The determination of when, how, how often and with whom an animal breeds is moving rapidly away from evolutionary pressures and towards human purposes: these include the breeding of around 50 billion mammals and birds for food production annually, the breeding of pedigree dogs and cats, racing dogs and horses, specialised laboratory animal strains and the use of reproductive science to conserve endangered species or breeds and to limit unwanted populations of pests and non-native species. But the ethics and sustainability of this takeover of animals' reproductive lives have been insufficiently examined by either professionals or the public. This book discusses the methods, the motivations and the consequences of human intervention in animal breeding in terms of animal health, behaviour and well-being. It explores where we are now and the choices ahead, and looks to a future where we have more respect for animals as sentient beings and where we could loosen the reins of reproductive control.

The discovery of Salmonella in swine in 1885 marked the beginning of intense efforts to control salmonellae that have continued for the past 127 years. The majority of foodborne outbreaks are caused by only a few of the 2500+ known serovars. While progress has been made on many fronts, salmonellosis has yet to be eliminated in either developed or in developing nations. This work represents the collective contributions of authors from all around the world. Chapters in this book address a wide array of topics related to understanding and controlling this pathogen, including: Salmonella as studied in the environment, air and in food products; virulence and pathogenicity; control by bacteriophages and other antimicrobials; bacterial adaptation; etc.

No Way to Treat a Friend is an informative and readable exposé of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine (CAVM). Written in an accessible style and illustrated with stories and cases from veterinary practice about real animals, this book is a counterweight to the mass of ‘pro’ literature in existence which uncritically promotes CAVM without consideration of whether or not it works or could even be harmful to our animal companions. The book takes a close look at how thinking can go wrong and how animals can appear to respond to treatment even when it is ineffective. Individual alternative practices are examined including homeopathy, acupuncture, raw diets and the anti-vaccination lobby and we find out if their claims stand up to scrutiny. With a thoroughly scientific line, it is not an attack on different belief systems, but a rigorous analysis of the facts, and a consideration of typical CAVM arguments, as well as a helpful explanation for people who may be unfamiliar with what the various therapies entail. Following on from the several successful books questioning the use of complementary therapies in human medicine such as Bad Science, No Way to Treat a Friend looks at their use in veterinary medicine. This is a valuable resource for veterinary practitioners as well as lay people who are interested in popular science, animal topics, animal welfare and medical matters. 5m Books

Understanding the Horse's Feet sets out to explain the complexity of this subject in terms that the lay person can understand, and help the horse owner to have confidence in discussing foot-related issues with their vet or farrier/trimmer. The perennial problem of laminitis is examined in depth, together with other conditions that commonly affect the horse's foot. Topics covered include: The structure of the horse's foot; Examining horses' feet; The function of the hoof and the other foot structures; Laminitis; Investigating lameness. A practical guide to understanding the complexities of the horse's feet, aimed at horse owners, riding instructors, veterinary nurses and students. Superbly illustrated with 228 colour photographs and diagrams. John Stewart is an experienced vet and has his own equine practice.