Cows might seem like simple farm animals, but they’ve got drama worthy of a soap opera—turns out, they have best friends and even hold grudges! Researchers at the University of Northampton in the UK studied dairy cows and found that these gentle giants form tight social bonds. When paired with their favorite cow buddy, they’re noticeably happier, with lower stress levels and higher milk production. They’ll often stand close together, groom each other, and even nap side by side, showing off their BFF status in the herd.
But here’s where it gets juicy: cows also have enemies. If a cow feels slighted—like if another cow butts her out of the way at the feeding trough—she’ll remember it. Studies show cows can hold grudges for weeks, giving the offender the cold shoulder by avoiding them or refusing to share space. They’ve even been known to get snippy with humans who mistreat them, like a farmer who’s rough during milking. One study found that cows who were stressed by a particular person would produce less milk when that person was around, almost like they were saying, “I’m not working for you!”
Cows’ social smarts don’t stop there. They can recognize up to 100 other cows in their herd, using their keen sense of smell and memory to keep track of who’s who. They also communicate through moos—each cow has a unique voice, and they’ll change their tone to express emotions like excitement or distress. In the wild, these social skills help herds stay cohesive, but on farms, it means farmers need to be mindful of cow friendships when moving them around. Splitting up besties can lead to some seriously moody mooing! Next time you pass a field of cows, look for the cliques—you might just spot a bovine friendship or feud in action.
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