PETALING JAYA: You can always rely on your best friend, can't you? When you're feeling low, when you need someone to talk to, or when you require moral support or just a boost of confidence to get through the day. BFF - Best Friends Forever!
But do best friends exist among other species—more specifically, cows?
Do cows have best friends?
Verdict:
TRUE
In 2013, a study conducted in the UK involving over 400 cows revealed that more than half of them preferred to socialise with a particular individual, or their “best friend."
According to the study, the cows who were separated from their social group but allowed to stay with their best friend were less distressed than cows who were separated without any of their friends.
The study's lead author, Krista McLennan, was reported as saying that farmers had also anecdotally confirmed this theory.
”I’ve spoken to a number of farmers who have said they do notice bonds building among their cows and some spending a lot of time together,” she was quoted by The Daily Mail.
While cows have best friends in other cows, they can and will bond with humans when given the opportunity and under the right circumstances.
Cow farmer D. H. Lawrence, in his book “The Secret Life of Cows”, noted that while there are limited studies of the human-cow relationship, there is some scientific evidence that humans and cows can form positive, productive relationships.
Perhaps that is why farmers and cows are generally seen as happy in each others' company.
Reference:
https://www.theguardian.com/
https://sentientmedia.org/do-
https://www.theatlantic.com/
https://vegnews.com/do-cows-
