• Cattle evolved into about 260 different breeds, types, and varieties in different parts of the 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 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 the world e.g., the Masai
  • They also have major religious significance e.g., in India.