Happy farmer, happy cow

Abstract

Agriculture & Fisheries[1] Agriculture & Fisheries[1]Animal welfare [2]cows [3]dairy animals [4]dairy cows [5]Farm animals [6] milk production [7]Norway [8]Forskning.no [9] To succeed with farm animals, you should enjoy yourself and be kind and calm. The result will be happy cows and more milk. Researchers at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute have identified a clear link between the behaviour of farmers and their cows. “When farmers pet and touch the animals, when they are calm and patient, the result is positive behaviour,” says researcher Kristian Ellingsen. Anxiety and stress in farmers leads to anxiety and stress in cows. This in turn may lead to more use of force. “It can all end up in a vicious circle. This shows just how important it is to look at the behaviour of and interaction between the farmer and his or her cows,” says Ellingsen.