Answer:
Option: a. saw the herds suffer heavy losses.
c. proved that cattle could be driven to distant markets.
d. established a link to the booming urban markets of the East.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cattle drives began in American West where they moved large herds of livestock to market, find fresh pasture, and to shipping points. In the 19th century, ranching became possible in Texas to Missouri. Cattle raised by the Spanish in Texas which began in mid 18th century. Early cattle drives headed west after the gold rush.