cattle (Bos taurus)

Cattle are used for conservation grazing, particularly to remove long, coarse grass growth. They are less selective grazers than equines or sheep, giving a more homogeneous outcome unless stocking is low. Cattle can also have a considerable impact on ground vegetation by trampling. They are the ancestors of the wild auroch. Cattle are descended from the wild auroch, which was domesticated in Europe in the early neolithic (about 10,000 years ago) and died out in Poland in the 17thC. Domestic breeds containing appreciable auroch parentage include Heck cattle.

This definition is abridged from A – Z of tree terms: A companion to British arboriculture.
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