10 Best-Selling Animal Husbandry Books Millions Love
Discover Animal Husbandry Books recommended by Jane Goodall, Emily Deschanel, and Woody Harrelson, sharing proven and best-selling insights

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a field as vital as Animal Husbandry. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an aspiring homesteader, or simply curious about how animal care shapes sustainable agriculture, these best-selling titles have stood the test of time and expert endorsement. Animal Husbandry matters now more than ever as the balance between farming practices and animal welfare grows increasingly important, impacting food quality and environmental health.
Take Jane Goodall, whose lifelong dedication to animal welfare and conservation lends powerful credibility to her recommendations. Alongside her, Emily Deschanel brings a passionate voice advocating for compassion in farming, while Woody Harrelson supports practical approaches to improving animal lives through informed care. Their endorsements highlight books that not only educate but inspire meaningful change.
While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Animal Husbandry needs might consider creating a personalized Animal Husbandry book that combines these validated approaches, perfectly matching your experience and goals.
by Mark Stępień·You?
After analyzing extensive records from a Sumerian city, Mark Stępień offers a unique lens on animal husbandry in the ancient Near East. You’ll learn about the specific breeds of animals kept, how production was organized, and how labor and distribution were managed among officials and workers. The book delves into the practicalities of breeding and product distribution, revealing the economic and social structures behind these activities. If you’re interested in the historical development of agriculture or the administrative aspects of early animal husbandry, this study gives you detailed insights grounded in prosopographic methods.
by James Blakely, David H. Bade·You?
by James Blakely, David H. Bade·You?
James Blakely and David H. Bade bring decades of agricultural education experience to this introductory text, aiming to provide a solid foundation in the production and care of domestic animals. You’ll find detailed chapters explaining animal physiology, nutrition, breeding, and management practices, giving you practical insights into improving livestock productivity and welfare. This book is particularly helpful if you’re entering agricultural studies or working in farming operations where understanding animal biology and husbandry techniques is essential. While it doesn’t promise advanced research, it offers a thorough overview that equips you with the core skills needed for effective animal care.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores battle-tested animal husbandry methods, focusing on healthier livestock management that matches your specific needs and experience. It reveals practical care techniques, nutrition essentials, and breeding practices personalized to your livestock type and farming context. By concentrating on your interests and goals, it offers a clear, engaging learning journey through the fundamentals and nuances of animal care. The content examines proven approaches widely validated by millions of readers while tailoring insights to fit your background and aspirations. It fosters a deeper understanding of maintaining animal welfare, enhancing productivity, and addressing challenges unique to your livestock, making the knowledge immediately relevant and actionable.
Recommended by Library Journal
“Husband and wife Shawn and Beth Dougherty have written about the 'self-sustaining' grass-based farming movement on their blog, onecowrevolution.wordpress.com. Their first book, a well-organized overview of managing a diversified ‘farmstead,' takes the concept of backyard hobby farming to the next level. Drawing on their 20 years of experience on the Sow’s Ear Farm in eastern Ohio, the Doughertys offer practical know-how on a variety of farming topics, with photos and philosophical considerations of their methods. Although not exhaustive on any given issue, there is enough information for most readers to get started with confidence. They encourage readers to adopt holistic and creative problem-solving techniques. Oft-ignored subjects such as seasonal rhythms and interpersonal dynamics—the 'people aspect' of the farm ecosystem—are addressed. Easily navigable sections let readers skim as needed, but the conversational style lends a cohesive narrative. With a compelling foreword by holistic farmer Joel Salatin, this is right at home on a workbench or bedside table. VERDICT A solid choice for those embarking on a serious animal-based hobby or enterprise, aspiring homesteaders, and sustainable farmers who already have basic knowledge of animal husbandry and agriculture. The authors’ blog provides a nice supplement; for more introductory guides, try Carleen Madigan’s 'Backyard Homestead' books.”
by Beth Dougherty, Shawn Dougherty, Joel Salatin··You?
by Beth Dougherty, Shawn Dougherty, Joel Salatin··You?
The counterintuitive approach that changed the Doughertys' perspective on farming is at the heart of this book, which reveals how land once deemed useless can become a thriving source of nutrient-dense food through intensive pasture management. Drawing on two decades of experience, the authors guide you through selecting ruminants, implementing innovative fencing and watering systems, and handling everything from butchering to dairying. Their Sow’s Ear model offers detailed insights into regenerating soil and integrating livestock with garden systems, emphasizing self-sufficiency. You’ll find chapters on seasonal rhythms and the social dynamics of farm life, making it a nuanced manual for anyone serious about sustainable animal-based farming.
by Colin Vogel··You?
by Colin Vogel··You?
What happens when veterinary expertise meets equine care? Colin Vogel, a respected veterinary surgeon specializing in horses, offers you a thorough guide that demystifies horse anatomy, behavior, and daily care routines. You learn how to interpret your horse's body language, manage common ailments, and maintain equipment, with clear instructions on grooming, feeding, hoof care, and first aid. This book suits both new and experienced horse owners who want a reliable reference to keep their animals healthy and happy. Vogel’s practical approach, anchored in years of clinical experience, makes this manual more than just a handbook—it's a trusted companion for every horse lover.
by Karen Rosenthal, Neil Forbes, Fredric Frye, Gregory Lewbart·You?
by Karen Rosenthal, Neil Forbes, Fredric Frye, Gregory Lewbart·You?
