Book Description

The cow is perhaps the world's most appealing animal. Why do we love cows? Sara Rath answers that question and more in "The Complete Cow", a light-hearted yet serious look at dairy and beef cows of the world-both familiar and not-so-familiar. From ancient myths to a breed encyclopedia to a whimsical look at the fun pop culture surrounding famous cows, "The Complete Cow" has it all.

In exploring our almost innate love of cows, Rath delivers an informative and entertaining summary of bovines around the world. Remarkably readable and inviting, "The Complete Cow" is beautifully illustrated with large-format color photos of all breeds and is the first book to feature cows from around the globe, both past and present. Great color photography is accented by images both humorous (from cartoonists such as Gary Larson) and romantic (in pastoral paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and others).

Along the way readers will discover all kinds of bovine trivia: how to say "moo," "cow," and "cowpie" in many languages, a fascinating cow migration map, advice on naming a cow, and more.

". . . tells you just about everything you want to know about cows, from ancient myths to a breed encyclopedia, as well as pop culture that surrounds famous cows. Although the tone is lighthearted, there's a lot of interesting information packed into this text." "St. Paul Pioneer Press" ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An inspiring, informative view on cows. Really a good one
Sara Rath really gets deep and into her writing in this book. I enjoyed every bit about it. I thought i knew just about every thing there was to know about them being as though i was raised around them my whole life. I would recommend this book to anyone

A fabulous and thoroughly enjoyable book about cow culture.
Sara Rath's "The Complete Cow" is a gem of a book. I was amazed by the scope and in-depth coverage of cows written in friendly first person text. It 's all so readable and interesting, you just keep turning the pages for more information about these all-important and loveable beasts. The book is full of large-format color photos, side-bars, cow jokes and interesting trivia such as how to say "Moo" in eleven languages. Did you know that the age of a cow is always based on her age when she calves? Or that Texas still leads the US in beef production? Rath writes about the mythical cow in places like Egypt, Greece and Scandinavia; cow breeds of the world (Kuri, Pinzgauer and Romagnola); and the philosophy about cows. Another section I found interesting was "Holy Cow" about how the Masia tribe of Kenya andTanzania devote their lives to cattle; the importance of cattle in Irish culture; and interesting lore about the Texas Longhorn. The Complete Cow, entertaining and witty from start to finish, is a real pleasure to hold in your hands. A great gift for anyone who loves cows!

Rath writes a bovine classic!
Why are cows so trendy? Why do cow calendars sell out at Christmas before their kitten and puppy counterparts? Well, the answer was a mystery to me until Sara Rath put together her incredibly well-researched account titled, THE COMPLETE COW. This book is a gas! From the truly beautifull photography -- to the hilarious "asides" on bovine history, Rath has put together a cow compendium of unrivaled proportions. A great book for animal, trivia, and history lovers alike, this book brings together Rath's fine, storied prose and a character we can't help but love.

A book my friends and guests love to pick up, over and over.
As with so many other "ordinary" things in life, I had forgotten to think about cows, and I certainly had no idea that there are so many different types. Thank goodness we have authors, like Rath, who have the ability to re-ignite the childlike wonder in us. The Complete Cow's entertaining text and stunning photos make it exactly the kind of book that my children and friends love to pick up, over and over. I'm ordering copies for my sisters for Christmas. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Reference
Its great to have a book that owners and veterinarians alike can read for reference. Ferrets aren't as popular as dogs and cats, therefore books and information on ferrets are hard to find. This book is a comfort to have forany ferret-owner. ... Read more

Book Description

Jumbo Ghosts is about both the ancient and mysterious bond we have with elephants, and why/how we've broken that bond in our modern zoos.

Jumbo Ghosts is divided into three sections.Each chapter begins with bad news for elephants--followed by some good news.In the chapters in the first section, we look at the origins of our ancient and remarkable human-elephant bond--and at the origin of the dangers we've created for the elephants living in zoos.

In the second section, we take a detailed look at what makes life so dangerous for elephants living in modern zoos--and for the people who work with them.

In the final section, we look at new ideas for 21st Century zoos that will eliminate all of the dangers for elephants living in them, and that will permananetly mend our broken bond with these old, gigantic friends of ours. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Intriguing Life of Elephants in Zoos
This nonfiction book looks at the life of elephants in zoos. Since Dr. Schmidt was the zoo veterinarian of the Portland, Oregon, zoo for 25 years, he was entrusted with the health and well being of the herd of elephants that lived at the zoo.

Whatever your beliefs about animal rights, you will be interested to read about today's zoos. Dr. Schmidt traces the history of elephants used as tools of war and as laborers in the forests. He shows how the life of labor that these animals lived was more suitable to them than the lives they now lead in sterile, cramped cages in the zoo.

