Search results for ""Cabi""

This book describes the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control farm animal growth, includingdevelopment and body composition. The emphasis is on circulating hormones, local growth factors andgene transcription factors which regulate growth and differentiation of skeletal muscle, bone andadipose tissue. Overall, this book will be an important resource for students that have a limitedbackground in cell, molecular and developmental biology and the effect of endocrine and growthfactors on the growth process.

Read more less

Sustainable tourism is not a static target, but a dynamic process of change, a transition. This book considers how monitoring using indicators can assist tourism to make such a sustainability transition. It encourages the reader to view tourism from a broad, interdisciplinary perspective and draws on material from a wide range of sources. The book explains why monitoring is important for different groups of stakeholders; public and private sector, NGOs and communities. It also examines important monitoring considerations such as what and where to measure, how much will monitoring cost and how the data can be presented. The book puts particular emphasis on indicator use and implementation. It highlights the process and techniques to develop and use indicators and then provides clear and detailed examples of monitoring in practice around the globe at different geographic scales.

Read more less

This book explores the gender effects of the current transformation of agriculture and rural life. Five themes are addressed: developments in rural gender theory and research methodology; changes in farm households; migration patterns of men and women in rural areas; the impact of national and international policies; and the construction of identities and definitions of femininity and masculinity as a result of rural change. Contributors include scholars from Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Read more less

Published on behalf of The Task Force on Tourism and Protected Areas of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), this book serves as a comprehensive record of the tourism issues discussed at the World Parks Congress held in Durban, South Africa in 2003. The issues discussed reflect the past 10 years of global challenges and lessons learnt in protected area management, the place of tourism in this and the projected issues for the next decade.

Read more less

Bringing together the disciplines of agriculture, animal science, plant science and ecology, this book explores how mathematics can be used to understand and explain agricultural processes. It starts by providing a review of the mathematical models currently available to agriculturalists, and the philosophy behind, and objectives of, modeling. The book then applies these techniques to real-life problems faced by people managing crops and animals, including the influence of digestion on animal growth rates and levels of photosynthesis on crop yield.

Read more less

The sweet cherry is one of the most popular of temperate fruit crops with consumers and is grown commercially in more than 40 countries of the world, in temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and arid regions of all continents. The sour cherry is cultivated in fewer countries, mainly in Europe and the USA, and is used mainly in processed cherry products. Until recently, horticultural improvement of cherries as a commercial crop has been slow, and major production problems such as bird damage, rain-induced cracking, and bacterial diseases, have remained. However, in the last 25 years, major developments have occurred. New improved varieties of sweet cherry have been bred which have larger fruit, are more disease resistant and set fruit more reliably. Improved sour cherry varieties have also been bred and mechanised systems of harvesting introduced. New dwarfing rootstocks are now being released. This book provides a comprehensive review of all of these topics, and many more. It covers all aspects of the botany, production and uses of sweet and sour cherries, and represents a definitive reference work for students and research workers in horticulture as well as professional fruit growers.

Read more less

Forest mensuration provides data on aspects of length, mass and time of areas of forest, individual trees or parcels of felled timber. Such quantitative information is vital to sellers, buyers, planners, managers and researchers within forestry. This book is a revision of a successful text originally published in 1983 but written for students in Africa. The new edition is international in scope, and has also been changed and updated to reflect recent advances, particularly with respect to biomass and fodder measurement, sampling with unequal probabilities and growth modelling. The book covers both the theory and practice of forest mensuration and includes a number of worked examples of calculations. It is a basic textbook for students of forestry and will also be of value to practising foresters.

Read more less

Pesticides continue to be a major means of controlling pests and diseases of crops and have made a major contribution to increasing the world’s food production. Despite the problem of developing pest and disease resistance to certain pesticides, and public concern about their indiscriminate use and side-effects, they are likely to remain the basis of integrated pest management programmes. However, as this book seeks to demonstrate, there is scope to improve both the safety and efficiency of crop protection methods. The emphasis of the book is on methods of assessment and on application techniques to particular categories of crops. Written by leading authorities from Europe and North America, the book provides detailed reviews of relevant topics. It is essential reading for all researchers, advanced students and professionals concerned with crop protection, whether from the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, weed science or agricultural engineering.

