Scientists in aurochs genome sequence first (wild cattle)

BBC ^ | Feb 17, 2010 | Steven McKenzie

[decimon]

Scientists have analysed the DNA of ancient giant European wild cattle that died out almost 400 years ago.

They have determined the first mitochondrial genome sequence from aurochs (Bos primigenius) from bone found in a cave in England.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed down from a mother to her offspring.

One of the researchers involved, Dr Ceiridwen Edwards, has previously investigated the remains of a polar bear found in the Scottish Highlands.

The work was carried out at the University College Dublin's Animal Genomics Laboratory and Conway Institute using new technology that allows billions of base pairs of DNA to be sequenced.

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Dr Edwards said the larger cattle were possibly harder for early farmers to manage.

She said: "My personal theory is the Near East cattle were smaller and more docile and easier to domesticate. The aurochs were larger and maybe people didn't really want to mess with them."

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[decimon]

Big mess ping.

[spetznaz]

My personal theory is the Near East cattle were smaller and more docile and easier to domesticate. The aurochs were larger and maybe people didn't really want to mess with them."

Similar story to the domesticated cattle vs Cape Buffalo in African countries. Tribes such as the Maasai and the Samburu are huge cattle people, but they never tried messing with the Cape Buffalo (one of Africa's most acerbic game, and a challenge for true hunters in you're after them in the bushlands. Let's just say its more challenging than sticking a deer using a scope).

[squarebarb]

Present-day cattle are a combination of Middle Eastern Neolithic cows and auroch bulls, from what I have read.

the photograph is of a type of Scottish highland cow, I believe.

[rrrod]

kinda cool.

[decimon]

the photograph is of a type of Scottish highland cow, I believe.

That would go with the article. McKenzie is "Highlands and Islands reporter."

I posted the picture just because I like it.

[squarebarb]

It is a good pic!

[SunkenCiv]

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[Sawdring]

Africa's most acerbic game, and a challenge for true hunters in you're after them in the bushlands.

I saw a clip where they filmed Cape Buffalo attacking lions and trying to kill the cubs during the night. Apparently they don't like being hunted.

[RichInOC]

“What do you wanna haaaaave for your dinner?”

“I want auroch!”

[colorado tanker]

One order of Auroch ribs, comin' up!