Archaeologists used a range of techniques to determine the age, diet and health of livestock raised at two sites in Orkney.
One of the sites, Earl's Bu, appears to have been organised and managed as a large estate farm.
It may have been run this way from an earlier time than previously thought.
The study, which involved excavated animal remains and the examination of other historical evidence, could give fresh insights into ancient farming elsewhere.
The University of the Highlands and Islands, which did the research, said these other places could include other Scottish islands and Scandinavia.
The archaeologists said the good condition of the livestock at Earl's Bu gave an "overall impression" of an organised system of pastoral farming on the land.
Herds of sheep and cattle were pastured and fattened up in established fields or upland areas, they said.
This suggests that an elite group of people controlled the land in the form of manorial estates from the Viking period onwards.
The archaeologists said that this challenged the view of agriculture in the 9th to 11th Century being "dominated by free peasant farmers with varying degrees of obligation to chieftains and larger farmers".

Norburn's sweet strike from outside the area gave Gulls goalkeeper Brendan Moore no chance as the ball flew into the top corner with 24 minutes on the clock.
Chris Holroyd confirmed victory on 65 minutes with a second memorable goal as his fierce strike went in off the crossbar.
Report supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, Macclesfield Town 2, Torquay United 0.
Second Half ends, Macclesfield Town 2, Torquay United 0.
Substitution, Macclesfield Town. Paul Lewis replaces Jack Mackreth.
Courtney Richards (Torquay United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Substitution, Macclesfield Town. Neill Byrne replaces John McCombe.
Corner,  Macclesfield Town.
Substitution, Torquay United. Jamie Reid replaces Brett Williams.
Goal!  Macclesfield Town 2, Torquay United 0. Chris Holroyd (Macclesfield Town).
Substitution, Torquay United. Sam Chaney replaces Damon Lathrope.
Corner,  Macclesfield Town.
Corner,  Macclesfield Town.
Corner,  Macclesfield Town.
Brett Williams (Torquay United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Second Half begins Macclesfield Town 1, Torquay United 0.
First Half ends, Macclesfield Town 1, Torquay United 0.
Goal!  Macclesfield Town 1, Torquay United 0. Ollie Norburn (Macclesfield Town).
Corner,  Macclesfield Town.
Corner,  Macclesfield Town.
Corner,  Macclesfield Town.
First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

The world ranking event is part of the new Home Nations quartet of events - any player who wins all four tournaments will receive a £1m bonus.
It is the first professional tournament in Northern Ireland since 2008.
"It's brilliant. Everyone's been asking about an event here and now we've got one," said Belfast player Joe Swail.
The format for the tournament, to take place from 14-20 November, will be a flat draw with all players starting in the first round.
Total prize money for each of the Home Nations events will be £366,000, with the winner to receive £70,000.
"There's definitely an appetite for a ranking event. Belfast is a brilliant place and I think the event will be a great success," added the two-time World Championship semi-finalist.
"I feel as if snooker is coming home with these new big events in the UK.
"I know the game is growing massively in China and it's nice to travel.
"But for snooker in the UK to keep improving, it's important that we develop the game at grassroots and it helps the profile of the game having tournaments like this."
Studies of teeth from sheep and cattle have provided new insights into farming practices in the Iron Age through to the Late Norse periods in Scotland.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Ollie Norburn marked his Macclesfield debut with a stunning volley as Torquay were beaten 2-0 at Moss Lane.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Titanic Belfast is to be the venue for the new Irish Open tournament in November, at which 128 of the world's leading players will compete.