Evidences of the use of cattle as draught animals in Chalcolithic of El Portalón (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos)

Abstract

The management of cattle livestock in a prehistoric society is relevant to approach to the subsistence strategies and the economy of their inhabitants. In this study, 667 bone remains of Bos taurus of Chalcolithic from El Portalón site have been identified. The kill-off pattern indicates a mixed exploitation, with calves slaughtered to obtain the meat (33%), adult cows for dairying and breeding and elderly bulls for traction (67%). The sex bias to adult females (11 remains of cows versus 7 of bulls) suggests that the society relied on dairy activities. Pathologies and lesions associated with draught or load have been identified on 8 bone remains indicating their use in work activities. These indicate the importance not only the husbandry but also the farming.