Reviews (1)

This is the best ever
I just finished reading The Modern Cowboy by John Erickson. It is a very good book about the life of the American cowboy. Erickson covers every aspect of the cowboy working on a ranch in our country. He not only covers the day to day life of the cowboy, he gives the reader a view of what is in the future for cowboys and ranching. A great book. ... Read more

Book Description

This award-winning book offers an invaluable synthesis that is essential reading for anyone interested in the cattle-ranching traditions in North America. In this revisionist study, historical geographer Jordan reinterprets cattle ranching in the Old World and New, challenging the notion that western cattle culture derived principally from Texas. Jordan begins by looking at Old World stock-raising patterns of the British, Spanish, and North Africans and traces how these practices merged in the Caribbean and were brought into Mexico. He also shows how in the eighteenth and nineteenth century cattle-raising found its way to the Eastern Seaboard, the South and Midwest of the present United States, and into California. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Webb--not!
The book is excellent; takes a complex look at how ranching developed in North America and replaces many myths with facts. A cultural geographer, Jordan is a consummate researcher and explores the way cattle (and people) moved into North America, and how it shaped settlement. If you are like me, and bristle when reading Walter Prescott Webb, because you just KNOW it's not really like that--this book explains what really happened, as cattle and people moved onto the Plains. He provides lots of valuable bibliographic sources, too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Strong, comprehensive book
Summary: A history book that tries to measure the facts related to animal domestication, and also speculates on where people would be without their animal companions.The book's main premise is that the domestication of animals was a necessary stepping-stone to civilization, giving early man the ability to transport themselves and possessions for long distances, and also providing enough meat to take man beyond a hand-to-mouth existence. The book covers animals including horses, cows, pigs, reindeer, sheep, goats, chickens, bees, silkworms, dogs, elephants, cats, turkeys, geese, swans, ducks, rabbits, pigeons, rats, mice, camels, and, as they say, much, much more.

The Good and the Bad:
This book has a premise that I find interesting: a look at the history of mankind through a specific focus. The weaknesses of the book are that the argument that people couldn't have gotten anywhere without animals is kind of at once obvious and unproven. Surely, having animals made things significantly easier, but it's difficult to say that civilization wouldn't have gotten going eventually anyhow. The book is also kind of redundant, because so many of the animals have such a similar history and impact that in some ways, reading about sheep makes reading about goats much less interesting. Also, in many of the cases, there is simply very little known about the domestication process, leaving many gaps to be filled with speculation. On the positive side, there were so many interesting facts that some sections of the book were nothing less than fascinating. Caras does a good job of bringing home again and again how a relationship that we've taken for granted happened only with great effort, and a significant sacrifice on the part of early man and the animals in question.
What I learned:
Reindeer are weird animals, hunting lemmings and eating human urine. Cows are descended from Aurochs, which were three times the size of the cattle we breed today. There are probably no wild horses left in the world, with the possible exception of the outer limits of Siberia. The black rat was responsible for the black plague, but was supplanted by the brown rat that we know today. The definition of domestication that he works with involves the breeding of wild stock to produce favorable traits that make the separate gene pools measurably different.

Highly recommended for all animal rights activists
A Perfect Harmony: The Intertwining Lives Of Animals And Humans throughout History by animal expert and author Roger A. Caras is a fascinating, informative, and enlightening look at how domesticating animals forever changed human history and created the fundamental basis (along with agriculture) for the rise of human civilization. From pastoral livestock, to burden bearers, to controlled, fostered, and protected resources for hunters, animals have served human needs for thousands of years, and so helped shape the world as we know it today. Illustrated with black-and-white artwork, A Perfect Harmony offers a wealth of detail in a thoroughly "reader friendly" text which is very highly recommended for all animal rights activists and wildlife/animal companion enthusiasts interested in learning more about man's interdependence upon our domesticated livestock. ... Read more

Book Description

The great cowboy phenomenon of the American West began with the Spanish exploration and settlement of New Mexico more than 400 years ago. Enduring Cowboys explores the advent of the vaquero in sixteenth-century New Mexico and continues through the years to the authentic working cowboy of today. Essays by some of the states most knowledgeable writers examine many issues confronting the contemporary cowboy, including environmentalism, technology, and economics and the threats they pose to the historically entrenched cowboy life-style. Also explored is the romanticization of the cowboy in popular culture. New Mexico cowboys come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds - Native American, Anglo, and African American as well as Hispanic. And some New Mexico cowboys are women.

Included in addition to the essays are biographical vignettes accompanied by portraits of individual working cowboys and cowgirls, along with numerous color and historical photographs.

The contributors include John Sinclair, J. Michael Miller, Steve Terrell, Joel Bernstein, Steve Larese, Conroy Chino, Cathy Nelson, Jane OCain, Kathryn Marmon, and the editor. ... Read more

Book Description

The Basics series provides the ideal introduction to new techniques in the laboratory. This series of books will allow you to use the techniques described, and to manipulate them to suit your own basic requirements.

This book describes the basic requirements for establishing and maintaining cell cultures both in the laboratory and in large-scale operations. Minimal background knowledge of the subject is assumed and therefore it will be a readable introduction to animal cell culture for scientists intending to initiate some work in this field.

New topics are included to reflect the latest developments and trends in the field. They cover the latest theory of the biological clock (teleomeres) of cell lines, the development of improved serum-free media formulations, the increased understanding of the importance and control of protein glycosylation and the humanization of antibodies for therapeutic use. ... Read more

Book Description

This management-systems oriented book is an excellent source of information for college students, beef producers, leaders in the beef industry, and anyone interested in beef cattle.It has three objectives: (1) to identify the primary biological principles that contribute to raising productive beef cattle; (2) to integrate these principles with the economic considerations involved in producing profitable, highly preferred consumer products; and (3) to enhance understanding and communication between all segments of the beef industry. The Third Edition strengthens its emphasis on management and management decisions based on sound biological and economic principles that meet specifications for beef production and improve profitability. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A GREAT up-to-date text for students or aspiring ranchers!
If you are considering cattle ranching or producing beef in a feedlot this book will be invaluable to you or your students.

