Book Description

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? That's just about the only question that isn't answered in The Complete Chicken, which pays tribute to this popular poultry.

In an easy-to-read style, Pam Percy provides a colorful, entertaining account of chicken history; chicken breeds; the chicken's role in art and pop culture, myth, legend, religion, and folklore; plus information on chicken collectibles. With all this and more--including a wide selection of words and phrases inspired by chicks, technical poultry terms, and instructions on how to say cock-a-doodle-doo in different languages and other trivia--The Complete Chicken has something for every chicken lover.

The light-hearted yet informative text is complemented by delightful illustrations, including photographs of different breeds. Also depicted are images of chickens in pop culture, chickens in ads, chicken collectibles (chickenalia) and popular poultry. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

chicken dialectics
This book describes, in at times overwhelming detail, the role of the chicken in the development of psychoanalytic thought and practice, and by extension, the history of twentieth century Western culture. I sincerely hope that the author plans a follow-up to this definitive text, outlining the chicken's equally-influential role in Eastern thought (most notably Zen Buddhism).

I am certain that Auden's observation that Freud was no longer an individual, but rather a "climate of opinion," had everything to do with the "Flock Dialectic," detailed in this remarkable book (and leave it to Lacan, of course, to take this statement to its inevitable conclusion, in his work on "poulets picotant pour la graine," particularly in as it pertains to his "Romantic Construction of the Unconscious").

One does not have to be an academic to comprehend the manner in which the chicken's flightless, songless state morphed, via a Bahktinian (by way of Rabelais) inversion of norms, into the "cri de couer" of our strange and troubled century.

If you are interested in psychoanalytical praxis, I heartily recommend this book. That said, the lay reader or analysand will find it enlightening, as well.

A fascinating, bird-themed history
The Complete Chicken: An Entertaining History Of Chickens by Pam Percy (who has been raising chickens as a hobby since 1986 on her five-acre property near Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a fascinating and detailed history of chickens in recorded human history, ranging from their domestication and use as egg layers and a source of food, to popular culture features such as the animated movie "Chicken Run." Full-color illustrations and photographs, famous chicken-themed quotes, and a solid body of fascinating information mark The Complete Chicken as a fascinating, bird-themed history which is a "must read" for chicken fanciers and fans.

"The Complete Chicken" more than just scratches the surface
I picked up a copy of Pam Percy's "The Complete Chicken" and couldn't put it down. It's a great blend of humor and history--great for chicken aficionados and chicken newbies alike. I particularly like its collection of chicken paintings and other artwork throughout history. I plan to give this book to all of the hobby farmers on my Christmas list this year.

Cute but destined to be a bargain table book.....
I was excited when I saw this book, I was hoping for a comprehensive guide to the history of the chicken, my favorite land animal. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice book great pictures, great vintage art but in no way complete. Great for someone who has a slight interest in chickens, or loves country.

Delightful!
I have really been enjoying this book. It's one that I can pick up any time, and as I read, I frequently find myself saying to whoever is near, "Listen to this...."
Interesting, funny, well-written, even useful -- thoroughly charming. ... Read more

Book Description

In today's world, we are witnessing simultaneous breakthroughs in reproductive technologies, genomics, and molecular biology. Advances in molecular genetic technology and understanding of the bovine genome have led to the development of tools that can be used to enhance profitability on cow-calf enterprises. Factors Affecting Calf Crop: Biotechnology of Reproduction provides a detailed compilation of current and forthcoming technology for managing reproduction in cattle. The book discusses topics such as: approved techniques for controlling the estrous cycle in cattle; managing follicular growth with progesterone, estrogens, and prostaglandins; freezing, thawing, and transfer of cattle embryos; application of embryo transfer to the beef cattle industry; embryo transfer in topically adapted cattle; new factors affecting bull fertility; embryo collection and utilization technology, in vitro fertilization, somatic cell cloning, and genetic technologies; uses of real-time ultrasound; and sexed semen. Over 25 leading animal scientists have combined their expertise to produce the first single-source reference that covers successful reproductive techniques that will, most likely, be the wave of the future. Expansive in scope, the book addresses current biotechnologies as they impact the production of beef cattle. Written at a level to appeal to the researcher, commercial producer, or student, Factors Affecting Calf Crop: Biotechnology of Reproduction presents you with a wealth of technologies applicable to animal agriculture. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive book covers all types of farm animals and provides detailed information on each species. Specifics include information on the characteristics of the industry, the breeds, selection of breeding stock, feeding and management of the species, diseases and parasites common to the species, and marketing principles. Such current issues as animal rights and animal welfare, food safety, environmental issues, and biotechnology are explored. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

A simple introduction to the physical characteristics and behavior of cows. ... Read more

