This 484-paged book is an extensively updated and expanded edition of the previous book by Simm, which focused on cattle and sheep. It has 14 chapters, the first chapter in the book sets the scene for modern livestock breeding, by looking at the origins and roles of today's livestock breeds. The...

This chapter highlights the application of genetic principles such as strategies for genetic improvements, selection response within breeds, tools and technologies in animal breeding, genetic analysis, and predicting values in beef cattle.

This chapter describes the successful transfer of the center-track restrainer system, which is used in many large beef slaughter plants, from a research project to widespread commercial use. It also provides tips on the successful conversion of individual gestation stalls to group sow housing. In...

This chapter briefly discussed the basics of bruising in cattle highlighting issues on animal welfare and its economic impact to the cattle industry.

In this chapter the factors that can cause meat quality problems during handling and transport of meat animals were discussed as well as on the importance of low-stress handling to maintain meat quality. Topics that were also given emphasis includes how on-farm conditions have an effect on meat...

In this chapter, the author discussed the Panksepp basic emotional systems and suggests based on studies that it is the best way to explain the many conflicting results in scientific studies of farm animal temperament. From the different studies he presented he then concludes that the Jaak Panksepp ...

Beef cattle and other grazing animals have behaviour patterns during handling that are influenced by vision. A prey species animal has wide-angle vision that will detect rapid motion and possible danger. The eight basic behavioural patterns during handling in grazing animals are: (i) flight zone;...

It is interesting to note that since the first edition of this book, the most significant welfare concerns for cattle during transport have remained unchanged. These concerns include the transport of unfit (sick, emaciated, debilitated) cattle, overloading - particularly in lightweight and young...

This chapter discussed the two types of cattle production systems namely beef production and milk production. Topics under beef cattle farming focused on rangeland and cattle production, pastoral nomadism, suckled calf production, and finishing stored cattle, finising dairy cows, mixed...

This chapter discussed the different stages of feeding cattle from birth up to the period of production for both beef and dairy cattle. Highlights focused on feeds for dairy cows, taints in the milk from feeding, nutrition and milk composition, feeding during lactation, effects of transition...