Where did cows originate (before the were domesticated)?

Answer 1

Most likely, the aurochs, which are believed to have originated in India, then migrated West into Europe and the Mideast.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurochs

Answer 2

The bovine family is endemic to all habitable continents except Australia, a family that includes everything from gazelles to bison. The greatest diversity of of bovine species is found in Africa. Likely, when humans began their world-march they appropriated the more docile species found in the middle east, Europe and Asia. Asian species were apparently the most readily domestic-able. African species remained quite formidable, dangerous or unsuitable for domestication ( think water buffalo). The Auroch reportedly was an aggressive animal and successfully harvesting one was lauded. Their extinction may have been the result of human hunting pressure, much like the near extinction of the American Bison in the 19th and 20th centuries. Similarly, most Bison now exist on farms as alternative "cattle", though wild populations still exist.
The success of the cow relies in part on it's ability to digest low-nutrient food by aid of fermentation. Many wild bovids require specialized food. Migrating humans could bring their favored breeds along with them. These then could be refined into new, more specialized breeds if the group settles in a new ecosystem. This has resulted in the diversity of domestic cattle found in the world today.

Answer 3

What breed? Most of the cows that we see on todays ranches and dairies came from different parts of the world example - Jerseys came from the Jersey Islands.

Answer 4

The wild