Cattle, at the initial stages of their domestication, produced a relatively small amount of milk, sufficient only to rear their calves. Early cattle breeding focused largely on meat production, and the development of high milk yield in cows was a later development. Dairy cattle breeds were eventually established by years of careful selection and mating of animals to attain desired qualities. Increased milk and butterfat production was the chief objective, although some breeds were selected for increased milk and protein production. In the early 1800s the average dairy cow produced less than 1,500 liters (396 gallons) of milk annually. With ...(100 of 219 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!