Cows
Cows (or cattle as they are technically known) are one of the most well-recognised animals on the planet. These big bovines have been domesticated for centuries, and are useful for their milk (which makes such delights as cheese and yogurt), and meat (think beef burgers and steak). Another use for cows is their dung, which makes a surprisingly effective fuel. Despite their helpfulness, cattle farming is thought to contribute up to 20 per cent of global greenhouse gases, thanks to their own, hearty 'emissions' in the form of methane.
What is the deadliest creature in the UK?
Man’s best friend? Yeah, right.
When it comes to reducing emissions, toilet-trained cows could be number one on the agenda
With a MooLoo here and a MooLoo there, we could reduce the threat of ammonia to our ecosystems.
What are cows communicating when they moo?
Asked by: Dileep Bagnall, Lancashire
Reality Check | Do badger culls stop the spread of bovine TB?
A study from Imperial College London and the Zoological Society London has shown culls drive badgers to roam further, potentially spreading diseases wider than before the culling. But another paper from the same university suggests the culls reduce incidence of tuberculosis by 66 per cent. So are culls effective?
Is it true that cows lie down when it’s about to rain?
Are cows saving a patch of dry grass for grazing or hunkering down to conserve heat? Either way, there’s not a lot to back up these claims.
Weird science | Six unusual studies on farm animals
Ewe won’t baaa-lieve number 3…
If you fed cows strawberries, would they make strawberry flavour milk?
Berry nice! It may be possible to produce strawberry tasting cow milk straight from the source.
Why are cowpats sloppier than other herbivore droppings?
Ruminants, like cows, have more efficient digestion than other herbivores thanks to double the chewing and four-chambered stomachs.
Why do most cows in a field face the same direction?
Cows tend to stand and graze around a field facing the same way as each other to avoid threats to, and within, the herd.
Is walking down stairs impossible for some animals?
We've always wondered whether cows can go down stairs - turns out they might, with a little encouragement.