Dairy Cows Produce More Milk When Conten

Studies show cattle with more space to roam have increased productivity.

Dennis McLaughlin
November/December 2006
cows
Image Gallery
Contented Cows Produce More Milk
file photo
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS

Cows really do laugh, and there might be something to the idea of them jumping over the moon. Researchers at Cambridge University in England claim cows to be intelligent beings capable of developing sophisticated relationships and solving problems. Led by Dr. Donald Broom, professor of Animal Welfare in Cambridge’s Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, the team challenged cows with situations  requiring intellectual processes to overcome a set of obstacles. When cows succeeded, their brainwaves showed excitement, their heartbeat went up and some, according to the scientists, even jumped into the air.

RELATED CONTENT

On the more down-to-earth matter of putting laughing dairy cows to work, specialists at Penn State University in University Park say a little extra living space is the key to increasing their comfort, longevity and productivity. Researchers reached this conclusion after several years of field studies. In the new book, Penn State Dairy Housing Plans for Milking and Special-Needs Cows (NRAES-200), author Robert E. Graves, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and his colleagues provide idea plans for freestall shelters and special needs housing for pre-fresh and birthing cows and convalescing and post-fresh dairy cattle. The book is available for $23 from the Natural Resource, Agricultural and Engineering Service Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 4557, Ithaca, NY 14852-4557. For more information contact NRAES by phone, (607) 255-7654; e-mail, NRAES@Cornell.edu; or visit the Web site, www.NRAES.org.
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print


Archived Comments

1012
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save 50% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Live The Good Life with Grit!

For more than 125 years, Grit has helped its readers live more prosperously and happily while emphasizing the importance of community and a rural lifestyle tradition. In each bimonthly issue, Grit includes helpful articles, humorous and inspiring articles, captivating photos, gardening and cooking advice, do-it-yourself projects and the practical reader advice you would expect to find in America’s premier rural lifestyle magazine.

Get your guide to living outside the city limits delivered straight to your mailbox. Subscribe to Grit today!  Simply fill in your information below to receive 1 year (6 issues) of Grit for only $19.95!

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER!

At Grit, we have a tradition of respecting the land that sustains rural America. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing to Grit through our automatic renewal savings plan. By paying now with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of Grit for only $14.95 (USA only).

Or, Bill Me Later and send me one year of Grit for just $19.95!