Mason's World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds, Types and Varieties, now in its sixth edition, has a long history as a reliable and authoritative source of key livestock breed information. Intended as a list of livestock names and synonyms for breeds, groups, types and varieties worldwide, the dictionary aims to include all names found in the literature, 'defining' each breed or type with a brief indication of identifying characteristics, uses and source of origin.

"It is an essential reference book for all those concerned with domestic livestock, in animal breeding and genetics."--BOOK JACKET.

This dictionary covers cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, donkeys and buffalo. It includes all names which have been applied to interbreeding groups of these species whether they are called breeds, sub-breeds, types, varieties, strains or lines. The region or country of origin of each group is given and this is followed by a very brief description of the breed in terms of products, color, and major morphological features. There is a note on the history of the breed and the dates of formation of breed societies and herdbooks. Synonyms for its name are listed as well as the present conservation status. This new edition includes approximately 9,000 entries, of which 5,000 are main entries and 4,000 are cross references. This represents an increase on the third edition of 18% for main entries and 13% for cross references. The highest proportion of new breed entries are in the horse and pig chapters. Furthermore some 2,300 entries (30%) have been amended. These include 400 major changes, such as new name, extinction, or the extension of a bare name to a complete entry. They also include 1,900 entries with minor changes, for example new breed society, new synonyms, additions to distribution or description, changes in spelling or of conservation status. China features strongly in all additions and amendments. In addition to these changes references to USSR, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia have been corrected in accordance with the current country names. Overall the book continues to represent the standard reference work for all concerned with domestic livestock, particularly those involved in animal breeding and genetics.

Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding describes breeds of livestock worldwide as well as a range of breed-related subjects such as husbandry, health and behaviour. This definitive and prestigious reference work presents easily accessible information on domestication (including wild ancestors and related species), genetics and breeding, livestock produce and markets, as well as breed conservation and the cultural and social aspects of livestock farming. Written by renowned livestock authorities, these volumes draw on the authors' lifelong interest and involvement in livestock breeds of the world, presenting a unique, comprehensive and fully cross-referenced guide to cattle, buffalo, horses, pigs, sheep, asses, goats, camelids, yak and other domesticants.

Since the time of domestication more than 10,000 years ago, cattle have played an increasingly crucial role in the development of human civilizations. Progress has been quite remarkable since the turn of the century; the sequencing of the bovine genome in 2009 launched new avenues for furthering our understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of cattle genetics. Covering a vast array of questions, this book reviews major topics from molecular and developmental genetics, disease resistance and immunogenetics to genetic improvement of dairy and beef breeds, addressing all current problems in the field. This second edition includes a new team of authors and completely new chapters on the genetics of fat production, nutrition, feed intake and efficiency, growth and body composition. Fully updated throughout, it provides a valuable resource on cattle genetics for researchers, breeders, veterinarians and postgraduate students.

Livestock biodiversity is integral to our culture, history, environment, economy and, most importantly, our future. Thousands of livestock breeds, from relatively small genetic pools, have evolved over time to suit particular environments and farming systems. This is both the result of natural processes and of human needs for specialized livestock – as our knowledge of genetics continues to increase we achieve a greater understanding of how this biodiversity evolved. This book offers a detailed and comprehensive overview of livestock biodiversity. It explores the history behind it, shows how livestock biodiversity can be utilized as animal genetic resources through breed development and by crossbreeding, examines the state of world livestock biodiversity today, and emphasizes the importance of conserving and developing the biodiversity of livestock. Special consideration is given to: • How livestock biodiversity arose and is maintained in relation to human society • How it can be used in sustainable agricultural development • How it can be conserved for the benefit of present and future generations • Why conservation biologists, as well as agriculturists, should be involved in its protection

This reference provides the groundwork, tools, and terminology required when conducting specialized searches for information and resources pertaining to traditional and emerging fields of agriculture. The editors present 16 contributions from librarians and other information workers that offer information on research resources across the academic a