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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Design Paths To Prevent Balking
- Avoid sharp light-dark transitions and unexpected gaps when moving cattle to prevent balking.
- Use solid, even surfaces and manage shadows to help cows move calmly.
Ears Signal Emotion And Direction
- Hearing is a dominant sense: cows move ears independently to pinpoint sounds.
- Ear position can signal emotional state and may indicate fear or aggression when ears are back.
Subtle Communication Keeps Herds Together
- Cows use subtle social signals including mutual grooming and vocalisations to coordinate herd behaviour.
- Isolation calls help individuals locate the herd and rejoin when separated.
