperity. The book became an international bestseller, selling over half-a-million copies worldwide and pioneered the genre of 'good life' rural escape literature. This new edition is introduced with a foreword by the award-winning nature writer, Patrick Barkham, and includes an afterword by contemporary Welsh sheep farmer, Dafydd Morris-Jones. I Bought a Mountain is a thrilling human tale of tragedy and triumph, as well as a portrait of a lost era when farming was a communal endeavour, offering precious insights into conservation and sustainability relevant for today.

The subjects of stress and animal welfare are currently attracting immense interest. This book brings together a range of perspectives from biomedical research (including human health and animal models of human stress) on stress and welfare, and assesses new approaches to conceptualising and alleviating stress.

Horses have been taken from their natural environment and enclosed in paddocks and stables, dramatically changing both life-style and feeding habits. Feeding time has been greatly reduced and cereal and protein concentrates introduced into the diet. As a result, horses are prone to many problems associated with feeding.

This book clearly explains the science of nutrition and combines this with the art of feeding to encourage an understanding of how to feed horses to keep them healthy, and allow them to reach their full performance potential. This new edition - the first since 1992 - has been fully updated and extended to include new feeds and feeding practices and explains new advances in scientific knowledge. It provides clear guidelines for feeding competition horses, older horses and problem animals, and explains the role of feeds and feeding in maintaining the immune system and soundness.

"Horse Nutrition and Feeding" is the recognised text for students studying horses at colleges, for BHS examinations, and for horse-owners.

Research into equine artificial insemination has recently expanded with increasing horse numbers, the developing leisure interest in horse riding and the realization of the economic advantages of artificial insemination. This book provides a detailed reference book on the subject and covers its historical development, relevant equine physiology, current practices and future possibilities. It is extensively referenced to allow further reading into specialized areas.

In the past decade, a number of advances have been made in genetic engineering as applied to farmed animals. This book has been developed from invited presentations at a conference held in California in August 1997, to address this issue. It is written by representatives from the leading laboratories involved in attempts to improve agriculturally important mammals, poultry and fish. Current knowledge, methodology, technical improvements and successes in the applications of transgenic technology to a range of animals which are important in agriculture are brought together for the first time under one cover. This book is essential reading for research workers in animal genetics, breeding and biotechnology.

This book presents specially commissioned reviews of key topics in farm animal metabolism and nutrition, where major advances have recently been made or which continue to represent issues of significance for students and researchers. * Advanced level textbook, no other advanced text in this area with such broad scope * First class contributors, including leading researchers from Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia

Ducks are kept for profit in a great diversity of circumstances in both temperate and tropical climates. Outlining the biology of the domestic duck, this book also combines the authors' considerable practical and scientific experience to provide quantitative descriptions of nutritional and environmental effects on growing and breeding ducks, as well as practical advice on husbandry, housing and management. It is an essential resource for duck industry practitioners, researchers, and students. Peter Cherry worked as Development Manager for a major duck producer before assuming a world-wide role as a consultant. Trevor Morris was a world-renowned poultry scientist who had also worked as a duck consultant. Their combined knowledge of the duck and the duck industry is thus unparalleled.

This authoritative volume reviews the subject in a style which is comprehensible to the non-specialist. Contributions by leading authorities review avian meat science from basic meat structure and function, color, texture and flavor, through to practical aspects of production, harvesting and slaughter factors affecting meat quality. The book is the result of the 25th Poultry Science Symposium held at the University of Bristol in September 1997.

This comprehensive research book represents the first complete integration of current knowledge in this area. It addresses issues associated with poultry breeding particularly by examining quantitative and molecular genetics and the uses of transgenic technology. A special section covers the important area of disease resistance and transmission

This book is the third in a set of four providing a series on controlled reproduction in farm animals. The aim of the series is to provide a general review of the literature dealing with the different ways in which reproduction in the major farm mammals can be controlled and manipulated. The four volumes are effectively an expanded and new edition of a previous work, "Controlled Breeding in Farm Animals" (Pergamon Press, 1983). However, the literature on this subject has expanded so rapidly since the time of the earlier volume, that it is now thought appropriate to publish it in four separate volumes. Buffaloes, goats, deer and camelids have been added to the species covered by the series compared to the previous book. All volumes provide comprehensive reference lists and are fully up-to-date. This third volume focuses on pigs. It will appeal to reproductive physiologists and workers in animal production, animal breeding and veterinary medicine.