Cattle
I.
Introduction
The Cattles are animals that we need on our daily life, but not a lot of people know how
they are, why they are important and how their domestications affect the development of
that animals. Opening, the cattle are domesticated bovine farm animals raised for especially
milk, meat, and hides (Britannica, 2022). The domestication began in the 9th millennium
BC in the Southwest of Asia. During the Neolithic transition the cattle were introduce in
Europe (Scheu, A., Powell, A., Bollongino, R., Vigne, J. D., Tresset, A., Çakırlar, C.,
Benecke, N., & Burger, J., 2015).
II.
Problem statement
The cattle have been important to humans through all history, but there are big problems
with it. Humans have modified the genotype of a cattle for their own benefit more than any
other species of domestic livestock. The domestication of the cattle has affected them in
their evolution and development, these are some of the changes that we have produce in the
cattle, first, we have reduce their longevity because cattle that are above the 20 years are
too old to work, the meat of the animal becomes less efficient, also, milk animals after 6 or
7 years due to impact of stress of many lactations and the poor conditions they are often
kept in they have a metabolic strain (CSIRO, n.d.). The metabolic strain is a physiological
process that occurs during exercise in response to low energy that leads to metabolite
accumulation lactate, phosphate inorganic (Pi) and ions of hydrogen (H+)] in muscle cells
(de Freitas, M. C., Gerosa-Neto, J., Zanchi, N. E., Lira, F. S., & Rossi, F. E., 2017). But a
part of that, there are a few important things that are made for human benefit but affect the
welfare of the cattle, primary, in their wild state the animals expressed natural productivity
but their welfare was not maximized because of predation, disease, lack of feed and other
adverse natural events, second, there arrives a point at which the increased drive for
production will reach or even exceed their biological limits and their welfare becomes poor
(CSIRO, n.d.).
III.
Objectives:
General: Inform how the domestication of the cattle is affecting the development of the
cattle and in a secondary way the environment.
Specific:
IV.
Inform how although domestication could be a good option to protect the
welfare of the animals, us as humans we are doing the other way around
and affecting a big part of the ecosystem with our bad treatment to animals.
Theoretical framework
-
-
Metabolic strain: The metabolic strain is a physiological process that occurs during
exercise in response to low energy that leads to metabolite accumulation lactate,
phosphate inorganic (Pi) and ions of hydrogen (H+)] in muscle cells (de Freitas, M.
C., Gerosa-Neto, J., Zanchi, N. E., Lira, F. S., & Rossi, F. E., 2017).
The concept of welfare applied to farm animals has undergone a remarkable
evolution until it reached a formulation that includes the following fourfold aspect:
(a) biological and technical definitions, that emphasize the basic needs of animals
and the freedom that should be given and the possibility of coping with
environmental challenge; (b) regulation approaches, according which animals are
sensitive creatures so they must be reared in the environment compatible to the
biological needs of the species. This leads to the translation of the concept into a
legal framework; (c) philosophical approach, discussing the role of animals in the
humans’ societies; (d) interactive approach, that considers communication between
farmers and animals and its impact on livestock systems (Cesarani, A., & Pulina,
G., 2021)
-
Domestication is an evolutionary process during which the biobehavioral profile
(comprising e.g., social, and emotional behavior, cognitive abilities, as well as
hormonal stress responses) is substantially reshaped. An established model system
for the study of domestication, we review (a) how wild and domestic animals of the
same species differ in behavior, emotion, cognition, and hormonal stress responses,
(b) during which phases of life differences in biobehavioral profiles emerge and (c)
whether animal personalities exist in both the wild and domestic form (Kaiser, S.,
Hennessy, M.B. & Sachser, N., 2015)
-
Concerning to (a) typical changes with domestication include increased courtship,
semipositive and maternal behaviors as well as decreased aggression and attentive
behavior. Concerning to (b) differences between the domestic and the wild form can
be attributed to genetic alterations resulting from artificial selection, and likely to
environmental influences during the pre- and perinatal phase. Concerning to (c)
there is some evidence that personalities occur in both wild and domestic animals.
However, there may be differences in which behavioral domains – social and sexual
behavior, emotionality, stress-responsiveness – are consistent over time. These
differences are probably due to changing selection pressures during domestication
(Kaiser, S., Hennessy, M.B. & Sachser, N., 2015)
V.
Description of Variables.
The process of domesticating cattle has had a profound impact on their evolution and
physical characteristics. Several factors have contributed to the transformation of cattle
from their wild ancestors to the domesticated breeds we see today. Firstly, natural selection
played a crucial role in favoring traits such as docility, adaptability, and a cooperative
nature, as these traits made them more manageable for humans. Selective breeding by early
pastoralists further intensified these desired traits, leading to the development of different
breeds with specific traits like milk production or meat quality. Another factor was the
availability of abundant and consistent food sources provided by human settlements, which
allowed cattle to have a more stable and nutritious diet. Additionally, human intervention
and artificial selection have influenced cattle's physical features, such as size, coloration,
and horn shape, to suit various purposes like plowing, transport, or religious symbolism.
Over time, these combined factors have led to significant changes in cattle, shaping them
into the diverse and domesticated animals that have become an integral part of human
societies worldwide.
VI.