Read more less

This book on agricultural management and decision making differs from other texts which tend to describe production economics followed by the presentation of analytical approaches. Instead, the processes of agricultural production and their management are couched in terms of activity analysis, since this permits greater integration of theory with practical evaluations. Analytical tools developed in the book involve the construction of spreadsheet models, and readers are able to construct their own PC spreadsheets from the book’s examples and case studies. Economic principles are presented that will assist in improving the design of agricultural processes and technologies, in guiding their appropriate combination in a business setting, and with the making of decisions through time and in recognition of noncertainty. Activity analysis models that allow the design and combination of agricultural activities to be optimized are also discussed. These include single versus multiple objective models, investment models, and approaches that allow decisions to be optimized under conditions of noncertainty.

Read more less

This volume considers ornamental bulbs, including the related storage organs of corms and tubers. An immense amount of research literature has been distilled, such that general principles are stressed throughout, but common examples are considered in some detail.

Read more less

This book is about many common and some less common hyphomycete fungi with dark conidia or conidiophores. It aims to make their identification easier and in particular enable students and amateur mycologists, as well as professionals, who do not have direct access to a large herbarium, to name a number of their own collections and isolates to species level. This group of fungi is important as it includes many pathogens of plants and animals, many species which cause spoilage of food and deterioration of paper, plastics, textiles etc, and others which are used in various industrial processes.

Read more less

The analysis and study of food webs is a fundamental part of the discipline of ecology and is vital for the understanding of how ecosystems function. This book gives a description of all the latest experimental and analytical techniques available to researchers today.

Read more less

Now available in paperback, Molecular Plant Breeding provides an integrative overview of issues from basic theories to their applications to crop improvement. Chapters include discussions of breeding methodology, quantitative genetics, genomics and bioinformatics and present statistical issues related to gene mapping, marker-assisted selection and genotype by environment interactions in clear and concise language. Providing an integrated profile of molecular breeding in plants, this book will be an essential resource for researchers and students involved in plant biology and breeding, genetics and applied genomics.

Read more less

Rabbits are versatile animals, farmed for their meat and fur, as laboratory animals, and also as pets. This well-established book continues to provide an overview of domesticated rabbit production, covering topics such as breeding, husbandry, feeding and health. Now in its fully updated tenth edition, it includes an expanded consideration of important issues such as animal welfare and sustainable methods of production. With chapters relating specifically to meat production, pet rabbits, rabbit shows, and angora wool production, this new edition: - Includes new information on the latest methods of artificial insemination, estrous synchronization, embryo transfer, cloning and molecular genetics; - Tackles globally prevalent health issues such as enteritis complex (EC) rabbit enterocolitis (REC), and viral hemorrhagic disease; - Reviews up-to-the-minute developments such as the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on food production, as well as new projects addressing poverty alleviation and food security. Providing updates on worldwide production trends, figures and new feed additive products, this book is an essential resource for anyone involved in rabbit production - from novice to experienced breeders, veterinarians and industry professionals.

Read more less

Organic cattle farming is on the increase, with consumer demand for organic milk and meat growing yearly. Beginning with an overview of the aims and principles behind organic cattle production, this book presents extensive information about how to feed cattle so that the milk and meat produced meet organic standards, and provides a comprehensive summary of ruminant digestive processes and nutrition. Since the publication of the first edition, global consumers have increasingly become concerned with the sustainability of meat production. Here, Robert Blair considers the interrelationships of sustainable practices and profitability of organic herds, reviewing how to improve forage production and quality, and minimizing the need for supplementary feeding using off-farm ingredients. This new edition also covers: - Managing a recurrent shortage of organic feed ingredients, due to increased GM feed crop cultivation worldwide - Current findings on appropriate breeds and grazing systems for forage-based organic production - Diet-related health issues in organic herds and the effects of organic production on meat and milk quality. Required reading for animal science researchers, advisory personnel that service the organic milk and beef industries and students interested in organic milk and meat production, this book is also a useful resource for organic farming associations, veterinarians, and feed and food industry personnel.

