Modern Livestock Production

Livestock are the domesticated animals that are raised in an agricultural setting for the production of labor and commodities such as milk, meat, fur, leather and wool. The branch of agriculture which deals with the raising, selective breeding and maintenance of livestock is termed as animal husbandry. It is necessary to maintain animal health to maximize the production of livestock and the products derived from them. Livestock management also includes the control, treatment and prevention of diseases which can be caught by livestock such as foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever and scrapie. The farming practices in livestock management are broadly classified as intensive or extensive. Intensive livestock farming involves housing animals in high density conditions, focusing on maximizing output while minimizing costs. Animals are left to roam at will or under the supervision of a herdsman under extensive livestock farming. This book explores all the important aspects of livestock production and management. It elucidates new techniques and their applications in a multidisciplinary approach. This book will serve as a valuable source of reference for those interested in this field.