What are our responsibilities to these animals and how can we change their living conditions? There are no easy answers to these questions. This is a book that disturbs me. Will I continue to look for the answers? Perhaps. If you have thoughts about something that intrigues you, you may look into a book for the answer. However, I believe some books are written to ask important questions rather than to provide the answers. ... Read more

Book Description

For 17 years readers have turned to Storey Books for advice on raising animals. Our Modern Way series of six books has sold more than 1,000,000 copies. In an effort to provide readers with the best how-to animal books on the market we are completely updating all six Modern Way titles and reintroducing them as part of our Guide to Raising series.

Written by experts, these guides give novice and experienced livestock farmers all they need to know to successfully keep and profit from animals. Each book includes information on selection, housing, space requirements, breeding and birthing techniques, feeding, behavior, and health concerns and remedies for illness. The books also address the business of raising animals -- processing meat, milk, eggs, and more. The authors were chosen not only for their expertise but also for their ability to explain the ins and outs of animal husbandry in an inviting and authoritative manner.

Whether readers are ready to start an entire herd or flock or are considering purchasing their first animal, Storey's Guide to Raising series offers vital information; each book is an indispensable reference. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great guide for students and new farmers
I highly recommend this book to farmers and students because the information is practical and useful, and the text is easy to read. Dr. Mercia revised and updated this book with more information on selection, breeding, and birthing techniques which I was particularly interested in. Also updated in this edition is more info on housing and behavior as well as health problems and the remedies for those problems.

There are many photos and illustrations included which also helped me a great deal.

very dissapointing
After reading Story's chicken and duck book, I felt very much let down by their turkey book. Mercia's attempt to cover the subject was too superficial to be of any real value to someone such as myself wanting to get started with turkeys. Like what are the pros and cons of each breed? How about a little about the breeding of turkeys? Which breeds are best noted for temperment? Cullinary appeal? Which are better for the free range or surviving a winter? How many birds per acre? Holderread's duck book put this one to shame and I felt buying it to be a complete waste of my time and finances. I have found much more useful information on the internet from those that have actual experience raising turkeys in their back yards.

Not that helpful if you know anything about raising poultry.
This book is probably only helpful to a person who has never raised any kind of poultry because it is so basic. There is not much information specific to raising turkeys and the last half of the book is about killing & eating them. There are not many pictures in this book, and none of the more unusual breeds like Slate or Royal Palm are shown. The internet is probably a better resource for information on caring for turkeys. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This is the best of the best
Anyone who would like to put a few animals in the backyard for eggs or meat or milk or everything altogether, will save hundreds of headaches, and probably hundreds of dollars, by buying this book and taking Steven Thomas's suggestions seriously. There are now dozens of these kinds of books out there, and I own a number of them (including "Barnyard In Your Backyard" which is nowhere near as good as this) but none of them comes close to "Backyard Livestock" for practicality of advice, conciseness of expression, and comprehensiveness. I have sheep, chicken, etc., and this has been far more reliable than any competing manuals that I own or know of. You can't not get it! It's indispensable.

Great Starter Book!
To get information easily and quickly, this book is concise and informative. We bought this book when we first started our little farm and 10 years later are still referring to it! An excellent buy.

Great resource book!
This book was very beneficial in all aspects of raising small-farm animals. Great reference manual for beginners. I certainly listed this book in the resources directory of my new title, Farm Animals: Your Guide to Raising Livestock, because I felt it would be an awesome addition to my own farm related books!

perfect book for a little farm
This is a great book, it gives you a lot of important information it is like having 8 or more books in one. We raised chickens, goats, rabbits, pigs and a cow. We had a couple of different books, but this one we used all the time to make sure we give our animals the right care. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

four paws for me
This book isn't really meant for pet owners, but for those interested in biology, its a good resource. Despite a fairly thorough review of what's known about ferret bio, its decidedly lacking in some areas. One example is the coverage of vision, which is so small it seems a mere afterthought. We're not even treated with a cross-section of the ferret eye, nor any kind of detailed analysis of rod/cone density, optic nerve cross section, and how these might influence visual resolution. Each chapter, however, does include a list of references.

I'll give five paws
this book is a must for caring ferret owners, especially for those who live in a region where medical information about these animals are not so readily available.

