Pasture and range land in the tropics and subtropics occupies about 14% of the earth's total land area (or about 58% of total permanent pasture) and supports about 60% of the world's population of bovines. The present book comments briefly on the nutritive characteristics of tropical and subtropical pastures as well as the nutritional requirements of beef cattle that graze on them. The main part of the text includes a consideration of mineral deficiencies and their correction, the use of protein and energy as supplements to growing and breeding stock, establishment of legumes to improve tropical pastures, and the use of nitrogenous and other fertilizers to increase productivity. The role of various management systems such as deferment and rotational grazing are discussed and emphasis is placed on the importance of correct stocking rate to pasture productivity. Finally, some of the factors which act as constraints on the development of a productive beef industry in tropical areas are considered. No attempt has been made to include work on genetic aspects of beef production nor on aspects of health and parasitology. The author's approach is generally historical and geographical. The earliest work carried out on a particular subject has been reviewed first, followed by work on similar lines in the same region. It is likely that this approach is more relevant than are comparisons made across geographical boundaries. Each chapter concludes with an integrating discussion which provides a synthesis of findings in different geographical and management situations.