The Encyclopedia of Historic and Endangered Livestock and Poultry Breeds [Hardcover]

Janet Vorwald Dohner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0300088809 | ISBN-13: 978-0300088809 | Publication Date: December 1, 2001 | Edition: First Edition

The hardy, multipurpose Dominique chickens that came to the New World with the Pilgrims and later travelled in pioneer saddlebags to help settle the West were once too numerous to count, by 1990 a mere 500 hens survived. This is but a single example of the diminishing diversity of farm animals: half of once-common livestock breeds are endangered, others are already extinct. The need to preserve farm animal diversity is increasingly urgent, says the author of this definitive book on endangered breeds of livestock and poultry. Farmyard animals may hold critical keys for our survival, Jan Dohner warns, and with each extinction, genetic traits of potentially vital importance to our agricultural future or to medical progress are forever lost. This comprehensive book features: * complete information on the history, characteristics, qualities, and traits of 138 endangered livestock breeds (goats, sheep, swine, cattle, horses, other equines) and 53 poultry breeds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese) * where these breeds may be seen today * the degree of rarity of each breed in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada * information on feral livestock populations * 160 colour photographs and over 80 black and white photos and historical illustrations

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Why save the old, endangered breeds of livestock and poultry? Most would agree that maintaining genetic diversity is crucial, but there are other reasons as well. A librarian and researcher who raises rare Dominique and Delaware chickens, Dohner makes her case in this unique new reference. The encyclopedia discusses the merits of breed conservation and profiles nearly 200 individual breeds of livestock (goats, sheep, swine, cattle, horses, and other equines) and poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese). The specific breeds chosen are based on national priority lists, the historic importance of the breed, or its conservation success. The breed profiles are preceded by detailed sections on the natural history, domestication, and husbandry of that livestock species. The profiles are not arranged alphabetically but in historical and geographical context within the chapters on general animal groups (cows, swine, etc.), so it is necessary to use the index for quick lookups of particular breeds. Dohner has researched her subject thoroughly, drawing from a wide variety of published resources as well as her contacts with breed organizations in the United States, Canada, and Britain. She excels at drawing out relevant and interesting breed histories, physical descriptions, and, if known, a breed's current status (vulnerable, rare, critical, etc.). There are approximately 250 illustrations, including a 32-page section of color plates. While historic breeds like the Texas Longhorn, Clydesdale, and Rhode Island Red are immediately recognizable, many more are not. How many readers have seen or even heard of the Clun Forest sheep, American Cream draft horse, Dutch Belted cow, or Silver Appleyard duck? This encyclopedia may be a little pricey for libraries on modest budgets but should be well worth the money based on likely interest and use. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries. William H.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

The Yale Agrarian Studies Series

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 592 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; First Edition edition (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300088809
• ISBN-13: 978-0300088809
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #415,752 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Veterinary
  • #82 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Endangered Species

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of interesting information!, May 10, 2003

By 

Tamara Taylor (Sanger, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Historic and Endangered Livestock and Poultry Breeds (Hardcover)

Ms. Dohner has written a well-researched book on a topic that has begun to catch the attention of many -- historic (and now rare) breeds of livestock. In the past, people dug up roots and bulbs from the old family homestead and transplanted them to new locations. They could go to grandpa and get some of those "dominicker" chickens that his daddy started with.

For many, the homestead and the dominickers are gone now, just like the items the Smithsonian that were once part of every day life. But for some, like the author, "dominickers" and other historic livestock are still a part of life on the farm.

Perhaps that is why Jan Dohner has been able to write a very readable book, giving the reader the profiles and histories of over 200 breeds of poultry and other livestock (goats, sheep, swine, cattle, horses, other equines)and even accounts of their original domestication along with their current status. The illustrations only add to the text.

If you are interested in agriculture or farmsteading, if you have been thinking about becoming involved in small farm livestock, poultry raising, or rare breeds conservation, I recommend this book. Or if you are interested in these endeavors and cannot find the book in your local library, ask your librarian "Why not?" Maybe the local library needs a donation!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wondrous source book, September 14, 2005

By 

M. Cuevas "stone_alpha" (Southwestern Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Historic and Endangered Livestock and Poultry Breeds (Hardcover)

An eyeopening look at the diversity of livestock we may lose if we're not careful. Looking for stock that has survived the test of time, but has been left behind in the handful of homogenized varieties beloved by big farming? This is the book for you! This book is a must have for recreation and historical groups throughout the states, and I firmly recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia?, March 10, 2009

By 

Carolyn - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Historic and Endangered Livestock and Poultry Breeds (Hardcover)

Good book but not really in encyclopedia format. I was expecting something searchable with a photograph and article about each breed. This is more of a cover to cover read than a reference encyclopedia. The information is good and the photos there are good just not what I expected as per the title.