This 484-paged book is an extensively updated and expanded edition of the previous book by Simm, which focused on cattle and sheep. It has 14 chapters, the first chapter in the book sets the scene for modern livestock breeding, by looking at the origins and roles of today's livestock breeds. The...

This chapter discussed the effects of applying the different principles in animal breeding such genetic analysis, predicting breeding values, use of tools and breeding technology, selection response within breeds, and strategies for genetic improvements in dairy cattle.

This chapter describes the recent developments in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic tests for paratuberculosis and the application and interpretation of these tests at the individual and herd level.

The primary purposes of this chapter are to consider current scientific knowledge supporting the existence of positive affective states in animals, and to describe some useful strategies for enhancing positive experiences and the long-term well-being of animals. However, current thinking needs to...

Dairy cattle are handled intensively, especially when compared to other livestock production systems. The task of milking involves daily human interaction in varied measures dependent upon parlour design. The relationship between the stockperson and the cow is important. Calm handling should be...

This chapter describes cow behaviour, health and welfare in dairy herds using robotic (automated) milking systems (AMS). We discuss three key aspects of milking that differ in AMS herds compared to conventional systems, and their implications for cow behaviour and welfare. We review the automation...

Cattle that are managed in close association with people are tame and may have no flight zone. They are either trained to lead with a lead rope or they are easily herded in small groups. These animals are accustomed to lots of human activity around them. Tame intact bulls that have been kept tied...

This chapter describes the use of change-over experimental designs to analyse the effects of two or more treatments assigned to the same animal in different periods.

This chapter defines the concept of probability and its application in animal production studies.

The concept of parameter estimation in statistical analysis and its application in animal production studies is discussed.