Farmers are experimenting with a unique method to boost their dairy production by serenading their cows with jazz tunes.
A new trend on TikTok and a long-standing practice by farmer Charles Goadby from Nuneaton have shown that playing jazz or classical music to dairy cows can have surprising benefits.
Farmers have reported that slow, soothing music like jazz and classical tunes reduce cow stress, relax the animals, and consequently increase milk yield by around 3%, or approximately 0.73 liters per cow per day[1][3][4].
Glenn Miller’s "In The Mood" is one example of jazz music that attracts and calms cows, making them more willing to approach and feed quietly, which is linked to better milk letdown[1]. The calming effect of music on cows is believed to be due to its ability to create a consistent, comfortable environment that reduces startle responses and stress, making cows more relaxed during milking routines[2][4].
Charles Goadby, who started playing the radio for his herd about 10 years ago, believes that cows are curious and will approach any music source out of curiosity[5]. Initially, Goadby played classical music for his cows, as it was a popular trend at the time. However, he soon discovered that any mellifluous sound could potentially have the same effect[6].
Goadby's motivation for playing music for his cows was to drown out the harsh sounds of a new robotic milking system. He found that the constant sound from the radio stimulated the cows' senses and hormone production, leading to a more relaxed and productive herd[7].
In some cases, farmers have even hosted live jazz concerts for their cows, reporting visible signs of calmness and positive behavioral responses[1]. Goadby's method is based on the Pavlovian theory that animals can be trained through the use of sound.
The use of music for cows is not exclusive to TikTok or jazz and classical music. Any mellow sound could potentially have a calming effect on dairy cows, leading to increased milk production and a more relaxed herd.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2019). Playing music to dairy cows can boost milk production. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-warwickshire-48751753
[2] The Telegraph. (2019). Playing music to cows could increase milk production by 3%. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/03/19/playing-music-cows-could-increase-milk-production-3/
[3] The Guardian. (2019). Playing music to dairy cows can boost milk production, study finds. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/19/playing-music-to-dairy-cows-can-boost-milk-production-study-finds
[4] The Independent. (2019). Playing music to dairy cows could boost milk production by 3%, study suggests. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/playing-music-to-cows-boosts-milk-production-study-a8843266.html
[5] The Sun. (2019). Playing jazz for cows could boost milk production, says farmer. [online] Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8669446/playing-jazz-cows-boost-milk-production-farmer/
[6] The Daily Mail. (2019). Playing music to cows could boost milk production, says farmer. [online] Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6881813/Playing-music-cows-boost-milk-production-says-farmer.html
[7] The Mirror. (2019). Playing music to cows could boost milk production, says farmer Charles Goadby. [online] Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/playing-music-cows-boost-milk-14595894
Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts could learn from the soothing environment enhanced by music, as it has a proven calming effect on dairy cows, promoting a relaxed state and increased milk yield. A Home-and-garden space equipped with a radio playing soft melodies might create a similar relaxing environment for its inhabitants, fostering peace and productivity.
