Russian cows get VR headsets 'to reduce anxiety'

  • 07 Dec - 13 Dec, 2019
  • Mag The Weekly
  • Mag Files

A Russian farm has given its dairy cows virtual reality headsets in a bid to reduce their anxiety. The herd donned VR systems adapted for the "structural features of cow heads" and were shown a "unique summer field simulation programme". Moscow's Ministry of Agriculture and Food cited research which they say has shown a link between a cow's emotional experience and its milk yield. Initial tests reportedly boosted "the overall emotional mood of the herd". According to a statement from the ministry, the experiments took place at the RusMoloko farm in Moscow's Ramensky district. "Examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality, of milk increases markedly," it read. Researchers will examine the effects of the programme in a long-term study. The developers reportedly hope to expand the project if positive results continue.

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