Lawrence Alderson

Since the middle of the twentieth century the world has witnessed a succession of political and social disruptions. Globalisation, technological advancement, climate change, human migration, war and conflict - all have caused major worldwide upheavals. In this light, it's unsurprising that conservation of rare breed animals has been neglected. Yet the preservation of these genetic resources - this biological diversity - is an essential ingredient of sustainable life on Earth, and not something we can afford to lose. This book challenges often repeated 'facts' about livestock farming, straight from the horse's mouth. In it, rare breeds expert Lawrence Alderson CBE argues for a reasoned and evidence-based approach from political and public circles. Correcting misconceptions as he goes, he recounts the creation and development of the rare breed conservation movement, addresses extinctions and genetic safe-guarding measures, and considers where we go from here. Challenged as we are by climate change, sustainability and feeding the world, perhaps it is these endangered animals that hold the answer - perhaps with them, we can adapt to our changing environment and see a way forward to a more certain future.

The dramatically distinctive White Park cattle which grace parkland and pasture in many parts of the country are Britain's most ancient breed of livestock. They have attracted special attention for more than two thousand years, not only for their arresting appearance but also for their role in the historical and cultural development of their country of origin. Previous authors have attempted to catch the spirit of the breed by focusing on specific features of the cattle but thereby inevitably neglected other important aspects of the breed's place in the global livestock industry. This book deals comprehensively with both the ancient provenance of White Park cattle and their value in the context of modern farming. It traces a trail of evidence from prehistoric DNA to a blueprint for animal welfare and quality products in the third millennium; from Druidic sacrifice to hunting parks; from 'Sir Loin' gastronomy to aesthetic enhancement of country house estates. The family trees of famous bulls and cows sit comfortably alongside references to Winston Churchill and Edwin Landseer, or even descriptions of more recent scientific developments such as DNA testing or embryo transfer. The foreword describes it as "a landmark in the treatment of the history and current circumstance of a single breed" and opines "in a very real sense this book is a work of art". Its scholarly narrative reveals a fascinating range of interest and knowledge, illustrated liberally in both monochrome and colour images.

Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding describes breeds of livestock worldwide as well as a range of breed-related subjects such as husbandry, health and behaviour. This definitive and prestigious reference work presents easily accessible information on domestication (including wild ancestors and related species), genetics and breeding, livestock produce and markets, as well as breed conservation and the cultural and social aspects of livestock farming. Written by renowned livestock authorities, these volumes draw on the authors' lifelong interest and involvement in livestock breeds of the world, presenting a unique, comprehensive and fully cross-referenced guide to cattle, buffalo, horses, pigs, sheep, asses, goats, camelids, yak and other domesticants. Volume 1: contains asses, camelids, cattle, goats, horses and pigs Volume 2: contains sheep, water buffalo, yak and other livestock Coverage: Breed descriptions: including groups, types and varieties, history and links between groups, livestock products and trends for creating new breeds Wild species: ancestral and relatives, potential domesticants and hybridization Humans and breeds: spread of domestication, transhumance and pastoralism, social and cultural influences, suitability of different groups for different human purposes Genetics and Conservation: a dedicated section and glossary of terms Placing breeds in a practical agricultural context, this two volume encyclopedia will be of great value to agriculturalists, breeders, geneticists, biologists, rural historians, conservationists, ecologists, and all those who are interested in the rich diversity of livestock breeds.

Breeds of livestock on British farms are changing constantly. New breeds emerge, foreign breeds are imported, while some native breeds lose popularity and become endangered. More than half the native breeds in Britain are rare and potentially threatened with extinction, yet they are an integral part of our history and heritage. Many of them are distinctive animals, and some possess special characteristics that could be of value to the livestock industry. A return to more traditional values was seen towards the end of the twentieth century, and this will serve to enhance the value of native breeds.