They are not the primary animal that springs to thoughts when contemplating remedy.
However cuddling cows could possibly be an efficient method to soothe stress and anxiousness – particularly when you’re a girl, in keeping with a brand new examine.
Researchers recruited 11 contributors and two Holstein bulls referred to as Magnus and Callum to participate of their examine.
The cows spent 45 minutes of contact time with every individual and infrequently smelled or licked them and accepted meals from them.
In addition they allowed bodily interactions within the type of hugs, grooming, petting or kisses.
They are not the primary animal that springs to thoughts when contemplating remedy. However cuddling cows could possibly be an efficient method to soothe stress and anxiousness – particularly when you’re a girl, in keeping with a brand new examine (inventory picture)
The animals not often made unfriendly or aggressive gestures in the direction of them, although they might sometimes decline to work together.
All contributors reported having an general constructive session with the cows and most acknowledged they might suggest cow remedy to a pal.
Evaluation additionally revealed the cows confirmed a robust desire for interactions with ladies in comparison with males and, in flip, the ladies reported stronger attachment behaviours in the direction of the cows.
Dr Katherine Compitus, one of many examine’s authors from New York College, mentioned: ‘We have now found within the present examine that bovine-assisted remedy could not solely be an efficient remedy mannequin that advantages human contributors however seems to be enriching to the cattle contributors as nicely, as proven by their proximity to and steady interactions with people.’
Evaluation revealed the cows confirmed a robust desire for interactions with ladies in comparison with males and, in flip, the ladies reported stronger attachment behaviours in the direction of the cows (inventory picture)
One contributors mentioned she was fearful the bulls could be extra aggressive however ‘fell in love with cows’ after the session.
‘It’s unclear with out additional testing whether or not the animals sought out the eye of girls normally or if the ladies have been extra more likely to provoke the actions when in comparison with the boys contributors,’ Dr Compitus added.
‘That is thrilling because it opens up a brand new space on whether or not some therapies could also be initially stronger based mostly upon gender and never process.’
Dr Sonya Bierbower, from the US Navy Academy West Level, additionally took half within the examine.
She mentioned cows have particular behavioural traits that enable them to bond with individuals in a approach that’s distinctive to their measurement and temperament.
Writing within the journal Human-Animal Interactions, the crew mentioned: ‘Cattle, as herd animals, are gregarious in nature and thrive in a social atmosphere.
‘The behavioural traits displayed by the steers on this examine reveal their need to work together with people socially.’