An excellent resource for technical ferret information.
Whilst this book isn't for every ferret owner, it is certainly a signifcant reference for veterinarians, animal technicians, biliogists or the really serious ferret owner. With indepth articles on certain topics (theres a massive section on neurology) most aspects of ferrets biology and diseases are covered in this text. Although the information is becoming a little dated, an update to the text is due out soon. A worthwhile read for anyone who has the time and patience to study it.

excellent resource
This book is an excellent resource for anyone who would like to learn about the biology of ferrets. There are lots of pictures, both illitrations and photographs of the interal workings of the ferret. It's a great way for anyone interested in ferrets to learn how they work. This book isn't a large one with 330 pages of text and illitration, but the information that it contains is seeping out it's binding. It is very extensive covering everything from ferreting to breeding and the reproductive cycle to common and not so common diseases. With illistrations showing you exactly what everything looks like. This is something every ferret owner should have, and never be without ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderfully comprehensive
This book is a must for any goatkeeper. It is an invaluable commodity on the farm. I have turned to its pages countless times, both as a refresher and during emergenices. The information covers everyday concerns as well as more extensive descriptions of disease and preventative medicine. I had previously found it difficult to find a really good reference book on goats, but once I found this book, I need not look any more! ... Read more

Book Description

Now in its seventh edition, Animal Science and Industry remains an outstanding, easy to read introduction to the principles of animal science as well as the industry of animal production and management. It provides comprehensive coverage vital to the proper care and well-being of animals, including animal nutrition and digestion, environment, health, behavior, reproduction, lactation, and genetics/breeding. Also included are all aspects of specific production and management practices-as well as concepts in the marketing of animals and the processing of their products-as these aspects relate to beef, dairy, horse, poultry, sheep, swine, and aquaculture industries.Global trends in animal productconsumption, to feed manufacturing, the ruminant digestive system,nutrition and feedlot management, farm animal reproduction, genesand chromosomes, the importance of milk production in different species, growth and development, marketing meat animals, the merchandising and promotion of wool, the business of producing eggs, and much more.For those in farm and animal production enterprises. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the best of the best
That book is an excellent example of a book that the student of animal industry in my university need to take the classes. It is a complete component in wish the student can find all things about the animals physiology, reproduction and management. I'm student on animal industry and I hope that in my university take my suggest of giving this book like a referen for all the courses in wish more kind of animal themes are develop. Surely, I hope that the book have the sucess that it deserve because I see that is a complete book and is a perfect base or fundament for the student. This book Animal sciences and industry answer more common questions of the student who begin in this area and for the students who interest in study any relate area. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Avian Medicine
I have been a rehabilitator of raptors for 13 years, Avian Medicine is absolutely the best one single source of information I have ever seen. This book covers almost anything a rehabilitator would need to know for the birds in their care. The color photographs give great examples of almost any avian ailment you will encounter. Many times rehabilitators will have a bird with a problem that is not something you see every day. Avian Medicine by Jaimie Samour makes it much easier to identify specific ailments. This book also covers drug dosages, blood chemistry, commonly used drugs and everything else from incubation techniques to imping feathers. This is a must have for veternarians that are not avian specilists and avian specilists alike. My vet once told me that birds are an elective in vet school and she learned all she knows because of her personal interest in raptors. Without her personal interest she would not have acquired the basic skills to care for these magnificent birds. Avian Medicine will definitely be an asset to her and anyone else with a passion for birds and their well being. I will recommend this book to all of my rehabilitator friends across the country and plan to buy another copy for my vet as a Thank You for the volunteer service she has provided to the thousands of raptors that have come in to our facility.

Eileen Wicker Executive Director Raptor Rehabilitation of KY, Inc. Louisville, KY (502) 491-1939 raptors@aye.net

I know of two people that have already bought this book from you in the last two days, just on my recommendations. Sigrid Noll Ueblacker, Bird of Prey Foundation, Colorado and Christine Macck Alaska Raptor Rehab. If I am awarded the $50. certificate I will use it towards 2 more copies of the same book for both of my vets.

Love the Color Pictures
This was the first book that I had seen for Avian Medicine that was in color! That was what initially attracted me to this book. I also like the many tables that are spread throughout the book that organize diseases, drugs, etc... I also think that the book is pretty complete in the information that it covers. The only problem I see with the book is that it seems a bit 'regional' as far as the information about specific birds. I had hoped that sort of information would be more diverse instead of just a few species. Other than that I thought it was very good and a nice reference manual to have in your avian medicine library. ... Read more

Book Description

From the best selling authors of Chicken Tractor, you will discover how easy and profitable it is to sell chickens, eggs, and turkey raised in gardens or on pastures. You don't need a lot of land or a large investment.

• Make top dollars rasing poultry.
• Raise Thanksgiving turkeys for yourself and others.
• Build and regenerate soils using natural fertilizer deposited directly from your poultry onto yoru soil.
• Learn the secrets to incubation, hatchery management and brooding.
• Process poultry cheaply, humanely and profitably.
• Sell eggs and meat with that old-fashioned flavor and homegrown goodness.

