Wild Cattle Inbred for 700 years

A feature on the early morning news caught my interest last week. I don’t know if anyone else saw it. It was regarding a herd of wild cattle. Apparently 700 years ago the local Laid decided to completely enclose some land containing a herd of wild cattle. He was very keen on hunting them and wanted to ensure that there was always sport available for him.

From that day to this, the herd which numbers approximately fifty, has had minimal human interference, are still fairly difficult to approach and are quite wild. They have bred and lived quite naturally.

Recently scientists have been studying them and can confirm from DNA testing that there has been no negligible outside blood, in fact genetically the DNA make up of every member of the herd is that of twins.

What has surprised the scientists but is probably no surprise to dog breeders is that the herd is extremely healthy and are not born with deformities. The scientists are currently using this study in the hope that they may learn how to ensure that endangered species which have a limited gene pool can breed and remain healthy.

Perhaps now scientists have been enlightened we will no longer have to endure inbreeding being blamed for every health problem the dog population has. Inbreeding is, of course, a double-edged sword but left to nature, natural culling and selection ensures only the best and most healthy survive. If breeders want to inbreed then to maintain a healthy line they must be as ruthless in their selection as nature is and work with her rather than against her. 

Lindsey Barnes©

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