Read more less

Events have come to play an ever-growing role in marketing; by connecting products and services with experiences and vice versa, producers can create important added value. Events as a Strategic Marketing Tool, 2nd edition describes how events can be used as a strategic tool in marketing practices. Fully updated and with new case studies throughout, this second edition reviews the way organizations use events to connect with their visitors. It covers the development of the experience economy, the steps from strategy to concept, event design and touchpoints. It also considers the areas of marketing within which experiences play a role, such as branding, relationship marketing and city marketing. Concluding with a chapter on effect measurement and evaluation, and including a wealth of internationally relevant examples, the book gives a thorough insight into the way events can help reach strategic marketing goals. With coverage of a wide range of marketing areas, the book also includes content on cutting-edge topics such as neuromarketing, providing students with a comprehensive introduction to using events as part of the marketing mix. Contains numerous international examples that showcase the variety of ways that events can be used A wealth of images illustrate the theory, helping students to visualize concepts and improve understanding. This new edition provides an engaging resource for both students and professionals interested in leisure, tourism and events.

Read more less

Genetic Improvement of Farmed Animals provides a thorough grounding in the basic sciences underpinning farmed animal breeding. Relating science to practical application, it covers all the major farmed animal species: cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, pigs and aquaculture species. The book: - Provides comprehensive coverage - from fundamental genetics, analysis of variation, prediction of breeding values and response to selection, through to application of modern genomics and biotechnology. - Illustrates the practical application of theory in temperate and tropical systems. - Outlines current practice and explores future directions, including sustainability and ethical implications, to leave readers completely up to date. Based on the previous bestseller, Genetic Improvement of Cattle and Sheep, this book has been completely revised, expanded and redesigned to be an essential textbook for undergraduate, masters and other early postgraduate-level students in agriculture, animal and veterinary science, as well as breeders, farmers, industry technical staff, advisors and extension workers.

Read more less

A sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology is an essential basis for the effective clinical treatment of companion animals and farm animals alike. The fourth edition of this bestselling book continues to provide a comprehensive description of the anatomy and physiology of dogs and cats. The book builds on these foundations with detailed descriptions of exotic small species including birds, and domestic farm animals, including cows, sheep and pigs, as well as the horse. The text: Contains detailed descriptions of the systematic anatomy and physiology of a wide range of animal species. Covers clinical conditions and disease examples related to the individual body systems. Includes applied anatomy tips that relate theory to clinical practice. Is written by expert authors with a wealth of veterinary, animal science and teaching experience. Includes more clinical application examples and question and answer tests to reinforce student learning. Has been updated with more information for animal science students. This text provides an essential basis for all those embarking upon a veterinary, animal science or animal management career.

Read more less

Problem behaviours are often the result of how an animal thinks and feels, genetics and environmental influences. Steering away from just description diagnoses and focusing instead on emotional and cognitive causes, this book provides a practical approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing behaviour pathologies in dogs and cats. Beginning by addressing cases in the first opinion practice, this book then considers physical disorders that may lead to or exacerbate abnormal behavior. From there, the focus shifts to mental and emotional health, from an assessment of normal behavior and giving juveniles an optimal start in life, to diagnosing mental and emotional disorders, addressing emotions such as anxiety and frustration, and how to manage these issues - by modifying behavior, managing the animal's environment, training, and, when necessary, the use of medications. The second half of the book then addresses owner concerns, including management problems, aggression, affective disorder, elimination disorder, abnormal and repetitive behaviours and ageing-related problems. With an emphasis on helping first line veterinarians identify common presentations and offer help to owners, this book: - Addresses both normal and abnormal behaviour in cats and dogs from an emotion and cognition perspective; - Provides behaviour modification protocols, and drug doses and indications; - Includes handouts to be used both within the practice and with clients to help the veterinary surgeon manage the case. Written by international experts, the book translates their insights and experience into approaches taken in behavioural medicine. Also including the most up-to-date drugs, it is an important resource for both small animal veterinarians and students of veterinary medicine or animal behaviour.

Read more less

Sentience – the ability to feel, perceive and experience – is central to the animal welfare debate as it raises the question of whether animals experience suffering in life and death. This book explores and answers these questions in an objective way, based on the latest research and empirical evidence. Beginning with an introduction to sentience, the book investigates why we are so interested in sentience, when, as a species, humans became sentient and how it has changed over time. The book defines aspects of sentience such as consciousness, memory and emotions, and discusses brain complexity in detail. Looking at sentience from a developmental perspective, it analyses when in an individual’s growth sentience can be said to appear and uses evidence from a range of studies investigating embryos, foetuses and young animals to form an enlightening overview of the subject. With a full chapter covering ethical decisions such as animal protection and experimentation, this book is not only an invaluable resource for researchers and students of animal welfare and biology, but also an engaging and informative read for veterinarians and the general public.

