- Paperback: 144 pages
- Publisher: Farming Books & Videos Ltd; Paperback Edition edition (10 April 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1904871119
- ISBN-13: 978-1904871118
- Product Dimensions: 20.3 x 13.5 x 1.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 381,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Review
Without hesitation I would name this book as my book of the Year...this beautifully illustrated book is both a rhapsody and a practical handbook. I have not read anything remotely like it. --The Oldie Magazine
The sariest book I read this year was The Secret Life of Cows which applied Jane goodall's approach to champanzees to a species on the verge of extinction in Britain, the free-range domestic cow. The characters in Young's herd - kind, ingenious, affectionate, as strongley marked as you or me by individual likes and dislikes - make a travesty of the sickly, short-lived, mechanised beasts we have bred to replace them. --The Daily Telegraph
The Secret Life of Cows made me laugh out loud and moved me to tears. It should be required reading for every veterinary student, agricultural student and farmer in the world! --The Born Free Foundation --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
The sariest book I read this year was The Secret Life of Cows which applied Jane goodall's approach to champanzees to a species on the verge of extinction in Britain, the free-range domestic cow. The characters in Young's herd - kind, ingenious, affectionate, as strongley marked as you or me by individual likes and dislikes - make a travesty of the sickly, short-lived, mechanised beasts we have bred to replace them. --The Daily Telegraph
The Secret Life of Cows made me laugh out loud and moved me to tears. It should be required reading for every veterinary student, agricultural student and farmer in the world! --The Born Free Foundation --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Product Description
This is an Incredible, rich, fascinating, thought-provoking book that challenges preconceptions of farm animals as well as current farming strategies. Now published as a paperback with additional material provided by Joyce D'Silva, Chief Executive of 'Compassion in World Farming.' 'The Secret Life of Cows' clearly demonstrates that cows can love, play games, bond and form strong life long friendships. They con sulk, hold grudges, have preferences and can be vain. On Kite's Nest Farm the cows, sheep, hens and pigs all roam free. There is no forced weaning and no separation of young from siblings or mother. They seek and are given help when they request it and supplement their own diets by browsing and nibbling leaves, shoots, flowers and herbs. Rosamund Young provides a fascinating insight into a secret world - secret because many modern farming practices leave no room for displays of natural behaviour. 'The Secret Life of Cows' is not only a study of family and herd relationships, communication, grieving and playing but makes for a highly readable and poignant study littered with anecdotes that will make the reader laugh, wonder and reflect. Certainly it will make you look at the domestic cow in a different light.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is truly beautiful and is written with great affection and respect. A real insight into living with cows on a daily basis, getting to know them and how they react when allowed to live freely and make their own choices. Certainly makes you think about the issues surrounding intense farming and the effect this is having on these intelligent, wonderful creatures. Also includes sections on sheep, hens and pigs. If you love cows, you've probably been looking for this book for some time.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A book entitled "The Secret Life of Cows" might at first be one you feel might be best left out of view on your bookshelf, lest curious visitors start to form strange views of your private interests. But leaving aside the serious interests of farmers and students of ethology, this is a book to read and re-read - as one reviewer put it, deserving of becoming a cult classic!
For many of us, seeing a cow in a field is nothing strange. They are a part of the landscape, just "there", minding their own business and rarely near the top of the list in a countryside safari. But for me, this is the appeal of this beautiful study - taking a closer look at what goes on on the other side of the farm wall, being prepared to be surprised at what we might often regard as being quite ordinary.
Unsurprisingly, we learn that there's more to the life of a cow than might first be assumed - wonderful anecdotes and keen observations introduce us to the unique personalities and fascinating societies of these overlooked creatures.
I will never gaze at a staring bovine in quite the same way again.
For many of us, seeing a cow in a field is nothing strange. They are a part of the landscape, just "there", minding their own business and rarely near the top of the list in a countryside safari. But for me, this is the appeal of this beautiful study - taking a closer look at what goes on on the other side of the farm wall, being prepared to be surprised at what we might often regard as being quite ordinary.
Unsurprisingly, we learn that there's more to the life of a cow than might first be assumed - wonderful anecdotes and keen observations introduce us to the unique personalities and fascinating societies of these overlooked creatures.
I will never gaze at a staring bovine in quite the same way again.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an interesting and at times amusing book, especially to those that keep cattle. Much based on knowledge of the old timers, lost now in our race for mechanisation. We, also, live with cattle all around us and handle them every day so we found a great deal of sense in this book. Easily mistaken for a hobby farmers view, just dig a bit deeper and you realise this is by a professional who, like most farmers, cares deeply about their animals
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Everybody should read this!
Why cows? Because we know less about them than we do about wildlife. At last someone has really studied their behaviour. Read more
Published 4 months ago by wolfgranny
Cows are great listeners
A lovely book by a well respected organic farmer. To an outsider Rosamund Young may seem too sensitive towards the feelings of her livestock, but to an observant stockman her... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mr. D. Norman
Who would have thought?
An intriguing book and well worth a look if you want something different to read - easy style, funny and informative.
Published 7 months ago by The Doctor
The Secret Life of Cows
I loved this book so much, I just wish I could add an extra star to the review!
It made me laugh and cry and was so amazing to find someone else that has the same passion for... Read more
It made me laugh and cry and was so amazing to find someone else that has the same passion for... Read more
Published on 27 Sep 2009 by Ms. R. L. Mosley
Brilliant
An absolutely brillant book. Having worked with cattle and knew them as individuals it was interesting to read someone elses views on cattle, and how left to their own devices are... Read more
Published on 28 Nov 2005 by L. A. Rogers
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