The Illustrated Guide to Cows

June 16, 2014
Author and illustrator Lewis (The Illustrated Guide to Chickens) adds this useful summary of cattle care and breeds to her animal husbandry bookshelf. A brief introduction discusses traditions involving cows from around the world, basic requirements for their care, halter-training, calving, and common illnesses. The encyclopedia of cow breeds profiles over 50 breeds. Lewis provides watercolor illustrations and a brief discussion for each breed, focusing on their historical origins, climactic adaptations, temperament, and other characteristics. Among the breeds presented are the ancient Galloways and Salers, which bear a strong resemblance to prehistoric cave paintings; beef cattle such as Texas Longhorns and Charolais; dairy cattle including Friesians and Guernseys; dual-purpose breeds like Normandes; breeds adapted to severe weather and environment, such as heat, cold, and mountains; and breeds with particularly calm or active temperaments. Some of the tidbits shared by Lewis are about the last Presidential cow, owned by William Howard Taft, and the origin of the smallpox vaccine. Lewis concludes with instructions on milking, dairy production, tanning, and more. This guide, with its abundance of friendly illustrations, is an informative and fun homage to an animal of great importance. 300 color illus.