A fundamental source of information in agricultural education, this text is extremely student-friendly and organized into specific, short topics within broad general sections. Its coverage encompasses the skills needed to be competitive in today's industry, and emphasizes the need for possessing a healthy balance between understanding the scientific principles of dairy science and the practical art of implementing those principles.NEW-Extensive reorganization of structure.~Streamlines basic concepts into much shorter and more focused topic-based sections for ease of access, and then integrates these concepts into management systems. NEW-Expanded management sections-Truly represents the heart of this edition.~Enhances students' understanding of the complex interactions between the many disciplines that comprise dairy science. NEW-Extensive use of pictures, diagrams, and illustrations.~Makes this treatment "classroom ready" - as well as a valuable reference text beyond the classroom. Comprehensive coverage-Includes milk marketing; employee management; history of the industry; feeds and forages (as in the topics describing ensiled feeds, hays, and grains); and dairy product processing.~Provides students with in-depth discussions (at varying levels) of topics not often found in other texts. Science-based information- Based on best management practices recommended by experts in the field, and as many of the recommended practices as possible are based on data from peer-reviewed research trials.~Presents students with the philosophy behind the practical applications so that they will learn how to evaluate practices based on an understanding of how the cow works rather than on anecdotal evidence. Current issues-e.g., "Manure Management Practices;" "Fundamentals of Dairy Cattle Welfare and Behavior;" and "Fundamentals of Biosecurity;" address issues of industry-wide concern.~Prepares students for the most pressing issues facing the industry, in addition to those facing producers on a day-to-day basis. Topic objectives and summaries.~Alerts students to key content, and allows them to check their understanding of their learning goals. Topic questions.~Enhances learning opportunities and promotes critical thinking and discussion among students. Relevant websites-At the end of each topic.~Enables instructors and students to access the most recent information specific to that topic.