Breeding Plans For Ruminant Livestock In The Tropics

This book comprises of three distinct but closely related parts. The first consists of an account of the origin and distribution of cattle throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world, citing contemporary evidence from anthropological, archaeological, historical, linguistic, livestock husbandry and genetic studies. It is a first, and therefore controversial, attempt to provide a comprehensive overview as to the origin of the very large number of tropical cattle breeds. In the second part an attempt is made to classify and describe all major tropical and sub-tropical cattle breeds in Afria, The Americas, Asia and Oceania. The primary reasons for classification are to facilitate conservation of all these breeds and to provide basic information for the selection of those breeds most suitable for inclusion in breeding projects. Requirements for future breeding strategies and policies are discusses in the third part of the book, together with the role that biotechnology could play in future tropical cattle breeding plans.

This guide to animal breeding in tropical countries explains what can and cannot be achieved. It starts by dealing with basic genetics and then deals with the various techniques used in animal breeding - selection, crossbreeding and inbreeding, and the effects that each of these can have on the animal populations. The author gives examples of each and points out their limitations when applied in the tropics. He also identifies systems of potential value, such as the use of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer. The book deals with specific considerations, such as the effect of climate on animals, the problems faced when dealing with tropical species, such as buffalo, and factors to take into consideration when dealing with individual traits.

Introduction; Livestock development strategies; integration: livestock with crops; Digestive physiology of ruminants; Metabolism; Manipulation of feeding & the rumen ecosystem; Control of feed inteke in ruminants; Guidelines for feeding systems; Feeding systems: straws & agro-industrial byproducts; Pasture-based feeding systems; Parasite/nutrition interactions; Nutritional principles smallholder livestock systems; Perspectives; Index.

Basic principles, Husbandry, Animal products.

This book, 'Fibre production in South American camelids and other fibre animals', covers the latest advances in the main fields of animals producing fibre. It deals with a wide scope of fibre animals and a great variety of subjects and is supported by the Animal Fibre Working Group belonging to the European Association of Animal Production. The book can be considered a valuable attempt to prepare the fibre production sector for rapid changes and innovations arising within a globalised world. The focus lies on fibre animals such as alpacas, llamas, vicunas and guanacos, but recent research on sheep, goats and rabbits is also included. The most important themes addressed are meat and fibre production, breeding and genetics, nutrition, reproduction, management, and health. Finally, the book closes with specialised discussions on fibre production related topics, which for example provide a more in-depth look at common management denominators between South American camelids and other fibre animals. The book addresses scientists, professionals, technicians, farmers, specialised governmental policy makers and students all around the world who are involved in fibre animal production (such as sheep, camelids, goats, or rabbits). This book will present them with the most current findings in this area.

Contents: "Sheep in Moroccco": "Barbary sheep": " Some experiences with Finn sheep in the subtropics"