Read more less

Ruth Harrison's Animal Machines now a unique historical classic, had a profound impact on public opinion and the quality of life of farmed animals when it was published in 1964. * Reprinted in its entirety, gives an accurate, and sometimes shocking, account of intensive farming in the 1960's, still current in large parts of the world today. * Harrison's work greatly increased public awareness of animal welfare and led to legal reforms, shaping our closer understanding of farm conditions today. * Provides a fascinating insight into the system we continue to live with as the global population increases. * Includes foreword by Rachel Carson and new chapters by international experts in animal welfare including Marion Stamp Dawkins, discussing the book's significant legacy and impact today.

Read more less

This book is an essential, thorough, very practical guide to understanding and caring for your rabbit. By following the advice in this book, both rabbit owners and veterinary health professionals report healthier and more content rabbits. Developed from the successful Norwegian text Den Store Kaninboka by the award-winning author Marit Emilie Buseth, Rabbit Behaviour, Health and Care will help you: - develop an understanding of the rabbit's nature, which will help you to spot normal and abnormal behaviour; - learn about the correct living conditions in which to keep domestic rabbits, in terms of their behavioural, physical and social needs; - acquire essential knowledge about rabbit nutrition, dentistry and disease; - discover a new and improved approach to rabbit-keeping through stories and case examples of real rabbits; - gain a rewarding owner-pet relationship. Rabbits are extremely popular pets, but misconceptions about their care and behaviour are widespread. Most illnesses or behaviour problems are a direct or indirect result of poor nutrition and care. This book helps veterinarians and rabbit owners to overcome these challenges by understanding the rabbit's nature and needs.

Read more less

This book is an officially authorised advisory manual that implements the recommendations on the energy and protein requirements of cattle, sheep and goats made by the AFRC Technical Committee on Responses to Nutrients (TCORN) since its establishment in 1982. TCORN has produced a series of numbered reports including No. 5 in 1990 on ‘Nutrient Requirements on Ruminant Animals: Energy’ and in 1992, No. 9 ‘Nutrient Requirements of Ruminant Animals: Protein’. The former recommended, with only minor modifications, the adoption of the AFRC’s 1980 Technical Review’s full recommendations on energy requirements of ruminants, while the latter recommended the adoption of a protein system based on Metabolisable Protein as the unit. Opportunity has been taken to include material from TCORN Report No. 8, 1991 on the ‘Voluntary Intake of Silage by Cattle’ and from an unpublished TCORN Report on the ‘Nutrition of Goats’. The current volume presents these recommendations in a practical form designed for use by advisors, farmers, lecturers, research workers and students concerned with the nutrition of ruminant animals. The manual includes 45 tables of requirements (incorporating agreed safety margins) and 29 example diets.

Read more less

Durian is extensively grown in tropical regions, the major producers being Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. The tree is also grown in northern Australia, some South American countries and in Africa. Although to many its smell is notoriously offensive, its taste can become a passion and it is one of the most popular fruits in South-East Asia. This book is the first comprehensive, scientific volume to be published in English on this “king of tropical fruit”. It provides information on the biology, propagation and use of the fruit, and descriptions of the scientific basis of production practices and orchard management, as well as post-harvest processing. It will be a unique resource for horticulture and botanical libraries and for students of tropical horticulture worldwide.

Read more less

The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is the most destructive and invasive termite species globally. It is also the only termite species listed in the world's 100 worst invasive alien species of the Global Invasive Species Database. Annually, its infestation costs more than $4 billion in control and damage repairs in the USA alone. This book is the first comprehensive resource drawing on all the literature on C. formosanus since Tokuichi Shiraki first described the species in 1909. The book covers the worldwide distribution of this species, its biogeography, and how it has dispersed from its native range in southern China and Taiwan to different parts of the world. It describes its present taxonomic status and discusses the species' biology, ecology, foraging behavior, physiology, chemical ecology and its association with symbionts. From a practical standpoint, the authors address all of the various management options for this species, such as baits, soil termiticides, wood preservatives, inspection and detection technologies, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Lastly, there are chapters dedicated to another important destructive species, Coptotermes gestroi (the Asian subterranean termite), and the recently discovered C. formosanus/C. gestroi hybrids. This important book is an essential and valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, pest management professionals, chemical manufacturer personnel, building and property managers, and others. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the biology and management of the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite.

