Why did land owners in the Chesapeake colonies begin using cattle slavery?

Landowners in the Chesapeake colonies began using cattle slavery primarily to meet the increasing demand for labor-intensive agricultural production, particularly tobacco. As the native population declined due to disease and conflict, landowners sought a reliable labor source, leading to the importation of enslaved Africans. Cattle were also introduced to diversify agriculture and provide essential resources, further incentivizing the use of enslaved labor for both crop cultivation and livestock management. This shift solidified the economic reliance on slavery in the region.