Handbook of Livestock Management

Written by expert animal agriculture producers for animal agriculture producers, this comprehensive text/reference describes in detail the skills and techniques needed by those who manage livestock—with a focus on maintaining and maximizing animal well-being and productivity. Hands-on in approach, it fills the gap between classroom and laboratory—showing step-by-step how to perform the various manipulative skills of the animal agriculturist in a real-world context. Unusually complete in coverage, it presents techniques and discussions for managing all species of animal agriculture including beef cattle, general cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, from breeding and conception through their complete lifecycle. All techniques, sections, and chapters are up-to-date to 2000 rules, regulations, guidelines, and recommendations, guaranteeing readers that all information is industry-tested and currently recommended. Techniques are explained, demonstrated, and illustrated, requiring no specialized knowledge, enabling readers to follow the flow of the techniques and complete them with a minimum of direct supervision. Clear, focused discussion is offered on what to do and how to do it, always with an emphasis on how to safeguard the manager's and animals' safety. Techniques and discussions are presented for managing all species of animal agriculture including beef cattle, general cattle, dairy cattle, swine, horses, sheep, goats, and poultry— from breeding and conception through their complete lifecycle. Modern, accurate agriculturist terminology and jargon is used throughout and includes a comprehensive glossary. An excellent resource for professionals in the livestock management field.