From cheese and chocolate to burgers and bells, the cow is Switzerland’s unofficial mascot. Historians say it was destined to be this way since ancient times.

(Keystone SDA) The genetic development of Swiss cows is closely linked to social developments in the Alpine country, according to a new report from the University of Basel.

Researchers from the University of Basel investigated how the size and genetic diversity of cows have changed over the course of history, according to a statement from the University on Monday. They analyzed of cow bones from the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages and published their results in the journal Diversity.

According to the authors, domestic cattle have been widespread in what is now Switzerland for around 7,500 years. Since that time, cattle have been of great economic importance as a source of meat and milk, as well as workers. The cow bones are therefore a treasure trove for studies of the past.

“Precisely because farm animals lived so closely with humans, their remains are a treasure trove of information on socio-cultural changes: new forms of housing, diets, population size, agricultural practices,” said Basel archaeo-zoologist Sabine Deschler-Erb in the statement.

Big cows for many people

For example, the researchers noticed an increase in genetic diversity in cattle in the first century BC. At that time, the Romans settled north of the Alps and brought cows with them from their homeland.

The native heritage mixed with that of the cows they had brought with them. According to the analysis, the cattle grew larger at the same time. The growing population required larger arable land – and larger workhorses.

According to the study, these characteristics have evolved through breeding. When the Romans withdrew again in the third and fourth centuries AD, the cows got smaller again and the gene pool simpler. In the early Middle Ages agriculture became more fragmented again, and people were increasingly self-sufficient.

Big cattle, which need a lot of space and feed, were more of a disadvantage for a single farm.

This article was reprinted with permission from Keystone SDA.