Archaeologists Find Ancient Cheese Makers Used Tree Leaves to Boost Milk Production

Nov 13, 2024

By Doris Fleischer

A study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution sheds light on the innovative practices of Central Europe's early cheese makers.

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.

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Video: World Without Cows - Official Trailer

In World Without Cows, journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth take viewers on a global journey to explore the essential role of cattle in agriculture, food systems, and rural economies. Through interviews with farmers, ranchers, and environmental scientists, the documentary challenges the growing wave of misinformation surrounding cattle and climate change.

Prompted by the rise of unscientific narratives that paint livestock in a negative light, Michael and Whitworth set out to tell a more balanced story—one rooted in evidence and lived experience. The film highlights the cultural significance of cows, their contribution to global nutrition, and the innovations within the industry aimed at reducing environmental impact.

World Without Cows is a compelling reminder of the complexity and importance of livestock in a sustainable future.

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