Learn about the revolutionary day range system of raising poultry on pasture that is low maintenance with high profits.. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

More than 150 titles in Barron’s Complete Pet Owner’s Manuals series offer basic advice and instruction on housing, feeding, protection against disease and parasites, and caring for pets of every imaginable kind. All books are heavily illustrated with color photos and instructive line art. Here is everything bird fanciers need to know about keeping pigeons, including feeding, housing, protection against parasites, general health care, and breeding. There is also information on various members of the pigeon family, and on breeding pigeons for racing. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

good book very helpful for begging pigeon raisers
this is a veryhelpful book

Good for beginners or for children
If you're thinking about getting pigeons, or if you have a child interested in them then this book is fine. If you want more detail on the different breeds, diseases, reproductive system/cycle, or behavior then this book isn't for you. It's not an expensive book and makes for a nice little read, but if you're hardcore pigeon folk then you'll come away from this book disappointed.

GREAT BOOK FOR THE PERSON RAISING SHOW OR FANCY PIGEONS.
IT TELLS OF DIFFERANT TYPES OF PIGEONS. HOW TO HOUSE AND FEED THEM.IT TELLS OF THE DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT.

Great for beginners
This book has everything one could ask for. Breeding section, Resting Section and Molting Section. You really can just follow the recommendations and you won't go wrong. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Heartwarming and Wonderful!
Although I did not see the television documentary on these two little darlings, I nevertheless loved the book. Although they are now big bears, the story of little Klondike and Snow's early years is interesting, educational and touching. Abandoned by their mother as cubs, the two bears were raised by humans. This book clearly illustrates the love and devotion of the Denver Zoo towards the cubs' care and development. Klondike and Snow are now thriving at Sea World's Wild Arctic exhibit, were they have plenty of living space and attention!

This book is wonderful for any animal lover and people interested in animal/human interaction.

Who could not love these adorable bears?
I was truly fascinated by the special program on Klondike and Snow and will watch it every time I see it. I have not yet found the video to purchase. If you loved watching these two bears grow up, then this will be a great book to purchase to remember them when they were cute and cuddly. I recommend this book to help teach children to love and respect animals. When we see how truly beautiful they are you could never harm them. Children learn these values early in life.

A Teacher's Review of "Klondike and Snow"
Anyone who was fascinated by the PBS program on these two polar bears will enjoy this book. It tells the story of their early years before being transfered to the Florida zoo. The photos are amazing! I've used this book as a resource with K-6th graders, and all ages have loved it. The text under the photos is very small and in blue, making it difficult to read, but the main text is fine, and otherwise the book is wonderful. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in these two very special bears. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book
This book is great for anyone interested in Enviornmental Enrichment. It is easy to read and very easy to understand. The break down of the chapters is great. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bovine spermatozoa
This book still means a significant contribution to the study of bovine reproduction in male!
Here in Brazil we use it so much, Dr. Barth and Dr. Oko with this book has entered to the history of veterinary medicine. Congratulations!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Dolphins are way too smart to be entertaining tourists
I read the other reviews, 2 of them raved about the book and one sounds like it was written by a dolphin catcher with a Phd... I read this book and then went to the Flipper Productions Dolphin Encounter near Nassau in the Bahamas, even encountering at least one of the dolphins mentioned in the book. Every celebrity you could think of had their picture in the photo shop with dolphins. The Phd was right about the book jumping around too much. It would have been nice for continuity to hear more about his wife and how her role in his quest for example after we are introduced to her in the begining and then she is hardly mentioned through the rest of the book. This said I have to say that he is right about dolphins in captivity. I had a blast, selfishly, swimming with, dancing with, kissing and hugging dolphins- I can't wait to visit again... but it quickly becomes obvious that they are way to intelligent to be doing tricks for Katie Couric for fish. And they are better off being free to swim in the open ocean than being trapped in penned in areas for "research" and "education".

A COMPASSIONATE LOOK AT DOLPHINS
A wonderfully compassionate look at dolphins in captivity from an ex-industry insider; inspiring story that makes you want to change the world for the better.

A look at marine animals in captivity.
Although it has been several years since I read this book, it made a lasting impression on how I feel towards captivity of marine and other non-domestic animals. In addition, it opened my eyes to animal neglect and, by my defination, cruelty. For those that love animals, it's worth finding!

An unobjective look at dolphin training in the '60's
This book is filled with inaccuracies and misinformation regarding dolphins in captivity. The authors jump from topic to topic, frequently leaving the audience wondering whether the authors even wrote a rough draft of this book. Primevil and narrow minded, O'Barry infers that animal training techniques of the 1960's are still in use today. O'Barry frequently uses the book as a soapbox to promote himself as an all knowing dolphin expert who can do no wrong. Although the text does offer O'Barry's sometime clouded, but interesting history of the "old days"...the reader is left with an over all bad taste in his mouth as the book ends. The best part of the book are the archival photos of dolphins in 1960's "Flipper" television series.

Dr. Roger H. Cranium, PhD

Reports of My Death are highly exagerated!
My summary about sums it up. If you want to now everything about Karl Shapiro's later days, this is the book for you. It is not one I would recommend for doing essays or reports. ... Read more