An understanding of the processes that change the shape and composition of farm animals is fundamental to all aspects of production. Updated to include chapters on avian growth and global warming, this textbook provides key information on how animals grow and change in shape and composition, and the factors that affect these processes

Preface to the first edition --
Preface to the second edition --
Preface to the third edition --
General aspects of growth --
Cells --
Principles of cell growth --
Tissues : basic structure and growth --
Tissues : growth and structure relative to product value for human consumption --
Mammary gland growth and product yield --
Hormonal influences on growth --
Genetic influences on growth --
The immune system and growth --
Gametes, fertilization, and embryonic growth in mammals --
Prenatal and postnatal growth in mammals --
Growth in avian species --
Efficiency and growth --
Compensatory growth --
Growth and puberty in breeding animals --
Measuring and predicting growth and body composition in the live animal --
Measurements on the carcass --
"Growth promoters," performance enhancers, feed additives and alternative approaches --
The future.