The link between cows, horses and agriculture is quickly made. There is a big difference, however. Natural grazing involves self-reliant animals living with as little human control as possible: this includes cattle and horses, as well as all other large grazers. Agriculture is focused on food production and the animals there are a means of production. This is totally different approach, that becomes even more clear in practice.

To begin with breed choice: breeds suitable for natural grazing produce no milk and just very little meat for humans. Most cattle breeds are no longer able to survive without human interference. For centuries, we have changed cattle and horses to our needs, both when it comes to production and ease of handling. This has resulted in traits such as early maturity, large udders and rapid muscle development. Such traits are very inconvenient in any natural situation. Dairy cows have such hefty udders, that they can no longer walk unscathed through rough terrain. Unborn calves are sometimes so large, that they can only be born by caesarean section. In addition, high-producing cattle need special food that is not available in nature (such as soy).

In general, production animals can no longer live on a natural diet of flowering herbs and shrublands in the summer, and less digestible bark and twigs in the winter. In an agricultural system, livestock graze in large non-social groups during the summer, making the animals grow substantially in size and muscle mass. Livestock has eaten all plants away before they flower and seed, resulting in little to no food and cover for insects and birds. In winter, the cattle are stabled, so trees and shrubs are hardly getting pruned or peeled, which may eventually cause woody vegetation to dominate an area.