Autore: William McCombie

William Mc Combie (1805-1880) was a preeminent Scottish agriculturalist of the 19th century, renowned especially for his advancements in cattle breeding. Hailing from Tillyfour, Aberdeenshire, Mc Combie was a pivotal figure in the improvement of the Aberdeen Angus cattle breed, a legacy that has had a lasting impact on the quality of beef cattle worldwide. His seminal work, “Cattle and Cattle-breeders” (1867), is a testament to his expertise and innovative approach to cattle breeding. The text represents not only a guidebook imparting technical knowledge but also a narrative enriched with Mc Combie”s personal experiences in breeding and exhibiting cattle. His literary style combines practicality with a unique historical perspective, offering insights into Victorian era agricultural practices. Mc Combie”s influence extended beyond his work with livestock; he was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for West Aberdeenshire from 1874 to 1880, advocating for agricultural interests. With his deep understanding of the science and art of breeding, along with his societal contributions, Mc Combie”s work remains a valuable resource for scholars within animal husbandry and agricultural history, preserving the dedicated spirit of a remarkable cattle-breeder and agricultural innovator.