Book Description

An experienced animal breeder, Rick Bourdon designed this book to be a modern, technologically up-to-date approach to animal breeding.Understanding Animal Breeding addresses the abstract concepts of animal breeding, presenting the necessary mathematics, but previous experience in genetics and statistics is not assumed. Well organized and readable, the book stresses application, then explains theory for an overall understanding of the material. Coverage explores the latest material on interactions and breeding objectives; performance testing; probabilities and inheritance; the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with multiple alleles; realized response to selection; breeding for uniformity; and biotechnology.For practicing animal breeders as well as those interested in breeding and agriculture. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of a kind.
Understanding Animal Breeding is truly a one of a kind book. With beatiful pictures and helpful information, this book is for anyone who loves to learn about animals or animal behavior. With over 500 pages of wonderful stuff you'll never get tired of it. The author is a good writer with a lot of skill and has know how of animal. ... Read more

Book Description

Humans have manipulated and changed the way of life of other mammals for thousands of years.This new second edition of A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals explores recent progress in understanding the origins of domestication and its spread, both biologically and culturally, across the world. The author includes current archaeological evidence for the earliest dating of domestication of each species, reflecting the recent growth of such studies. This second edition is printed in full color throughout. ... Read more

Book Description

An 88 page perfect bound revised and expanded text for the novice llama owner as well as some tips and hints for those more experienced.New chapters include information on breeding and birthing as well as trouble shooting while on the trail. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Novice Llama Enthusiast
I didn't know much about llamas - just that they were cute and I liked them. I appreciated the information in this book, it has helped when I have visited llama farms and worked with these marvelous animals.

Do not buy this book
What a horrible book, I thought for the price it would be much much better. Do not waste your money. If you are looking for a good book about Llama's try "A Guide to Raising Llamas".

Concise and informative from beginning to end
Making the Most of Your Llama does just that - advice on how to get started, how to keep them healthy, how to train on the trail and how to use the by products of the llama - babies, manure and wool! I have the first edition - this one is greatly improved and expanded. ... Read more

Book Description

The science of genetics has undergone a period of very rapid and significant development in recent years, and the area of poultry genetics has been no exception. This book provides a balanced and up-to-date account of all the major areas of this subject from Mendelian to modern molecular genetics. The book begins by tracing the evolution of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) from its avian ancestors.Subsequent chapters cover important aspects of poultry genetics, including cytogenetics, transmission genetics, gene mapping, sex linkage, lethal genes, genetics of feathering and plumage, and quantitative genetics.In each chapter, a concise explanation of the genetic principles is followed by a full discussion illustrated by key examples.In the latter part of the book, recent advances in gene cloning and sequencing are examined. In the area of molecular genetics, where the most rapid developments have been made, more extensive background information is given and a glossary of terms is included.The impact of these exciting new developments on our understanding of gene structure and organization, immunogenetics, and the evolution of proteins is assessed. Finally, the uses of transgenic techniques and their implications are discussed. This book provides a clear and useful survey of the genetics and evolution of the domestic fowl, which will be of interest to postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of genetics, agriculture, and veterinary medicine, as well as to poultry breeders, both commercial and non-commercial. ... Read more

Book Description

This book synthesizes existing knowledge of the process of domestication and how domestication has affected the behavior of captive wild and domesticated animals, including both farm, zoo and companion animals. Three broad themes are addressed: Genetic contributions to the process of domestication; experimental contributions to the process of domestication; and the process of feralization (i.e. the adaptation of domesticated animals when returned to their natural habitat). Written by a world authority on the subject, this book makes a highly original contribution to the literature. ... Read more

Book Description

In the past half century, great progress has been made in the reproductive management of farm animals, both mammals and birds. This book aims to review developments and indicate which reproductive technologies can be used commercially or in research.It begins by discussing artificial insemination and how this has recently been refined in semen sexing technology. Embryo transfer, in virtro embryo production technology, and the control of oestrus and ovulation are then reviewed. Subsequent chapters consider the control of postpartum ovarian activity, seasonal breeding, multiple births and litter size, pregnancy testing, parturition, and the onset of puberty. The author then describes more recent developments in cloning and the production of transgenic animals, before a final chapter on suppressing reproductive activity. ... Read more

Book Description

An introductory overview of aspects of genetics that are relevant to animal diseases and to animal production. This is a shorter and simplified version of the successful Veterinary Genetics (1987), and is ideal for students, classroom use, and Practitioners who require more guidance with genetics. Molecular techniques that are revolutionising our understanding of animal genetics are covered throughout the book, including in the areas of familial disorders, environmental control of inherited disorders, animal breeding, and selection. ... Read more

Book Description

The story of the Texas Longhorn with wit and folk wisdom in the tradition of cattle drover, Lester Galbreath offers his ruminations on the breed, gained from his vantage point as longtime park ranger who wrangles the Longhorn herd headquartered a Fort Griffin State Park. ... Read more

Book Description

This unique reference--the first book of its kind on the subject--presents the fundamental information necessary for the development of weed management strategies for all of the major U.S. crops using concepts that can be applied worldwide. ... Read more