There has been rapid global expansion of production and consumption of animal products which is expected to continue to grow. While traditional livestock systems contribute to the livelihoods of 70% of the world's rural poor, increasingly the emerging large-scale operations with sophisticated technology and international trade cater for the rapidly growing markets for meat, milk and eggs. Poultry are kept for the production of eggs and meat. Poultry are kept in most areas of the world and provide an acceptable form of animal protein to most people throughout the world. During the last decade, many developing countries have adopted intensive poultry production in order to meet the demand for this form of animal protein. Increasing productivity - making the most efficient use of the production inputs - throughout the whole livestock sector will be fundamental if the sector is to meet the growing demand for quality livestock products whilst minimising its impact on the environmental and the world's natural resources. This comprehensive textbook covers all types of farm animals and provides detailed information on each species.