I found the inclusion of general management advice to be especially valuable.

The data provided to analyze the income potential of various types of production considerations also is appreciated.

If you can buy only one book regarding beef production, buy BEEF PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT DECISIONS. If you can afford a second book, purchase STOREY'S GUIDE TO RAISING BEEF CATTLE. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

For zookeepers, wildlife managers, ranchers and more
Hand-Rearing Wild And Domestic Mammals by veterinarian Laurie J. Gage, DVM and drawing from expert contributions from more than thirty veterinary technicians, wildlife specialists and practicing veterinarians from around the globe is a solid, scholarly, exhaustively researched and detailed how-to manual for hand-rearing a wide variety of mammals, from commonplace pets to farm animals such as foals, piglets, and llamas, to unusual species such as walruses, sloths, and exotic felines. Extensive instructions, information on crafting nutritional formulas, feeding schedules, vaccinations, special needs, and much more make Hand-Rearing Wild And Domestic animals an indispensable, professional, superbly organized and accessible reference for zookeepers, wildlife managers, ranchers, and anyone else with the responsibility raising wild or domestic animals from birth through weaning. ... Read more

Book Description

During the last century, the conservation of wildlife and the need to increase the production of animal agriculture, particularly in developing countries, have been in conflict at times, yet both have clear financial, biological, social, and even spiritual value for society. This volume addresses the problems of disease in both wildlife and domestic animals and the transmission of disease between the two populations. It examines ways in which we can conserve and manage animals in both sectors for optimal health and production, while preserving ecological communities. Diseases as diverse as tuberculosis, foot and mouth, and rinderpest are discussed. Global disease surveillance, the transmission of diseases between animals and people, and human dependence on healthy livestock and wildlife are also emphasized.

Table of Contents:Part I. The Importance of Disease in Wildlife and Domestic Livestock and the Relationship to Issues of Conservation and SustainabilityPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. A. Diagnostics: VirusesPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. A. Diagnostics: BacteriaPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. A. Diagnostics: ProtozoaPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. B. Vaccines, Immunology, and Genomics: VirusesPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. B. Vaccines, Immunology, and Genomics: BacteriaPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. B. Vaccines, Immunology, and Genomics: ProtozoaPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. B. Vaccines, Immunology, and Genomics: ArthropodsPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. C. Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Disease Management: VirusesPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. C. Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Disease Management: BacteriaPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. C. Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Disease Management: ProtozoaPart II. Approaches to Disease Control. C. Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Disease Management: Arthropod VectorsPart III. General ... Read more

Book Description

Helps hobby farmers to become more knowledgeable about their poultry and to better appreciate the bountiful gifts they bestow. ... Read more

Book Description

Since it was originally domesticated in the late Neolithic period, the horse has been used for transport, labor, food and recreational purposes. This book enables the reader to gain insight into the past and present behavior of this fascinating animal as well as its profound effect upon human society. It will appeal to animal scientists and to those working with horses in a professional capacity as well as enthusiastic owners. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is specifically designed for keepers of domestic ferrets in homes and apartments and covers the history of the ferret, how to choose the right pet, housing, feeding, house training, hygiene, exercise, breeding, and even exhibiting. An invaluable reference for all ferret owners and a "must-have" book for all bookshop pet sections and pet retailers. ... Read more

Book Description

Expert advice and practical information on horse breeding for all mare owners.

In this completely revised and updated reference, author Peter Rossdale explains in simple language the biological functions upon which horse reproduction is based, giving enough background to enable those working in stables and stud farms to cope with any problems that may arise. He never overwhelm readers with excessive detail and avoids being doctrinaire, arguing that there are many ways to the same end and that it is the duty of the vet to explain a breeder's options.

His purpose throughout is to clarify and be a source of reference, advocating that the person on the spot should be in a position to make decisions based on background knowledge as well as experience - knowledge breeders will find inside this book. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This is how the old timers did it - and it still works!
For those out there who still refuse to put anything nylon on yer hoss - this is the book for you. In an age when "horse whisperers" dominate the public's view on training their mounts, it's good to still pay attention to the wisdom and insight passed on by men who rode for a living, day in and day out, on green mounts in rough country. Also includes sections on handling a herd, packing, campfire cooking, leather work, saddles, tack, early rodeo, and a few long-forgotten loops for those of you who think you know how to throw a rope! True buckaroos as well as greenhorns will love this book.

EXELENT
TO GOOD TO BE TRUE IF YOU ENJOY COWBOYS THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YO ... Read more

Reviews (1)

tour de force
Richard Bulliet's, Camel and the Wheel, is a seminal example of social history from the perspective of an animal. In the vein of the French Annales school of Marc Bloch and Ladurie, Bulliet traces the origin of the camel in North America (!), tracks how it got to the Middle East, how it came to be the favourite beast of the Arabs and how it helped to facilitate the lightening Muslim conquests in the 7th century that brought all of North Africa, Spain, the Levant, Iran, and Sind under Muslim control by 711 C.E. Bulliet lays out some surprising discoveries in the realm of camel saddles and explains why they carry the key to the Arab conquests. Significantly, Bulliet posits a brilliant counter-intuitive theory for the disappearance of the wheel from the Middle East for the better part of a millenium--a theory that is no longer even questioned. Readers will find intriguing and superbly documented responses to some of these crucial issues. A veritable historical "who-dunnit", Camel and the Wheel is an entertaining and enlightening read! ... Read more