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REAL LIFE NEWS: HAPPY COWS ARE PRODUCTIVE COWS

by Hazed

Just as keeping your workthings happy makes them more productive, it turns out that it pays to keep your cows happy, because happy cows give more milk. Researchers at Newcastle University in the UK report that cattle that are given names and treated with a "more personal touch" can increase milk yields by up to 500 pints a year.

The study involved 516 farmers across the UK. Just a bit under half of those involved named their cows, and it was found that their cows gained a higher yield than the 54% who didn't treat their cows like individuals.

Dr Catherine Douglas, who led the research, 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."

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