A text which starts with a tropical approach by considering the natur e, diversity and resources of tropical regions. Climate and its biolo gical implications are analysed in detail, especially with regard to heat and water. The approach continues its environmental emphasis with its treat ment of nutritional resources and disease. There is an in depth treat ment of genetics and breeds of cattle, sheep and goats. Farming syste ms and economic considerations round off what is a wide-ranging and detai led introduction to animal production in the tropics, with an empha sis of ruminants.