Comments on: Bringing Back The Extinct Aurochs

By: norman-uk

norman-uk — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:35:51 +0000

The programme to bring back the Auroch started in the 1920’s.Though later on the Nazis jumped on the bandwagon, even so I still think it was a good idea. The present Heck cattle are those bred at Hellenbrun and not by the director of the Berlin zoo but by his brother. In addition I see there is an ongoing attempt in the US under the name Diarmid.

I am surprised that in any breeding programme use is not made of Chillingham cattle from the UK, these have been enclosed in a park since the 13 century and despite interbreeding have remained healthy and wild. Also I note their mating behavour seems much like that of the Auroch.

It’s amazing and fortunate we still have these cattle. Though smallish they were captured before the extinction of the Auroch and maybe, maybe they are their closest living relative. I have a feeling these cattle are a bit of an unknown wonder.

I wish Mr Gow success with his endeavour and would like to have a look at his Hecks when he’s organised. Though from descriptions I feel they fall well short of what is possible and yet to come.

By: aspenparkland

aspenparkland — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:37:20 +0000

Here’s an article on the history of the Aurochs I found several years ago: Endangered Species: Jews and Buffaloes: Victims of Nazi Pseudo-science

By: Richard888

Richard888 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:42:07 +0000

After reading this article I thought of the giant bulls depicted on Minoan frescoes. Perhaps Aurochs were indigenous to Crete too. Best of luck to Derek Gow and his modest herd of 13 animals!

By: StinkFoot

StinkFoot — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:23:33 +0000

I dont know about you guys but I want some Heck Burgers……mmmmmm.

By: maeko

maeko — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:42:15 +0000

Wonder how the DNA matches up?

By: DWA

DWA — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:59:52 +0000

TimmyRyan65: well, there’s some irony loading.

They represent a murderous regime!

KILL THEM!

We keep descending to the level of the worst among us. That’s why I don’t hold out tons of hope for our long term.

By: thehoch

thehoch — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:29:53 +0000

Hitler Heifers, Holy Cow!

By: Viergacht

Viergacht — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:04:23 +0000

They’re really beautiful animals, it’s a shame they were destroyed because of “associations” – it’s not like the cattle had a choice!

By: Lee Murphy

Lee Murphy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:06:29 +0000

Sounds kind of similar to what John Horner is proposing by bringing atavistic dinosaurian features out in chicken embryos. He’s written a book on it titled HOW TO BUILD A DINOSAUR, and is fascinating reading.

Looks like the Nazis were looking to create a “Master Cow” too.

By: TimmyRyan65

TimmyRyan65 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:28:54 +0000

Nazi cows! It’s almost like a campy sci-fi movie from the 50’s! But it is facinating that something from the Nazi’s genetic experiment past still exists! Once word spreads there will probably be a demand that these animals be destroyed. I mean the moral implications is that these animals are the outcome of experiments of a government program that did include humans which we all know was part of an even bigger policy that eliminated 6 million people from this Earth!