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Pork production systems. Efficient use of swine and feed resources
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Book reviews
Pork Production Systems. Efficient use o f swine and feed resources'. By Wilson G. Pond, Jerome H. Maner and Dewey L. Harris. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991. ISBN-442-00115-0. 439 pp.
This is a very comprehensive book on Pig Production and is ideally suited for the American market. As the authors explain they expect it to contribute to the continued growth of pork production in improving nutrition and in stimulating improved use of existing, new and alternative feed and breeding stock resources in complex and varied plant/animal ecosystems designed by man for increased efficiency of resource utilisation. To achieve s u c h an objective implies the thorough examination of many aspects of mans' knowledge in pigs. The authors do this thoroughly and in an interesting manner. While little space is devoted to looking back, the historical aspects are covered but much more emphasis is devoted to the future. The book presents a sound scientific basis to important aspects of production. For example growth and development, genetics, reproduction and nutrition are covered in detail. However the book does not stop at considering only scientific principles. Emphasis is given to management and to the development of production systems. This gives a good sound basis for those working in the field. An interesting feature of the book is a section presented as a swine industry directory which gives extremely factual information for those involved, practically in the USA. There is much in this book for everyone. For example, the first chapter manages to span our state of knowledge from the time of domestication through to some very modern concepts of genetics. However, this is not to say that the book does not deal in great depth with the important fundamentals of pig science. In addition, there is a useful section on pork as a human food which is particularly important in a period when public perceptions of diet are continually changing. In summary it can be said that this is an excellent book which will find interest to all pig producers, scientists and extension officers but the major benefit will be to those in the USA. D. J. A. Cole
Book reviews
Pork Production Systems. Efficient use o f swine and feed resources'. By Wilson G. Pond, Jerome H. Maner and Dewey L. Harris. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991. ISBN-442-00115-0. 439 pp.
This is a very comprehensive book on Pig Production and is ideally suited for the American market. As the authors explain they expect it to contribute to the continued growth of pork production in improving nutrition and in stimulating improved use of existing, new and alternative feed and breeding stock resources in complex and varied plant/animal ecosystems designed by man for increased efficiency of resource utilisation. To achieve s u c h an objective implies the thorough examination of many aspects of mans' knowledge in pigs. The authors do this thoroughly and in an interesting manner. While little space is devoted to looking back, the historical aspects are covered but much more emphasis is devoted to the future. The book presents a sound scientific basis to important aspects of production. For example growth and development, genetics, reproduction and nutrition are covered in detail. However the book does not stop at considering only scientific principles. Emphasis is given to management and to the development of production systems. This gives a good sound basis for those working in the field. An interesting feature of the book is a section presented as a swine industry directory which gives extremely factual information for those involved, practically in the USA. There is much in this book for everyone. For example, the first chapter manages to span our state of knowledge from the time of domestication through to some very modern concepts of genetics. However, this is not to say that the book does not deal in great depth with the important fundamentals of pig science. In addition, there is a useful section on pork as a human food which is particularly important in a period when public perceptions of diet are continually changing. In summary it can be said that this is an excellent book which will find interest to all pig producers, scientists and extension officers but the major benefit will be to those in the USA. D. J. A. Cole