From cattle to beef

Man has been keeping beef cattle as agricultural animals for millennia. This probably started in what is now the Sahara desert. In the seventh century before Christ there was a much milder climate. .
Cattle went virtually everywhere that people did. Over the centuries many – often local – breeds therefore arose. Some are better suited to milk production, others more to meat production and yet others more for their appearance.

Cattle farming is one of mankind’s most important sources of meat, milk and leather.
Special types are bred depending upon the purpose for which the cattle are being kept. Beef cattle that provide a large meat yield ('thick rumped'), or in order to give more milk.
Good bulls procreate many thousands of progeny through artificial insemination. This breeding for can lead to a decline in the genetic diversity of livestock. On the other hand, new forms may also arise.