Comparative Avian Nutrition (Cabi Publishing) [Hardcover]

Kirk C. Klasing (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cabi Publishing | Publication Date: January 2, 1998

Their natural beauty, exceptional variety and unique biology make birds (Aves) one of the most fascinating groups of animals. They are also of great importance to humans as food and as experimental subjects that have catalysed significant advances in many areas of biological research. Central to our ability to maintain and develop these resources is a thorough understanding of avian nutrition. This book presents, uniquely, all aspects of our current knowledge, drawn from such diverse disciplines as physiological ecology, poultry production, zoo biology and biomedical science. The physical and biochemical processes of digestion, the metabolic functions of nutrients and the diversity of evolutionary adaptations required to accommodate very different foodstuffs are examined in depth. Emphasis is placed on the quantitative nature of nutrition and the practical consequences for the dietary requirements of captive and wild avian populations throughout their life cycle. This book is key reading for advanced students of animal nutrition and poultry science and for research ornithologists. It will also be valuable for practising nutritionists working with farmed, pet, zoo or wild birds and represents an essential purchase for libraries of animal science, veterinary medicine and ornithology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This textbook is intended as a reference for the veterinarian, ornithologist, field biologist, and even aviculturist. Dr. Klasing has truly accomplished that goal, explaining in detail why bird species developed a unique gastrointestinal anatomy and function, based on feeding strategies determined by their environment. . . . The text describes how birds rarely rely on a single class of food item, and how nutritional intake changes seasonally for many species of birds. Later sections of the book cover metabolism and individual nutrients that make up the diet of birds. These sections are well written and thoroughly referenced, making this an important resource for anyone interested in avian nutrition."--Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

"This complete work on the various aspects of avian nutrition . . . also covers areas of anatomy and physiology of the digestive system. Although a good deal of information is available on domestically raised poultry of commercial interest . . . , relatively little is available on the large variety of other avian species. This book attempts to fill the void with a thorough review of the literature on nutrition and related fields for a number of other species. Chapters cover the various types of feedstuffs consumed by birds, the comparative anatomy and physiology of the avian gastrointestinal tract, and the physiology of digestion. . . . The book is well referenced, and provides detailed information on nutrients, their requirements, effects of excess and deficiency, and food sources that provide these nutrients. Comparative Avian Nutrition should provide a valuable resource to a variety of students and professionals with an interest in this field."--The Quarterly Review of Biology

"Integrates the disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, behavior, and ecology into a unifying concept of the interaction between the bird and its food supply. Not only resting on accurate descriptions of molecular details of digestion, metabolism, and excretion, the material quantitatively explores their rates. Eleven chapters discuss: dietary patterns, anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, nutritional strategies and requirements, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, energy, minerals, and vitamins."--SciTech Book News

About the Author

Kirk C. Klasing, Department of Avian Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: CABI; First edition (January 2, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851992196
• ISBN-13: 978-0851992198
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #450,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth The Price!, February 15, 2000

By 

cb "cb" (encino, ca US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Comparative Avian Nutrition (Cabi Publishing) (Hardcover)

It doesn't matter whether you are interested in the feeding habits and needs of parrots or partridges, this book has it all and in an easily comprehensible format. Plenty of tables and charts to help you understand the latest information from someone who really knows their stuff. I couldn't put it down!