Cows get stressed and lonely without their 'best friends' — new study asks farmers to pair them up

A recent study has shared that even cows have 'best friends,' with numerous farmers sharing how this news isn't a surprise for them. In a Reddit post by u/Modern-Moo, an owner shared images of his two cows who always seem to be in each other's company. The post caption read, "Rose and Willow are never too far apart. I often see them grazing with each other away from the rest of their herd." To this, many internet users shared their opinion in the comment section, u/thatdamnedfly exclaimed, "I've heard cows have best friends." And, it is indeed true.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the above-mentioned research was conducted by Krista McLennan of Northampton University. The study proved that cows are social animals who prefer the presence of others rather than being alone. In the study performed by the 27-year-old, McLennan, cows were kept in a pen for 30 minutes, either alone, with their best friend, or with a cow they didn’t know, while their heart rates were checked every 15 seconds. The research found that cows are very social animals that form strong friendships. When cows were with their best friend, their heart rates were lower and they were noticeably less stressed, showing how much comfort they get from being with someone they know and trust.

McLennan further shared the numerous benefits of cows having best friends, stating, "If we can encourage farmers to keep an eye out for those cows which like to keep their friends with them, it could have some real benefits, such as improving their milk yields and reducing stress for the animals, which is very important for their welfare." But while allowing cows to be near their best friend to reduce stress levels is important, it is also crucial to acknowledge the main reasons behind the stress.

A study pointed out the numerous and common stressors cows have to deal with, and how those can affect their productivity and reproductive health. The more strain a cow feels, the more likely it is that stress will harm its fertility. Common sources of stress for cattle include heat, illness, poor nutrition, high milk production, and mental pressure. Stress affects the reproductive system through changes in body temperature, energy levels, hormones, and brain functions that control reproduction. This can lead to problems with the uterus, egg quality, ovaries, and early embryo development.

Cows that handle stress better, meaning they show less strain, tend to be more fertile. That’s why future farming should focus on reducing stress, managing how cows respond to it, and breeding animals that naturally cope better with stress. McLennon continued to tell Daily Mail that she hopes her new research on cows having low cortisol levels when kept with their best friends, will be welcomed by the dairy industry and farmers. "I suppose cows must be a bit like humans. Some might like to be on their own while others might not."