Read more less

The Brassica genus contains diverse and economically important species and crops, for example, Brassica oleracea including cauliflower to kohlrabi, B.rapa including pak choi to mizuna, and aquatic crucifers such as watercress. These provide humankind with huge diversities of foods, promoting health and well-being. This substantially expanded second edition reflects the significant advances in knowledge of plant breeding and crop production which have occurred since publication of the original book in 2006. Embracing new Brassicaceae research and concepts of sustainable and automated crop production, topics include: Brassica evolution and transcontinental spread as the basis for crop breeding Gene-editing, rapid sequencing, genetic markers and linkage mapping to enable efficient plant breeding Seed development, F1 cultivars and rapid maturing crops for profitable cropping Environmental impacts on pests, pathogens, crop reliability and quality Soil health and fertility as agronomic principles Environmental sustainability, biocontrol and integrated pest management Vegetable brassicas as nutrient-rich foods for optimal health benefits An invaluable resource for all those involved in Brassica production, this is essential reading for researchers and students in horticulture and plant science, growers, producers, consultants and industry advisors.

Read more less

Plant parasitic nematodes are major pests of agricultural crops and cause huge monetary losses. There is a very high risk of spread of plant-parasitic nematodes from one country to another, with the movement of plants and planting materials such as seeds, bulbs, corms, suckers, tubers, rhizomes, rooted plants, nursery stock and cut flowers. In view of the large quantities and the wide variety of materials being imported and exported, it is important to assess the status of invasive nematodes and their quarantine importance in relation to agricultural trade. This book contains information on around 100 invasive nematodes and their potential threat in different countries. Each nematode entry includes information on authentic identification, geographical distribution, risk of introduction, host ranges, symptoms, biology, ecology, planting material liable to carry the nematode(s), nematode vectors, chance of establishment, likely impact, and phytosanitary measures. There are detailed accounts of diagnosis procedures including sampling, isolation, detection and identification of nematodes based on morphological and molecular characters. The book offers a global perspective on invasive plant-parasitic nematodes and useful for practitioners, professionals, scientists, researchers, students, and government officials working in plant quarantine and biosecurity.

Read more less

This is an up-to-date guide on the science and practice of disease control based on fungicides in horticulture and broad acre agriculture. It describes how conventional, organic and biological fungicides are discovered, how they work and how resistance evolves. Chapters on formulation, mode of action, mobility and application inform decisions about which fungicides to use, when to use them, and how to rotate (or tank-mix) them, to manage both plant disease and fungicide resistance. A chapter on experimental design of fungicide trials aids practitioners in designing their own trials to evaluate how effective products are for their plant disease problem. Based on the successful 2014 book of Fungicides in Crop Protection this edition has four entirely new chapters, and extensive updates to the other nine chapters. The contents include: · Fungicide markets, discovery and performance. · Modes of action and spectrum. · Biological crop protection, and organic cultivation. · Fungicide formulation, mobility and application. · Experimental design of fungicide trials and their analysis. · Fungicide resistance. · Legislation and regulation. Written for crop protection professionals and scientists, growers, agronomists and consultants, the book is also suitable for students of agriculture and agronomy.

Read more less

Evidence-based, yet entirely practical, this important new text builds upon the basics of neuroscience to describe the links between olfaction and animal behaviour, and the effects of odours in animal welfare. Animals use smells in a multitude of ways: to orientate themselves, to create social bonds, to recognise food, to initiate reproduction, and to avoid predators and imminent threats such as fire. Starting from the scientific basis of olfaction and odour perception, the book covers pheromones and behavioural tests, before describing the role of olfaction in feeding behaviour, reproduction, disease detection, and animal housing. The book: · is written in an evidence-based way, yet with an easy-to-understand style, making it accessible to non-experts · focuses on animals managed by humans, i.e. farm, zoo, lab and companion species · is illustrated by in-depth research examples of many different species This is a captivating introduction to the world of smells, suitable for advanced students, researchers, and teachers of applied ethology, animal welfare and veterinary science.

