Do Cows Have Best Friends?

Scientific studies have confirmed that cows form strong, specific bonds with other individuals in their herd. These relationships function very much like human best friendships. A cow will often choose one or two partners to spend the majority of its time with, preferring their company over others in the group.

Social Bonding and Stress

Cows are herd animals, meaning they feel safest in groups. However, not just any group will do. Research measures a cow’s heart rate to determine its stress levels. When a cow is with its preferred partner, its heart rate slows down, indicating it feels calm and relaxed. If a cow is separated from its best friend, its heart rate increases, and it may pace or moo loudly in distress. Keeping friends together improves the animal’s overall health and milk production.

Expressing Affection

Cows show their friendship through a behavior called allogrooming (social cleaning). One cow uses its rough tongue to lick the head, neck, and shoulders of its friend. This action cleans the other cow’s coat and strengthens their social bond. It lowers the heart rates of both animals involved. Cows also prefer to graze (eat grass) and rest lying down next to their chosen companions.

Recognition and Memory

Cows have excellent memories and can recognize more than 100 other cows by their faces and unique markings. They use sight and smell to identify their friends within a large herd. These friendships can last for many years. If a pair is separated and then reunited later, they will often remember each other and immediately resume their bond.