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History and economic importance of cattle (Bos taurus L.) in Switzerland from neolithic to early middle ages

Schibler, J. and Schlumbaum, A.. (2007) History and economic importance of cattle (Bos taurus L.) in Switzerland from neolithic to early middle ages. SAT, 149 (1). pp. 23-29.

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Abstract

In Switzerland domestic cattle (Bos primigenius f. taurus resp. Bos taurus L.) first appear with the earliest Neolithic settlements (similar to 5000 BC). With the gradual deforestation of the landscape caused by human exploitation of the environment, cattle were used more intensive and in many ways. There is evidence that cattle were used as draught animal since ca. 3400 BC, probably even earlier milk was regularly used. The size of domestic cattle gradually decreased from Early Neolithic until Iron Age. Only with Roman influence larger animals are found. However, after the withdrawal of Romans the average size of cattle decreased again. Archaeogenetic studies will have to show, whether this is due to novel breeding strategies or the import of breeding stock. First genetic results showed that a female genetic type, which is rare in European breeds, is present in Swiss Evolene cattle and in one animal of Roman time cattle from Augusta Raurica. Is this a sign for influence of Roman cattle on today`s Swiss breeds?
Faculties and Departments:05 Faculty of Science > Departement Umweltwissenschaften > Ehemalige Einheiten Umweltwissenschaften > Archäozoologie (Schibler)
UniBasel Contributors:Schibler, Jörg M. and Schlumbaum, Angela
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Verlag Hans Huber
ISSN:0036-7281
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Language:English
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edoc DOI:
Last Modified:26 Sep 2017 08:44
Deposited On:22 Mar 2012 14:18

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