Anything that can die (perish) is just about the worst store of value imaginable. There are a lot of things that can thin out the herd or totally destroy it, that have no effect on real money (gold, for example).
"Oh "Honey we're broke....all of our gold just died!"
Livestock are subject to nature's whims and are a constant gamble.
* I grew up on a farm and realize the advantages but it's nowhere near as secure as you might think. I have leaned from experience.
This is why it is best to have many cattle in many villages.