Cows with a name are happy cows

Dairy cows given a name produce more milk, scientists have revealed.

Researchers from Newcastle University found that cows treated with a ‘personal touch’ are happier, and produce higher milk yields compared to cows treated as just one of a herd.

The survey of 516 British dairy farmers found that cows called by name yield 454 more pints per year compared to nameless cows.

Lead researcher Dr Catherine Douglas said: “By placing more importance on the individual, such as calling a cow by her name or interacting with the animal more as it grows up, we not only improve the animal’s welfare and her perception of humans, but also increase milk production.

“Just as people respond better to the personal touch, cows also feel happier and more relaxed if they are given a bit more one-to-one attention.”

Critics of the research say the methodology is flawed, and that Douglas has mistaken correlation for causation.

Blogger Hank Campbell of Scientific Blogging said the study had “too many logical flaws for me to tackle without being insulting.”

For animal rights activists, however, the study confirms what they’ve always believed.

Similar studies have had similar results, said Ian Duncan, chair of Animal Welfare at the University of Guelph, Canada.

Fearful chickens lay fewer eggs, Duncan said, whilst anxious sheep and pigs grow more slowly.