Kept as pets, raised for their milk, meat, or fiber, or prized for their beauty or rarity, goats are increasingly popular animals on farms large and small. Whether you raise a favored few or a hundred head, this guide is the ultimate resource on North American breeds. The book provides detailed descriptions of more than twenty goat breeds found in the United States and Canada, from the popular Nubian, Pygmy, and Boer to the rare and lovely Golden Guernsey. Illustrated with 150 color photographs, this convenient, easy-to-use field guide includes exhaustive information about behavior, characteristics, breeding, and history, as well as a glossary of caprine terms and a list of breed associations. It is the essential reference that anyone with an interest in goats should not be without.

The most comprehensive guide to the bovids of the world Bovids are a diverse group of ruminant mammals that have hooves and unbranched hollow horns. Bovids of the World is the first comprehensive field guide to cover all 279 bovid species, including antelopes, gazelles, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. From the hartebeest of Africa and the takin of Asia to the muskox of North America, bovids are among the world's most spectacular animals and this stunningly illustrated and easy-to-use field guide is an ideal way to learn more about them. The guide covers all species and subspecies of bovids described to date. It features more than 300 superb full-color plates depicting every kind of bovid, as well as detailed facing-page species accounts that describe key identification features, horn morphology, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, and conservation status in the wild. This book also shows where to observe each species and includes helpful distribution maps. Suitable for anyone with an interest in natural history, Bovids of the World is a remarkable and attractive reference, showcasing the range and beauty of these important mammals. The first comprehensive field guide to all 279 bovid species 337 full-color plates, with more than 1,500 photographs Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status Fully updated and revised taxonomy, with common and scientific names Easy-to-read distribution maps

The first full-color, illustrated pocket guide to North American cattle, this handy book profiles more than 60 breeds of beef, dairy, and draft cattle. Whether you are farming 50 head of cattle or raising one cow--or simply want to learn about where your milk and meat come from--this invaluable resource will tell you everything you need to know. The field guide offers a wealth of information, from practical tips for communicating with bulls and reading a cows body language to the history and science behind crossbreeding and herd instincts. Mooing, milking, and calving; horns, bovine digestion, and the difference between dairy wedge, beef block, and draft shoulders--these topics and many more are covered in depth for breeds as familiar as Holstein, Hereford, Angus, and Jersey and as rare as Florida Cracker and Randall Lineback. With its interesting facts, 150 color photographs, glossary, breed classification table, and resource list, The Field Guide to Cattle is the essential guidebook to North Americas cattle breeds.

In A Field Guide to Cows, John Pukite provides all the facts-so even the novice can identify and get to know America's fifty-two breeds of cattle. Every entry in this entertaining yet completely usable book features an illustration that highlights each breed's most easily identifiable traits, such as coloration pattern and body shape. The book includes a checklist of breeds so the die-hard cow watcher can keep track of sightings, a list of essential garb and gear for cow watching, a glossary of terms, a listing of breeder associations, and more. Fascinating cow trivia is interspersed throughout. Informative, amazing, and amusing, A Field Guide to Cows is the indispensable companion for would-be cow tippers, farmers, city folk, agriculturalists, interstate drivers, 4-H'ers, vacationing families, and everyone who likes to moo at cows. Cow Facts There are approximately 350 squirts in a gallon of milk Old cows in India have their own nursing homes From 1866 to 1895 cowboys drove about 10,000,000 cattle out of Texas

With this compact portable reference in hand, crafters can quickly and easily look up any of 100 different sheep breeds, the characteristics of their fleece, and the kinds of projects for which their fleece is best suited. Each breed profile includes a photograph of the animal and information about its origin and conservation status, as well as the weight, staple length, fiber diameter, and natural colors of its fleece. This is a great primer for beginners, and a handy guide for anyone who loves working with fleece.

From the large-tailed Karakul sheep to the floppy-eared Gloucestershire Old Spot pig, North America is home to an extraordinary array of livestock. Comprehensive, colorful, and captivating, Storey’s Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle, and Pigs features full-color profiles of 163 livestock breeds. Whether you’re looking for a gentle domestic backyard animal or are hoping to introduce a rare heritage breed on your farm, you’re sure to find an animal that’s perfect for your needs.

From the Back Cover: Minimal space and housing needs make goats a practical choice for small or backyard dairy farmers, and Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats is the one book farmers need to raise healthy, productive animals. This comprehensive and reassuring guide includes complete instructions for turning your goat milk into profitable cheese, yogurt, kefir, and butter. The revised and updated fourth edition includes: Updated information on disease diagnosis and treatment; Tips on choosing pygmy breeds; Expanded coverage of breeding, kidding, and raising kids; More information on milking, dairying, and cheesemaking; Expanded resource section.