The book shows that beyond the great bioclimatic, agroecological and socio-economic differences between the livestock farming contexts on a global scale and the diversity of livestock farming practices, there are striking similarities in the dynamics of livestock farming over the long term, similarities that partly result from public policies.

It brings together the research, knowledge and views of the authors on the livestock policies carried out in their countries, often across thecenturies and into the present, providing a fertile background to lay out perspectives for future policies. Assembled into 22 chapters,it should be of interest to researchers, policy makers, teachers and students, and the general public.