Discussion
This topic is a bit controversial; many people have their own point of view in which they
can or cannot agree if domestication is a process needed in the life cycle, and if it is handle
in a good way. Our discussion is about what is better for the humans, the animal and the
environment, that humans stop eating meat, consuming milk and stop producing clothes
with the cattle hide while the economic enter into a break because a lot of farmers depend
on that resource, or in the other hand, that we still consuming the meat, the milk and
continue producing clothes, but with the thought that the environment is being affected by
the greenhouse gas emissions, that the animals are struggling with the stressful conditions
the live with. We can go deeper with this information, the domestication has good and bad
effects in different aspects of the society, like, economy, critics of reducing meat and dairy
consumption raise concerns about the economic impact on farmers who depend on these
industries for their livelihoods, “livestock farming supports the livelihoods and provides
food security to almost 1.3 billion people” (Greentumble, 2016, par.6). Supporters of
alternative agricultural practices, such as plant-based farming or regenerative agriculture,
argue that transitioning to these models can provide new economic opportunities while
addressing environmental and animal welfare concerns (Livekindly, n.d.). We can talk
about of healthy, those advocating for a shift away from meat consumption often cite
studies that link excessive meat consumption to health problems like heart disease and
certain types of cancer (Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, 2022). However, others
contend that meat can be a valuable source of essential nutrients, and a balanced diet that
includes moderate meat consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle (NHS, n.d.). As well,
the ethical part, advocates for stopping meat consumption argue that killing animals for
food is morally wrong and that it perpetuates unnecessary suffering (BBC, 2014). On the
other hand, some argue that humans have been part of the food chain for centuries and that
responsible animal husbandry can ensure a higher quality of life for animals (Donald R.
Strong., Kenneth T. Frank, 2010). And last, the environmental effects, proponents of
reducing meat consumption highlight the significant greenhouse gas emissions,
deforestation, and water usage associated with livestock production, which contribute to
climate change and environmental degradation (Hemi Kim, 2022). Conversely, supporters
of the agricultural industry argue that well-managed livestock systems can be part of
sustainable land use and that careful resource management, such as rotational grazing, can
mitigate environmental concerns (Allan Savory, 2016). With all this information is on you
to choose what to do.
VII.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the domestication of cattle stands as remarkable evidence to the
collaboration between humans and animals. Through a complex interaction of natural
selection, selective breeding, and human intervention, wild cattle were transformed into the
diverse and adaptable domesticated breeds that have become an integral part of our
societies. The discussions surrounding cattle domestication continue including debates
about its origins, the role of humans, cultural and economic significance, genetic
consequences, and environmental impact. As we search for understanding the historical and
ongoing processes of cattle domestication remains vital. It is through this understanding
that we can better appreciate the intertwine history of humans and cattle, and work towards
a relationship that ensures the well-being of both species and the ecosystems we coexist
within.
VIII.
Recommendations
The education awareness about the process of domestication can contribute to more
informed decision-making, improved animal welfare, and the adoption of sustainable and
responsible practices in cattle farming. Also, this understanding can lead to more
compassionate and responsible treatment of domesticated animals, the conservation of
genetic diversity, and the development of sustainable practices in our interactions with
domesticated species. We can do this by educational initiatives, public campaigns,
community engagement, digital platforms, and resources, and the most important for us the
sustainable practices, that emphasize the importance of sustainable and responsible
practices in animal husbandry and agriculture. Promote discussions and initiatives focused
on animal welfare, conservation, biodiversity, and the preservation of genetic diversity in
domesticated species.
IX.
References
Britannica. (2022). Cattle
https://www.britannica.com/animal/cattle-livestock
Scheu, A., Powell, A., Bollongino, R., Vigne, J. D., Tresset, A., Çakırlar, C., Benecke, N.,
& Burger, J. (2015). The genetic prehistory of domesticated cattle from their origin to the
spread across Europe.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445560/#:~:text=Cattle%20domestication
%20started%20in%20the,reconstruction%20of%20their%20early%20demography.
CSIRO. (n.d.). The implications of cattle domestication.
https://www.publish.csiro.au/ebook/chapter/9781486301614_Chapter3#:~:text=As%20well
%20as%20changing%20the,horn%20'buds'%20in%20calves.
de Freitas, M. C., Gerosa-Neto, J., Zanchi, N. E., Lira, F. S., & Rossi, F. E. (2017). Role of
metabolic stress for enhancing muscle adaptations: Practical applications.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5489423/#:~:text=Metabolic%20stress%2
0is%20a%20physiological,H%2B)%5D%20in%20muscle%20cells.
Cesarani, A., & Pulina, G. (2021). Farm Animals Are Long Away from Natural Behavior:
Open Questions and Operative Consequences on Animal Welfare.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001272/
Kaiser, S., Hennessy, M.B. & Sachser, N. (2015). Domestication affects the structure,
development, and stability of biobehavioral profiles.
https://frontiersinzoology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1742-9994-12-S1-S19
Greentumble. (2016). Advantages and disadvantages of intensive livestock farming. par.6.
https://www.veteransoffgrid.org/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-intensive-livestockfarming
Livekindly. (n.d.). What Would Actually Happen If Everyone Stopped Eating Meat?
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20working%20days.
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. (2022). Heart disease and red meat.
https://www.victorchang.edu.au/blog/heart-disease-redmeat#:~:text=Eating%2050%20g%20of%20processed,coronary%20heart%20disease%20b
y%2018%25.
NHS. (n.d.). Meat in your diet.
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he%20diet.
BBC. (2014). Eating animals.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals/using/eating_1.shtml#:~:text=In%20philosopher's%2
0terms%20it%20is,for%20food%20remains%20morally%20wrong.
Donald R. Strong., Kenneth T. Frank. (2010). Human involvement in food webs.
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-environ-031809133103#:~:text=Humans%20prey%20upon%20animals%20at,productivity%20for%20food
%20(3).
Hemi Kim. (2022). Eating Less Meat Is the Most Effective Way to Fight Climate Change.
https://sentientmedia.org/how-does-eating-less-meat-help-climatechange/#:~:text=Eating%20less%20meat%20can%20help,those%20that%20are%20animal
%2Dbased.
Allan Savory. (2016). What does properly managed livestock mean?
https://savory.global/what-does-properly-managed-livestock-mean/