The study analyzed 166 ancient cattle genomes from dozens of archaeological sites in China, spanning nearly 10,000 years, and produced one of the most comprehensive temporal genomic datasets for East Asian cattle[1][2]. The results show that domestic cattle in East Asia did not arise from a single origin, but evolved gradually through repeated external introductions and deep genetic mixing with local populations[2][3]. About 5,000 years ago, taurine (Bos taurus) cows arrived in the Yellow River region, where they interbred with local wild aurochs to form early households with regional characteristics[1][2]. Early populations in the Xinjiang region carried genetic influences of both West Asian taurine and South Asian indino (Bos indicus), suggesting multiple introductions into East Asia[2]. From the Late Bronze Age to the Iron Age, these genetic influences spread eastward and shaped the genetic structure of North China's herds[1][2]. Between the Iron Age and the Ming and Qing dynasties, further mixing between northern and southern herds took place, laying the genetic foundations of modern Chinese cattle[1]. The study provides a genetic map of the origin and dispersal of cattle in East Asia and documents links to prehistoric cross-cultural exchanges, including evidence of transcontinental contacts along ancient routes[3][1].