On the History of Cattle Genetic Resources

Aurochs inhabited the temperate and subtropical biomes of Eurasia and North Africa during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs.

“This bovine species once inhabited the temperate and subtropical biomes of Eurasia and North Africa during the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs.”

Over one thousand recognized cattle breeds exist globally, each shaped by long-term artificial selection and local environmental adaptation.

“To date, over one thousand recognized cattle breeds exist globally, each uniquely shaped by long-term artificial selection and local environmental adaptation [3,4].”

Aurochs was the direct progenitor of both humpless taurine and humped zebu cattle.

“The aurochs (Bos primigenius) was the direct progenitor of both humpless taurine and humped zebu cattle [4].”

Aurochs survived until the 17th century, and the last documented individual died in Poland in 1627.

“The species survived until the 17th century, and the last documented individual died in Poland in 1627 [4].”

Zebu cattle were introduced 4000-3000 years ago, facilitated by maritime trade across the Indian Ocean and the Horn of Africa.

“Zebu cattle were introduced 4000–3000 years ago, facilitated by maritime trade across the Indian Ocean and the Horn of Africa [4].”

In the late 15th and 16th centuries, European cattle, especially southern stock, reached the Americas with Spanish colonizers; historical records indicate that during Columbus's second voyage in 1493, European cattle were introduced from the Iberian Peninsula to the Caribbean islands.

“In the late 15th and 16th centuries, European cattle, especially southern stock, reached the Americas with Spanish colonizers. Historical records indicate that during Columbus’s second voyage in 1493, European cattle were introduced from the Iberian Peninsula to the Caribbean islands [4].”

They subsequently spread throughout the Americas with Spanish colonists during the 16th century: transported from the Caribbean to Mexico in 1521, reaching Colombia by 1524, and continuing to spread southward.

“They subsequently spread throughout the Americas with Spanish colonists during the 16th century: transported from the Caribbean to Mexico in 1521, reaching Colombia by 1524, and continuing to spread southward [4].”

In Australia, British cattle breeds including Holstein, Shorthorn, Hereford, and Angus were introduced from the 19th century.

“In Australia, British cattle breeds including Holstein, Shorthorn, Hereford, and Angus were introduced from the 19th century [4].”

Following the severe threat posed by cattle tick infestations to tropical Queensland herds in 1896, zebu cattle from India and the United States were introduced for crossbreeding to confer tick resistance.

“Following the severe threat posed by cattle tick infestations to tropical Queensland herds in 1896, zebu cattle from India and the United States were introduced for crossbreeding to confer tick resistance [4].”

In New Zealand, only European cattle were introduced, primarily dairy breeds originating from Britain and the Netherlands.

“In New Zealand, only European cattle were introduced, primarily dairy breeds originating from Britain and the Netherlands [4].”