Russian cows get VR headsets 'to reduce anxiety' Published duration 27 November 2019

image copyright Moscow Ministry of Agriculture and Food image caption The headsets were specially adapted to fit cow heads

A Russian farm has given its dairy cows virtual reality headsets in a bid to reduce their anxiety.

The herd donned VR systems adapted for the "structural features of cow heads" and were shown a "unique summer field simulation program".

Moscow's Ministry of Agriculture and Food cited research which they say has shown a link between a cow's emotional experience and its milk yield.

Initial tests reportedly boosted "the overall emotional mood of the herd".

According to a statement from the ministry , the experiments took place at the RusMoloko farm in Moscow's Ramensky district.

"Examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality, of milk increases markedly," it read.

Researchers will examine the effects of the programme in a long-term study. The developers reportedly hope to expand the project if positive results continue.

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