CHAPTER II 

 ORIGIN OF DOMESTICATED CATTLE 



CLASSIFICATION OF BREEDS 



Origin of Domesticated Cattle. There are no cattle 

 native to America. All those found in North and South 

 America are descended from animals brought from Europe. 

 The domesticated cattle of Europe are descended from wild 

 forms that formerly lived in Europe and Asia. Where and by 

 whom cattle were first domesticated is unknown, as it took 

 place in prehistoric times. Within recent years considerable 

 light has been thrown on the subject by extensive investiga- 

 tions which have been made regarding the early types of cattle 

 and their relationship to the domesticated breeds of the pres- 

 ent. 



This study has been carried on largely by comparing the 

 skeletons of different breeds and types of cattle from all over 

 the world. Other sources contributing to the knowledge of 

 this subject have been extensive studies of bones found in 

 ancient human dwelling places, as those of the Lake Dwellers 

 of Switzerland. Ancient historical records and works of art 

 which depict cattle have also been carefully examined by those 

 studying this subject. The material that has been gathered 

 is so fragmentary that even those who have given the subject 

 most study do not agree on more than the general details. It 

 is known from fossil remains that the ox existed in Europe 



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