To This Neuroscientist, Cows Are Like Puppies

Affection

Dr. Gregory Berns initially acquired cows to help manage his pasture but quickly fell in love with them after observing their behaviors. He noticed how the cows, especially the calves, displayed affection and playfulness, similar to dogs. This bond led to unique interactions, including what he calls 'cow therapy sessions,' where he would meditate with them in the pasture 1 2.

I found them to be very relaxing and grounding in a way that I hadn't found any other animal.

--- Gregory Berns

These sessions even attracted his neighbors, who were amazed by the cows' affectionate nature.

   

Intelligence

Berns compares the emotional expressions and social bonding of cows to those of dogs, noting that cows can be even more demonstrative. He conducted a mirror test to assess their intelligence, finding that some cows could use the mirror functionally, a behavior not observed in dogs 1 3.

They show a level of social bonding that I haven't seen with my dogs.

--- Gregory Berns

This discovery highlights the cognitive abilities of cows, challenging common perceptions of their intelligence.