Cows are known to be social animals, but did you know that they have best friends? That’s right, like humans, cows form close relationships with certain individuals in their herd, and these relationships can last for years.

Research has shown that cows are capable of forming strong and lasting bonds with certain individuals within their herd. These bonds are often referred to as “friendships” and can be established through grooming, playing, and even just spending time together. In fact, cows have been observed choosing to spend time with their best friend over other members of their herd.

One study conducted by the University of Northampton in the UK found that calves who were raised with a “best friend” showed lower stress levels when separated from their friend than those who were not given the opportunity to form a close bond. This suggests that having a best friend can help cows cope with the stress of being separated from their herd.

It’s not just calves who form close bonds with their peers either. Adult cows have been observed spending time with their best friend, grooming each other, and even sleeping together. Some researchers have suggested that these friendships may help cows to better navigate their complex social hierarchies within the herd.

So why do cows have best friends? Some experts believe that this behavior is linked to their survival instincts. In the wild, cows are prey animals, and forming strong bonds with certain individuals within the herd can help them to better protect themselves from predators.

Others believe that cows form close relationships simply because they enjoy each other’s company. Cows are social animals and like humans, they are capable of forming long-lasting, meaningful relationships with others.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that cows are not just mindless animals grazing in a field. They have complex social lives, form close bonds with their peers, and even have best friends. So the next time you see a cow in a field, remember that there is more to them than meets the eye.