Animal Husbandry: Perspectives on Production and Management

The branch of agriculture that deals with the raising of animals for the provision of food, fiber and other products is referred to as animal husbandry. Many commercial sectors are dependent on the optimum production and management of animals. These include the dairy and meat industry, aquaculture production, honey manufacture, silk farming, etc. Animals can be reared both intensively and extensively. In extensive farming, animals are allowed to roam at will. In intensive systems, they are kept in high-density feedlots, climate-controlled buildings, barns, cages, etc. and their forage is provided. There is an increased reliance on intensive animal farming and production systems suited to the land available in modern animal husbandry. Besides these, there is also an increased use of chemical and mechanized methods. Embryo transfer and artificial insemination are common practices today to improve productivity or quality of the animals. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of animal husbandry. It attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under this discipline and how such concepts have practical applications. For all readers who are interested in modern animal husbandry, the case studies included herein will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.