OXEN AS DRAFT ANIMALS

According to historians, the domestication of cattle occurred before recorded history, probably 5000-6000 years ago.  It is noted as the most important step man has taken in the direction of exploitation of the animal world, the other being the domestication of the dog. "These early cattle supplied milk, meat, leather and power as a beast of burden and later of traction. The most important role was that of a work animal" (Zeuner, page 240-244).  It is very probable that the domestication of cattle occurred about the same time the wheel and wheeled transport were developed.  Since their domestication, cattle have been used to pull wagons and plows on the farm, tread grains, carry armies and supplies to battle, build cities, clear land, and even move Viking ships across land barriers.
It should be noted that early oxen were not always steers and even today in underdeveloped countries the ox isn't always a steer.  It may be a cow, bull, or stag.  When man did learn the art of castration, steers could be used specifically for draft purposes, or castrated to prevent inferior males from breeding.  Castration was one of the first steps towards improved breeding practices and selective breeding.
Most of the early cattle in Europe were selected specifically for draft purposes.  Later they were to be selected for meat and milk.  As recently as 200 years ago, the consumption of cattle flesh was incidental.  The animal was only eaten if it died, or was no longer useful for draft or milk,  Only in the last 100 to 150 years has the work horse and finally the tractor replaced oxen in most of the modern western world.
Oxen have been used to clear forests, pull stumps, move rocks and soil in the path of civilization.   Once the field and roads were cleared oxen were used to haul firewood, lumber, supplies, and men in a and out of forests.  Oxen were used to a maintain roads in summer by hauling road building materials including stone, gravel, or wood in winter by pulling snow rollers.  Oxen were often preferred to the horse.  An early Oregon logger stated, "The ox has many advantages over the horse, he is less apt to be scared, less inclined to flounder in snow and mud, he is not so given to sickness, he is less expensive to buy and keep, and if it becomes necessary, is much better to eat (Pike)."
In addition to performing routine chores and work the ox also became a source of entertainment in early America.  Oxen were used in pulling contests that attracted many teamsters.  Many farm boys had calves they would yoke and play with.  These young teams would often become replacements for the older teams.
Oxen are still prevalent in New England at local fairs, in pulling contests, at 4H shows, and in some woodlots.  Oxen in New England are more of a hobby than a necessity.  However, some people still use oxen to log commercially or to do farm work that would otherwise require a tractor.
Oxen are still very common as work animals in other parts of the world.  In third world countries where most of the human population is engaged in the direct production of food, oxen often provide the only power available to plant, cultivate, and harvest crops.  Half the world's population is engaged in this type of food production and cattle are kept only for draft and milking purposes.  Four out of every ten cattle in the world are kept primarily as draft animals, with most of these being located in Africa and Asia.

Excerpted from Drew Conroy's book "The Oxen Handbook" originally published in http://my.execpc.com/D4/6D/hiebj_rm/page3.html. Edited to be posted by LC.

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