Let me start by saying this book is a beast – in both size and content. At over 900 pages, it's not your casual weekend read, but rather a serious dive into animal science that feels like attending a full semester course.

The good? Oh boy, where do I begin. The breadth of coverage is impressive – from rabbits to ratites (yes, I had to look that up too), the book leaves few stones unturned. The side definitions and illustrations are absolute lifesavers when tackling complex topics.

Now for the not-so-good. That price tag stings – this isn't an impulse buy. Some sections feel outdated, like the cytoplasm discussion that seems plucked from a 90s textbook. And Section 3 on animal reproduction? Let's just say it sparked some heated debates in my study group.

Here's how I used it: teaching adult education classes at our local high school. The students loved the practical applications mixed with scientific theory. Though fair warning – be prepared to supplement with more current genetics info.

Final verdict? If you're serious about animal science and don't mind some dated terminology, this could be your new bible. Just keep your credit card handy and maybe a more recent genetics reference nearby.