Man & cattle

Written by Dr Clive Dalton

Cattle evolved into about 260 different breeds, types and varieties in different parts of world - e.g. buffalo in North America and the Yak in China.
Wild ancestors of today’s cattle were hunted for meat e.g.. the Auroch.
Early humans feared and respected the early cattle for the shape of their crescent-shaped horns that had religious significance.
Cattle were domesticated for milk and meat. Castration and dehorning greatly aided domestication.
Cattle also provide hides for clothing and many different human needs.
Cattle (oxen and buffalo) still provide power in the developing world today.
Dung is used for cooking and building.
Cattle are a measure of human wealth in parts of world e.g.. the Masai
They also have major religious significance e.g.. in India.