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11/12/2024 13:27

New Study reveals: Ancient Cheese Makers used tree leaves to boost milk production

Doris Fleischer Bereich Kommunikation
Deutsches Archäologisches Institut

    A comprehensive study enriches our understanding of ancient agricultural techniques and highlights the resourcefulness of early European farmers in nurturing and sustaining their herds.

    A ground-breaking study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution sheds light on the innovative practices of Central Europe's early cheese makers (Salque et al. 2013, Nature). Researchers at German Archaeological Institute (Berlin), University of Bristol, Museum National d’historie Naturelle (Paris) and Kiel University conducted and collated over 2,000 stable isotopic measurements of cattle teeth, bones, and pottery fats, revealing how pioneer farmers adapted their cattle herding techniques to the rich forested landscape of Central Europe.

    Led by Dr. Rosalind Gillis from the German Archaeological Institute in Berlin, the study highlights an intriguing early practice: feeding cattle with leaves collected from trees during the summer to sustain them through the winter. This practice not only enhanced the health of female cows but also significantly increased milk production and calf births out with the main birthing season of late spring providing pioneer communities with milk during colder months.

    The Project
    The research was conducted by a collaborative team from research institutions, archaeological agencies and departments across Europe and funded by the Advanced ERC research project, NeoMilk led by Professor Richard Evershed at the University of Bristol, as well as other European funding agencies.

    Publication
    Gillis, R.E., Kendall, I.P., Roffet-Salque, M. et al. Diverse prehistoric cattle husbandry strategies in the forests of Central Europe. Nat Ecol Evol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02553-y

    Media contact:
    Doris Fleischer
    presse@dainst.de
    030/187711-120


    Contact for scientific information:

    Scientific contact:
    Dr. Rosalind Gillis
    Natural Sciences Unit at the German Archaeological Institute
    Rosalind.Gillis@dainst.de


    Original publication:

    https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02553-y


    More information:

    https://www.dainst.org/en/newsroom


    Images

    A model of LBK cattle herding and diet with reference to stable isotopes
    A model of LBK cattle herding and diet with reference to stable isotopes
    Dr. Rosalind Gillis
    Rosalind Gillis. Credit: trees, cattle, deer and sheep icons from Vecteezy.com


    Attachment
    attachment icon New Study reveals: Ancient Cheese Makers used tree leaves to boost milk production

    Criteria of this press release:
    Business and commerce, Journalists, Scientists and scholars, Students
    Environment / ecology, History / archaeology, Nutrition / healthcare / nursing, Zoology / agricultural and forest sciences
    transregional, national
    Research projects, Research results
    English


     

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