What The Duck?! The politics of being a cow
Dec 9, 2022
Rebbecca Doyle, a vet from The University of Melbourne and co-author of 'Cow Talk', unveils the fascinating world of cow politics beyond just live export. Cows have unique personalities that influence their social hierarchies and behaviors. The discussion highlights their curious nature, likening their interactions to a Greek chorus. A delightful story about a farmer using music to engage his cattle reveals their social tendencies. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding cow communication for better welfare and farming practices.
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Cows Have Distinct Personalities
- Cows display individual personalities including boldness, fearfulness and calmness that affect behaviour.
- Temperament can be modified by experience and habituation to reduce fear responses.
Trombone Draws A Curious Herd
- Farmer Derek plays trombone and a hundred cows stream over the hill to listen, showing extreme curiosity.
- The cows gather about two metres away and stay to listen until he finishes playing.
Dominance Shapes Herd Movement
- Dairy herds form stable dominance hierarchies driven by temperament, age and experience.
- Dominant cows lead movements and access resources while submissive cows follow at the tail end.
