A basic book on animal husbandry?

Question

i am looking for a good book to give me some basic info on growing my own meat...i would like it to cover...cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, geese and rabbits if possible.

any help would be much appreciated.

:)

Answer 1

Here is a college textbook that could get you started.

Animal Sciences: The Biology, Care, and Production of Domestic Animals

This book would be a good reference. After you have figured out what you want to raise then you could get a book on just that animal.

If you are looking for ways to get locally raised meat its always a good idea to check with the local butchers or in the newspaper under the classifieds. Many farmers will sell a side of beef in the paper and its usually very affordable.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Just started this myself...Absolutely cannot beat this book "Barnyard in Your Backyard"   Covers All of the above,(except for pigs) including housing, feed, sanitation, disease prevention, and basic breeding.

Answer 3

Search it on google or  in your nearby public library, i'l mail you  the name of book if  im able to find it, OK

Answer 4

Scientific Farm Animal Production: An Introduction to Animal Sciences 9th ed. ISBN: 0-13-244736-3

this book should cover at least a basic of everything you want to know. also keep in mind that similar stomach animals can be treated the same. say your chicken and geese.

i used it in my college class and it covers animal contributions to human needs, overview of the livestock and poultry industries, red meat products, poultry and egg products, milk and milk products, wool and mohair, by-products, market classes and grades of livestock poultry and eggs, visual evalution of market animals, reproduction, AI estrous synchronization and embryo transfer, genetics, genetic change through selection, mating systems, nutrients and their functions, digestion and absorption of feed, providing nutrients for body functions, growth and development, lactation, adaptation to the environment, animal health, animal behavior, issues in animal ag, making effective management decisions, beef cattle breed and breeding, feeding and managing beef cattle, dairy callt breeds and breedign, feeding and managing dairy cattle, swine breeds and breeding, feeding and managing swine, sheep breeds and breeding, feeding and managing sheep, horse breeds and breeding, feeding and managing horses, poultry breeding feeding and management, goat breeding feeding and management, careers and career preparation in the animal sciences, and aquaculture

Answer 5

I don't know of a book that will cover everything you want to know. You can contact your county agent which works out of the county extension office i think all counties have an extension office that would be a great place to get information

Answer 6

You will find plenty of information on the internet as well as with reading books.  There is a tremendous amount of printed materials.  Every ag college in the country has put out manuals, books, etc regarding your question for various animals.  You can become overwhelmed with "technical" information and leave you as confused as when you started.

Try to figure out which animal(s) you wish to start with.  Land space and buildings if any that would be required and then find a veterinarian that works with large animals that can be available for vaccinations and medical questions.  Local elevators or local farmers may help with feed and nutrition questions.  If you can find a local farmer who will provide a young steer or feeder pigs, they will most likely be able to help you with feed issues and give you tips on how to begin and care for your animal.  Good luck.