A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals

Front Cover
Cambridge University Press, Sep 2, 1999 - Nature - 238 pages
Humans have manipulated and changed the way of life of other mammals for thousands of years. This new edition of A Natural History of Domesticated Mammals explores the progress which has been made in understanding the origins of domestication and its spread, both biologically and culturally, across the world. The archaeological evidence for the earliest dating of domestication of each species is included, reflecting the recent expansion in such studies. Human history has been inexorably linked with the exploitation and often very cruel treatment of animals. In today's society attitudes to animal welfare have improved. It is now recognised that an understanding of the ecology and behavioural patterns of wild species is necessary in ensuring the well-being and correct husbandry of their domesticated descendants. This book provides up-to-date information on the natural history of all the mammals on which human societies have depended for their survival.
 

Contents

The meat supply of huntergatherers
10
The process of domestication
29
Dogs
49
The origins of domestic livestock why bother to farm?
62
Cattle
81
Horses
100
Asses mules and hinnies
114
Exploited captives
129
Camels and llamas
151
Asiatic cattle excluding the zebu
167
Rodents and carnivores exploited for food and fur
185
The cheetah aquatic mammals deer and bovids
199
Nomenclature of the domestic
219
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Page 227 - On skulls of horses from the Roman fort at Newstead, near Melrose, with observations on the origin of domestic horses.

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