Read more less

Visitor management may be considered as a component of destination management at all levels of a destination. It involves a wide range of stakeholders. This book demonstrates current knowledge on visitor management. Visitor Management in Tourism Destinations provides insight into critical concepts such as the visitor experience, service quality, the uses of indicators and frameworks, and interpretation. It also addresses current issues including the social and political dimensions of visitor management, the implementation of monitoring, vandalism and augmented reality. Authored by leading international researchers in the field of visitor management research, this book is primarily aimed at researchers and postgraduate students. Key Features: · Considers critical concepts and influential factors in visitor management. · Illustrates current issues in visitor management. · Research-based case studies contribute to an overall understanding of core issues. · Covers the state-of-the-art in guiding and interpretation.

Read more less

Environmental horticulture - also referred to as landscape horticulture and amenity horticulture - is the umbrella term for the horticulture that we encounter in our daily lives. This includes parks, botanic gardens, sports facilities, landscape gardens, roundabouts, cemeteries, and shopping centres - any public space which has grass, planting and trees. A complete and comprehensive guide to an area most of us take for granted, Environmental Horticulture: - Comments and critiques contemporary thinking on the subject - Explores the role, value and application of horticulture in different landscapes - Reviews the importance and impact of horticulture on the wider environment - Covers practical management advice for categories of environmental horticulture such as turf grass, bedding plants, trees, grasslands and green roofs A vital resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, this book is also a valuable addition to academic departments with an interest in green space management and wider environmental issues.

Read more less

Hemp is enjoying a worldwide resurgence. This unique book combines a review of the hemp pest and disease literature published over the past 50 years with up-to-date information on modern biological control techniques. Each pest and disease organism is presented in the same format, covering economic impact, geographical and host-plant range, plant symptoms, taxonomic description, life history, and differential diagnosis. Important cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical controls are highlighted with charts, illustrations and explicit instructions. Easy-to-use keys are included for rapid identification of the most common pests. Introductory chapters describe the general principles of plant protection, requirements for healthy plant growth, and taxonomy of parasites and pathogens.

Read more less

Invasive alien species are among today's most daunting environmental threats, costing billions of dollars in economic damages and wreaking havoc on ecosystems around the world. In 1997, a consortium of scientific organizations including SCOPE, IUCN, and CABI developed the Global Invasive Species. Programme (GISP) with the explicit objective of providing new tools for understanding and coping with invasive alien species. Invasive Alien Species is the final report of GISP's first phase of operation, 1997-2000, in which authorities from more than thirty countries worked to examine invasions as a worldwide environmental hazard. The book brings together the world's leading scientists and researchers involved with invasive alien species to offer a comprehensive summary and synthesis of the current state of knowledge on the subject. Invasive alien species represent a critical threat to natural ecosystems and native biodiversity, as well as to human economic vitality and health. The knowledge gained to date in understanding and combating invasive alien species can form a useful basis on which to build strategies for controlling or minimizing the effects in the future. Invasive Alien Species is an essential reference for the international community of investigators concerned with biological invasions.

Read more less

In stark contrast to the rather modest performance of its large surface fleet in the Second World War, the Italian Navy's smallest units achieved its most spectacular successes. It made a speciality of unconventional methods of attack - explosive motor boats, human torpedoes and miniature submarines - that were employed with ingenuity and daring to surprise, discomfort and baffle the enemy. In December 1941 the whole balance of the naval war in the Mediterranean was altered by six frogmen riding three of the SLC craft they called maiale ('pigs') who penetrated Alexandria harbour to cripple the battleships Valiant and Queen Elizabeth, surely one of the most impressive ratios of results to resources in naval history. This book is the first complete history of these craft, both the details of the technology and the history of their deployment. Beginning in the Great War with the extraordinary 'jumping' boats designed to scale harbour boom defences, the story takes in the inter-war development of both lightweight surface craft and underwater systems from small submarines to 'Gamma' assault divers. By way of comparison, equivalent developments in other navies are analysed, including the British 'chariots' which were little more than copies of the Italian SLCs. Every operation by these craft is described, cataloguing the forces involved and the results, from high-profile successes like the sinking of the cruiser York by explosive motorboat to lesser-known incidents - the use of such craft by the Israelis as late as 1948 for example. Many were carried out by the famous Decima MAS, a unit as legendary in Italy as the SAS in Britain, and this book provides a comprehensive chronicle of their activities. Originally commissioned by CABI Cattaneo that designed and built most of these craft, Italian Assault Craft benefited from unrestricted access to the company's archives, technical drawings, and photo collection so it is replete with rarely seen illustrations. Very much secret weapons in their day, they are here revealed in full detail for the first time.

Read more less