Cows typically aren’t the first creatures that come to mind when we think of compassionate and intelligent beings.
Surprisingly, cows communicate their emotions to each other through their moos, as per recent research from the University of Sydney. This study reveals that cows possess individual vocal characteristics and adjust their pitch to express their emotions.
Alexandra Green, a Ph.D. student at the university and the study’s lead author, said:
“Cows are gregarious, social animals. In one sense it isn’t surprising they assert their individual identity throughout their life.”
It’s the first time they’ve studied cow voices to gather evidence of this trait.
The Studies on the Communication Between Cows
In a five-month study of 18 Holstein-Friesian heifers, Alexandra observed that cows provided distinct vocal cues in various positive and negative circumstances. This behavior aids in herd communication and expresses excitement, arousal, engagement, or distress.
Talking about the animals she studied, Ms. Green said:
“They have all got very distinct voices. Even without looking at them in the herd, I can tell which one is making a noise just based on her voice.”
She recorded and analyzed their “moos” to understand their moods in different herd situations.
“It all relates back to their emotions and what they are feeling at the time,” she said.
Previous research found that cow mothers and calves use their voices to express individuality. This new study reveals that cows maintain their unique moos throughout their lives, even when vocalizing alone.
They communicate with each other during mating, while waiting for or being denied food, and when separated.
The study, analyzing 333 cow vocalizations, was published in Scientific Reports.
“Ali’s research is truly inspired. It is like she is building a Google translate for cows,” said Cameron Clark, an associate professor at the university.
Ms. Green hoped this study would encourage farmers to “tune into the emotional state of their cattle, improving animal welfare.”
Animal communications
Research indicates that animals, like humans, engage in turn-taking conversations, facilitating communication of needs such as food sources or herd movement. This ability aids in addressing threats promptly within the animal kingdom.
Final Thoughts About Cows Communicating
This research underscores animals’ intelligence and sentience, warranting our respect. Growing vegetarianism and veganism reflect a shift toward recognizing how abstaining from meat can benefit health and show compassion to animals. Additionally, cows play a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 37% of methane emissions from human activity. On average, one cow produces between 70-120 kg of methane annually.
This is noteworthy as there are approximately 1.5 billion cattle worldwide. Scientists are increasingly advocating for plant-based diets as a crucial step in mitigating climate change.
