Taxonomy places domesticated cattle within the mammalian Bovidae family, which belongs to the order Artiodactyla or even toed ungulates. The two main groups of domesticated cattle, Bos Taurus (European) and B. indicus (India and Africa), are descended from B. primigenius, the original wild cattle or aurochs.
The last representatives of the aurochs died in Poland in 1627. Bos Taurus cattle predominated in the temperate lands of Europe, West Africa and northern Asia, whereas Bos indicus cattle generally inhabit the hot-arid or semi-arid regions of South Asia and Africa.
Although variation in type was high amongst the aurochs, the bulls frequently had large horns and a dark coat with a white stripe along the back. These characteristics are found in the cave paintings of Lascaux.
Selection and crossbreeding of cattle for different purposes began early in the history of agriculture. Selection and crossbreeding resulting in improvement of the animal and the development of different breeds.
In the developing world cattle served many functions, including food production as work animals and to maintain grassland.
In the industrialized world, specialized breeds dominate milk and meat production.
Domesticated cattle
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