A richly illustrated introduction to the science and history of the
cow
We populate the countryside with cows the world over, and their familiar
presence ensures that global demands for milk and beef are met. But with
more than a billion cattle on the planet, the importance of cows extends
well beyond food production. Cows are venerated by some religions and
shunned by others; they provide leather for shoes, clothing, and other
uses; and they have long been central to the agricultural way of life,
working the fields, pulling carts, and providing fertilizer. The Cow
is a comprehensive guide to help us understand these important animals,
offering a wealth of information about their anatomy and behaviors,
breed varieties, and place in human culture past and present. Exploring
the cow's livestock credentials and beyond, this book combines engaging
and informative text, beautiful photographs, and explanatory diagrams to
examine the cow's fascinating biology, its hard-wired behaviors, and its
relationship with humankind.
- Provides an in-depth look at the evolution of the cow, its role in
agriculture, and the development of breeds
- Includes chapters on Anatomy & Biology, Society & Behavior, and Cattle
& People
- Features a photographic directory of forty global cattle breeds
