Oct 1 : Kiwi scientists have devised a method, which by making cows work for food and shelter, finds out what the animal needs and wants.

As part of their research, AgResearch scientists have developed a custom-made apparatus that lets them ask cows to work for their needs.

The apparatus includes a moving rod, which guides the cows away from food and shelter, forcing them to walk back to the same place to access the food or shelter again.

Senior scientist Dr Lindsay Matthews said the device gives scientists an insight into the cow’s subjective experiences.

He said they have tested the apparatus at a dairy farm near Hamilton, adding that this was the first time anyone had attempted to do this kind of research with a large operation of cows.

“It shows us whether they are willing to pay the price to obtain resources. It’s an important question scientifically, so we can identify their requirements and ensure they have a good quality of life,” said Dr Matthews.

“By exposing the animals to artificial wind and rain, we find out how important the shelter is under even more challenging circumstances,” he said.

Together with colleague Dr Adele Arnold, he has now quantified the results with mathematical equations and learnt such things as how a cow’s desire for food changes according to its body condition or where it was in its production cycle. (ANI)