Cattle Breeds of the World - by Marleen Felius (Hardcover)

About the Book

The origin, history, genetic relationships and uses are described of over 1000 cattle breeds around the world, many of which are threatened by extinction. All are depicted to scale, showing the incredible variety in form and function, as a tribute to biodiversity.

Book Synopsis

The origin and evolution of cattle breeds was long explained only by historical sources, with questionable reliability. In recent years genetic and molecular data have become available that shed new light on this, revealing how, from neolithic times, breeds emerged by migratory movements and mutual influencing of gene pools. But while molecular breed characterization is now rapidly advancing, phenotypic characterization remains under-explored.
This publication presents a classification of around 1,000 cattle breeds based on geographical and historical data and morphology. Males and females of every breed are portrayed by the author in water colour and to scale. The illustrations are positioned next to each breed's description, completing the overall image.