What makes this book both expert-recommended and reader-beloved is its unique blend of practical case studies and broad coverage across exotic pet species. Authored by four internationally recognized veterinarians, it provides you with 400 color-illustrated clinical cases covering small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and ornamental fish. You’ll learn to assess clinical presentations, understand etiologies, and explore management options with a case-based approach that emphasizes multisystemic conditions. Whether you are a veterinary practitioner, instructor, or student, this book offers targeted insights and husbandry advice that help you navigate the complexities of exotic animal medicine with clarity.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores accelerated animal husbandry strategies designed to quickly improve your farm's productivity and animal health. It covers essential practices for effective animal care, breeding, nutrition, disease management, and farm operations, all focused on achieving rapid, measurable results. By concentrating on your specific background, interests, and goals, it delivers a personalized guide that matches your unique farm conditions and ambitions. You’ll engage with targeted content that reveals how to balance animal welfare with efficient farming, fostering a thriving farm environment that reflects your personal objectives. This tailored approach ensures you gain focused, actionable knowledge without sifting through unrelated material.
Recommended by Jane Goodall
Primatologist and conservationist
“Mercy For Animals not only exposes the almost unbelievable cruelty suffered by the billions of animals raised in factory farms but explains what can—and must—be done to change things. Please read it and recommend it to all your friends.”
by Nathan Runkle, Gene Stone··You?
by Nathan Runkle, Gene Stone··You?
Drawing from Nathan Runkle's two decades leading Mercy For Animals, this book immerses you in the realities of factory farming and the evolving fight for animal welfare. You'll gain insight into grassroots activism, undercover investigations, and impactful legislative efforts, along with strategies to influence corporations and policymakers. Chapters detail the transition from small farms to industrial agriculture and offer practical ways anyone can contribute to change without being an activist. If you're interested in the intersection of animal rights, environmental impact, and food policy, this book provides a grounded, inside look at making compassion tangible.
What sets this book apart is its enduring value as a practical guide for anyone involved with goat care. Compiled by multiple experts, it covers everything from common ailments to emergency treatments, supported by clear photographs and diagrams that bring the information to life. You’ll learn how to diagnose health issues, manage diseases, and maintain overall herd wellness, making it useful whether you’re a seasoned goat farmer or just starting out. Its concise 48 pages deliver focused insights on goat health management without unnecessary filler, ensuring you get straight to the point. If your goal is reliable, time-tested guidance on goat husbandry, this book fits the bill.
by Mark Rashid··You?
by Mark Rashid··You?
What happens when leadership theory meets horse training? Mark Rashid upends traditional notions of dominance with his concept of passive leadership, teaching you how to foster trust and cooperation with horses rather than control through force. Drawing on his extensive experience and personal anecdotes, especially in chapters explaining herd behavior and subtle communication cues, Rashid guides you to develop a leadership style that horses choose to follow willingly. This approach benefits anyone seeking a deeper, more empathetic connection with their horses, moving beyond techniques to embrace the animals' perspective and personality.
What happens when an artist with a passion for animals takes up pig husbandry? Celia Lewis combines her illustrative talent with practical knowledge to offer a richly detailed look at thirty-five pig breeds common in Europe and North America. You’ll gain insights into breed histories, physical traits, and the essentials of care, feeding, and equipment. The book’s approachable style and vivid paintings make it ideal whether you’re selecting your first pig breed or refining your existing knowledge. If you want a resource that balances engaging visuals with grounded husbandry guidance, this book fits the bill perfectly.
by Gail Damerow··You?
Gail Damerow's decades of hands-on experience with poultry and rural farming shine through in this detailed guide to chicken health. You’ll find thorough coverage of nutrition, disease prevention, parasite control, and reproductive issues, including a dedicated chapter addressing challenges unique to urban chicken keepers. The book doesn’t just list ailments; it equips you with practical knowledge about maintaining immunity and recognizing early signs of trouble, making it a solid resource whether you have a sprawling farm or a backyard flock. If you’re responsible for chickens’ wellbeing and want a grounded, no-frills manual, this book lays out what you need without overwhelming jargon.
Conclusion
The 10 books presented here reveal clear themes: foundational knowledge for effective animal care, sustainable and practical farming methods, and a strong emphasis on animal welfare backed by expert endorsements. If you prefer proven methods grounded in science, start with "The Science of Animal Husbandry" and "Complete Horse Care Manual". For validated approaches that blend ethical considerations and actionable strategies, combine "Mercy For Animals" with "The Independent Farmstead".
For specialized interests like exotic animals or poultry, titles such as "Rapid Review of Exotic Animal Medicine and Husbandry" and "The Chicken Health Handbook" offer focused insights. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Animal Husbandry book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.
These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, making this collection a valuable compass for anyone invested in animal husbandry's evolving landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "The Science of Animal Husbandry" for a solid foundation in livestock care. It covers core principles clearly, setting the stage for more specialized books later.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Animal Husbandry?
Not at all. Many, like "Complete Horse Care Manual" and "The Independent Farmstead," offer accessible guidance suitable for beginners and experienced readers alike.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
Both have value. Classics provide foundational knowledge, while newer books like "Mercy For Animals" offer fresh perspectives on welfare and modern practices.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can pick based on your interests, but combining books—such as a practical guide with an ethical perspective—offers a richer understanding.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
"Animal Husbandry in the Ancient Near East" leans more theoretical and historical, while "The Chicken Health Handbook" and "Health of Goats" focus on practical care.
How can I get Animal Husbandry advice tailored to my specific situation?
These expert books provide solid frameworks, but personalized guides can complement them by addressing your unique needs. Explore custom Animal Husbandry books for targeted insights.
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