Aurochs-like 'Tauros' re-introduced to Czech Republic

www.ctvnews.ca...

Euro cattle breeders are trying to bring back the Aurochs, the ancient animal that modern cattle descended from. This semi-Aurochs, called the Tauros, is in several countries (Spain, Portugal, Croatia.)

"With knowledge of the aurochs' DNA, the scientists analyzed some existing primitive cattle breeds that are similar to their extinct ancestors. They included Pajuna, Sayaguesa and Limia from Spain, Maremmana from Italy and Highlander from Scotland.
Through cross-breeding, they have been working on reconstructing the original aurochs with the goal to have "the presence of the Tauros as a self-sufficient wild bovine grazer in herds of at least 150 animals each in several rewilding areas in Europe," Rewilding Europe, another organization involved, said on its Web site."

Kewl! I hope they can bring back the full Aurochs, which was supposed to have been quite a monster.

I read somewhere that they were trying to re-create Carolina Parakeets; they have DNA from specimens at the Smithsonian.

Perhaps those cattle are more disease resistant than the modern varieties? I hope so, American cattle seem to be injected with everything going these days.

This makes me very happy. Many cattle breeds have been inbred to the point of ridiculousness. Certain breeds such as the Holstein are riddled with endemic defects such as holes in lungs and problems with digestion

S&F. Very interesting article.

During the early 1900's, there were German programs designed to breed back the ancient Auroch. The attempted result was known as Heck Cattle. I am curious if any Heck Cattle were used with this new program.

a reply to: works4dhs

Aurochs would be interesting to be roaming around. From hoof to top of horn, they are as tall as an average height man. Horses are tall, but an auroch would be much bigger appearing, wider, stronger. Would be a little scary.

Picture size comparison. I can't imagine herding these cattle.

a reply to: blackmetalmist

Look at that beast, and think about the bulls you have seen with the nastiest attitudes. The bulls that run in Spain, for example. Or an enraged bison. Put that animals size along with this nasty temperment....and that was the auroch.

Now....try to imagine the crazy SOB's that were able to domesticate them.

a reply to: bigfatfurrytexan

You know someone out there is gonna attempt to play Matador with these bulls

originally posted by: blackmetalmist
a reply to: bigfatfurrytexan

You know someone out there is gonna attempt to play Matador with these bulls

Or try to turn them into PBR style bulls.

a reply to: ketsuko

oh, i know some folks crazy enough to try.

and ill probably go to their funerals if they try.

originally posted by: blackmetalmist

Picture size comparison. I can't imagine herding these cattle.

First thought : My God what a beast !
Second thought : Ribs or burgers ?

a reply to: blackmetalmist

Have you ever seen Tuscany's Chianina cattle?

They are equally as huge:







Oh, and quite delicious.

a reply to: works4dhs

It looks like a regular cow to me. Am I missing something?

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Have you ever seen Tuscany's Chianina cattle?

They are equally as huge:

Oh, and quite delicious.

I bet that`s what aliens are saying when looking at us