Scientists at Newcastle University in the UK have shown that cows produce more milk when they are treated as an individual.
The study found that on dairy farms where each cow was called by her name the overall milk yield was higher than on farms where the cattle were herded as a group.
The study looked at how farmers’ attitudes to their cows influenced milk production. The researchers questioned 516 UK dairy farmers about how they believed humans could affect the productivity, behaviour and welfare of dairy cattle.
Almost half – 46 per cent – said the cows on their farm were called by name and those who called their cows by name had a 258 litre higher milk yield than those who did not.
Sixty six per cent of farmers said they “knew all the cows in the herd” and 48 per cent agreed that positive human contact was more likely to produce cows with a good milking temperament.
Almost 10 per cent said that a fear of humans resulted in a poor milking temperament.
Dr Douglas added: “Our data suggests that on the whole UK dairy farmers regard their cows as intelligent beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions.
The clip below shows dairy cows clearly enjoying their first taste of freedom after being let out of their shed after a long confinement during winter weather.
Click here to watch a wonderful clip of a highly emotional re-uniting of a mother cow and her calf.