Domestic Cow

The spread of humans around the world from Africa thousands of years ago wiped out big mammals in a shrinking trend that could make the cow the biggest mammal on Earth in a few centuries' time, a scientific study said on Thursday.

Cows and buffaloes sold at animal markets across India can no longer be used for slaughter, says a new rule from the environment ministry that came into effect today. The rule - which practically stops largescale slaughter of cattle -- is expected to have huge repercussions on export and the domestic trade in beef and buffalo meat.

The spread of humans around the world from Africa thousands of years ago wiped out big mammals in a shrinking trend that could make the cow the biggest mammal on Earth in a few centuries' time, a scientific study said on Thursday.

Cows and buffaloes sold at animal markets across India can no longer be used for slaughter, says a new rule from the environment ministry that came into effect today. The rule - which practically stops largescale slaughter of cattle -- is expected to have huge repercussions on export and the domestic trade in beef and buffalo meat.