This book brings a broad span of scientific methodology to the attention of the commercial beef producer, with the declared objective of helping him to increase his production. When a wide canvas is painted with a broad brush, it is inevitable that any one area lacks detail. The fair way to assess the book is to stand back a little and look at the overall effect. Viewed thus, the result is not displeasing. Even a specialist should profit from the background reading in disciplines outwith his own. For sure, he would have welcomed further references, as apart from four at the end of a chapter on poisonous plants, there are only a few references to specific topics inserted in the text.