In the “Cow Language in Focus” project, made possible by the Barth-Misset Fund and the Meertens Institute, we have captured the communication of cows. We recorded their interactions on eight different farms (intensive dairy farms, organic dairy farms, a large and a small retirement home for cows). This included their communication with each other, with us, and with the farmer. We collaborated closely with Professor Leonie Cornips, who offers a linguistic perspective on cow language that is not explored in veterinary science, ethology, or agricultural studies. You can find an overview of her scientific publications here.
These findings were discussed with experts, dairy farmers, and students.
The results are being used in classes at Aeres Barneveld, InHolland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, and many other locations.
The Rhythm of the Cow
One important lesson we learned is the rhythm of the cow. It is lower than that of humans and less urgent than what many people experience daily in their communication with others. A cow takes the time to make contact, to express herself through sound, and to wait for a response. This means that if you truly want to understand how and what cows communicate, you must practice patience. Just as you cannot make a person speak faster, you cannot force a cow to adjust her pace to yours. When observing these animals, you must follow the rhythm of the cow.
In these observations, more happens than expected. Even in our videos, we see something new each time. A hoof being lifted, a tail moving, a piece of skin twitching, an eye blinking, a soft hum. These subtle details become visible only when you attentively follow the rhythm of the cow. Likely, these are all forms of communication, even if their meanings are not always clear to us.
The Cow Language Videos
The relevance of these videos is significant. Each video features an individual animal with its own story, character, and independent decision-making. It shows a cow or a calf apart from its productive or economic value. Even in an environment where production is at the core of farming, each cow remains an individual.
