The importance of cows and other livestock was very importance
for the colonists. Having a significant meat source was due greatly to the
arrival of English clover and different meadow grasses. The increase of cattle
production allowed the expansion of the New England economy. It also allowed
farmers to support their families and neighboring towns and farms. The growth of
the cattle industry did cause difficulties for farmers. Overgrazing of cattle
hurt the fertility of the land. In response, farmers would clear more land for
the cattle to graze. This caused soil depletion and poor vegetation.
Cattle did poorly throughout most of the 17th
century. At the time, hay and other feed was not grown in America. It was
imported from England, often in poor condition, losing most of its nutrients.
The introduction of the English clover and grasses caused the cattle situation
to improve. But even with these grasses, the cows were stressed by labor and its
full size and health is kept short because of food. Cattle mostly lived on
grains and wild grasses. Colonists used cattle as one of their primary meat
sources. Often used in soups, stews and cooked as a steak or
roast.
for the colonists. Having a significant meat source was due greatly to the
arrival of English clover and different meadow grasses. The increase of cattle
production allowed the expansion of the New England economy. It also allowed
farmers to support their families and neighboring towns and farms. The growth of
the cattle industry did cause difficulties for farmers. Overgrazing of cattle
hurt the fertility of the land. In response, farmers would clear more land for
the cattle to graze. This caused soil depletion and poor vegetation.
Cattle did poorly throughout most of the 17th
century. At the time, hay and other feed was not grown in America. It was
imported from England, often in poor condition, losing most of its nutrients.
The introduction of the English clover and grasses caused the cattle situation
to improve. But even with these grasses, the cows were stressed by labor and its
full size and health is kept short because of food. Cattle mostly lived on
grains and wild grasses. Colonists used cattle as one of their primary meat
sources. Often used in soups, stews and cooked as a steak or
roast.