Ethology

Research shows they are able to express more emotions
than just primitive ones.

Unfortunately, the practice of cow-tipping is another way in which the society may interact with cattle. But, because of this appeal, and because of their appearance, slow movement, and loud “moos”, the public is quick to assume the essence of a cow as “dumb”. However, studies conducted by John Webster suggest otherwise. According to his studies, he was able to demonstrate emotional complexity of cows through their displays in herds such as social interactions and sexual behavior. For example, some studies revealed that cattle maintain close friendships within their herds as well as deep grudges (secondary emotions) against others. Through another set of observations, Webster was able to perceive homosexual activities between females in a cattle herd when they were in estrus. All of this, and more, is explained in depth in Webster’s, “Animal Welfare: Limping Towards Eden”. More substantially, Webster also ran tests to test a cow’s ability to solve puzzles, and as a result witnessed a cow’s ability to express joy and pleasure (primary emotions). In the video following, these are just some ways in which individuals have witnessed just how intelligent a cow could be:

"The Interesting Inner Lives and High Intelligence of Cows"

Just like the individuals in this video, our society is starting to see past cows’ primary emotions sigh as fear, distress, and flight, to notice the secondary emotions that are evidently present such as happiness, as some may argue is seen in this video:

"Tap Dancing Cow"

These observations and evidence may help in several aspects including in production levels. For example, there were studies done to observe the effect on production levels of dairy cows in “comfortable conditions” and not so comfortable conditions. It was concluded that cows placed in environments with less environmental stressors and more comfortable bedding were more likely to produce more milk at high quality (University of Kentucky- College of Agriculture). However, with further evidence of emotional diversity in cattle becoming present came more demonstrations of speciesism in media, especially within ads and commercials.

Sources:

http://www.grit.com/animals/farm-animal-intelligence.aspx#axzz2flhrhodN

http://thecollegianur.com/2010/09/09/animal-intelligence-what-they-know-and-you-don%E2%80%99t/13120/

http://www.dccwaterbeds.com/2012/06/university-of-kentucky-looks-for-win-win-in-cow-comfort-solutions-good-for-the-cow-and-for-the-farmer/