Ancient DNA: African-Origin Cattle
Cattle, now iconic in American lore, were absent from the continent until the Spanish introduced them from Europe via the Canary Islands. A recent study analyzed ancient DNA from Caribbean and Mexican Spanish settlements, revealing that cattle from Africa were imported early in colonization, more than a century before documentation.
Although historical records suggested a few hundred European cattle were brought over, suspicions arose that enslaved Africans played a significant, unrecognized role in cattle ranching’s development, supported by genetic findings showing hybridization with African and Asian breeds.
African cattle arrived in the Americas in the 1800s, including humped zebu, n’dama cattle from Senegal and Gambia, and Southeast Asian cattle from India. Hybridization among these breeds gave rise to enduring types like the Senepol and American Brahman. Yet, a question lingers: do these records mark the initial non-European cattle importation or an ongoing yet undocumented practice?
Ancient DNA: African-Origin Cattle – The puzzle
Solving this puzzle requires analyzing ancient DNA from preserved colonial-era cattle, a task pursued previously with inconclusive results. Nicolas Delsol gathered 21 bones from diverse sites, including Puerto Real in Hispaniola and 17th-18th-century Mexican locations.
DNA extraction led to comparisons with global modern breeds. European cattle sequences predominated, particularly in Puerto Real specimens. Crucially, six Mexican bones contained sequences present in both African and southern European breeds, complicated by historical exchanges between Spain and Africa. Clarifying history necessitates untangling intricate genetic connections.
A distinct tooth in Mexico City
Unique Mexican tooth reveals ancient African mitochondrial DNA, suggesting cattle presence 100 years earlier.
Furthermore, the bones exhibit increasing genetic diversity over time. While earlier bones came from European sources, later Mexican sites showed descent from the Iberian Peninsula and African cattle.
Collectively, the findings suggest the direct importation of West African cattle by Spanish settlers as early as the 1600s. Cattle ranching shaped the Americas’ landscape and genetics, enhancing understanding of American cattle history.
Read the original article on sciencedaily.
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