Scientific Farm Animal Production (9th Edition)
PrefaceScientific Farm Animal Production is distinguished by an appropriate combination of both breadth and depth of livestock and poultry production and their respective industries. The book gives an overview of the biological principles applicable to the Animal Sciences, with chapters on reproduction, genetics, nutrition, lactation, consumer products, and other subjects. The book also covers the breeding, feeding, and management of beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, goats, and aquaculture. Although books have been written on each of these separate subjects, the authors have highlighted the significant biological principles, scientific relationships, and management practices in a condensed but informative manner.   TARGET AUDIENCEThis book is designed as a text for the introductory Animal Science course typically taught at universities and junior or community colleges. It is also a valuable reference book for livestock producers, vocational agriculture instructors, and others desiring an overview of livestock production principles and management. The book is basic and sufficiently simple for urban students with limited livestock experience, yet challenging for students who have a livestock production background.   KEY FEATURESChapters 1-9 cover animal products and give an overview of the livestock and poultry industries, Chapters 10-22 discuss the biological principles, while livestock, poultry, and aquaculture management practices are presented in Chapters 23-38.The glossary of the terms used throughout the book has been expanded so students can readily become familiar with animal science terminology. The bold-lettered words in the text are included in the glossary.Many illustrations in the form of photographs and line drawings are used throughout the book to communicate key points and major relationships. If "a picture is worth a thousand words," the numerous photographs and drawings expand the usefulness of the book beyond its pages.Selected references are provided for each chapter to direct students into greater depth and breadth as they become intrigued with certain topics. Instructors can also use the references to expand their knowledge in current background material. Also included in the selected-references sections are references to visuals that relate to the specific chapter. Instructors are encouraged to review these visuals and use those that will enrich their courses.   USING THE BOOKThe book is designed to accommodate several instructional approaches to teaching the introductory course: (1) the life-cycle biological principles approach, including such areas as consumer products, reproduction, breeding, nutrition, and animal health; (2) the species approach (teaching the course primarily in reference to the various species); or (3) a combination of the previous two. The latter appears to be the most popular teaching approach, covering principles in lecture and combining principles and species into laboratory exercises.Some instructors will assign one or more papers on a topic selected by them or the students. The references at the end of each chapter are designed for students who want or need to explore certain topics in more depth.Most instructors will not have sufficient time in their courses to assign all the chapters. Course outlines can be developed to include the chapters assigned and put them in the sequence that meets an instructor's preference.   CHANGES IN THIS EDITIONThis edition has been updated with current technical and applied information. Whenever possible, tables and figures have been revised with current data. A chapter on aquaculture has been added to the text, and major revisions of the careers chapter (37), the species breeding and management chapters (25-36), and the reproduction chapter (10) have been made. This revision provides more detail in terms of selection strategies and tools, management benchmarks, endocrinology, and food safety issues. The emphasis on bioeconomics and global perspectives has been continued. A list of useful Web sites is provided to allow students and faculty the opportunity to explore a variety of information sources that complement the text. The addition of a CD-ROM that provides interactive study questions for each chapter also adds to the value of this edition.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.