πΎAnimals
Cows Have Best Friends and Get Stressed When Separated
Studies show that cows form strong bonds with other cows and exhibit signs of stress, like increased heart rate, when separated from their preferred companions.
About this fact
Cows are more social and emotionally complex than often assumed. Research has demonstrated that cows form close friendships with particular individuals within their herd. When these 'best friends' are separated, the cows show physiological signs of stress, such as increased heart rates and higher levels of cortisol (a stress hormone). They also spend more time together, grooming each other and coordinating their activities. This suggests a level of social bonding similar to that seen in other highly social mammals.