COWS WITH NAMES PRODUCE MORE MILK.
Thursday January 29th, 2009
New research has shown that naming your dairy cows can actually increase milk production by up to 500 pints per year. The study by Newcastle University’s School of Agriculture proved that treating cattle with ‘a more personal touch’ pays dividends. The study involved 516 farmers across the UK and found that farmers who named their cows gained a higher yield that the 54% who didn’t.
Research team leader, Dr Catherine Douglas, said. 'What our study shows is what many good, caring farmers have long since believed… Our data suggests that, on the whole, UK dairy farmers regard their cows as intelligent beings capable of experiencing a range of emotions… Placing more importance on knowing the individual animals and calling them by name can, at no extra cost to the farmer, also significantly increase milk production.'
Speaking from his dairy farm near Newcastle farmer Dennis Gibb who finds the personal approach to be ‘vitally important’ said 'They aren't just our livelihood they're part of the family… We love our cows here at Eachwick and every one of them has a name… Collectively we refer to them as 'our ladies' but we know every one of them and each one has her own personality.'
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