Study shows cows bothered by bells

Switzerland’s cow bell-toting custom is coming under scrutiny in the light of new research from the federal technology institute ETH Zurich. Scientists have proven that cowbells have an impact on cows’ wellbeing. As part of a PhD study involving more than 100 cows on 25 farms across the country, animals were fitted with 5.5 kilogram bells plus monitors to gauge the sound level, the cows’ movements, heart rate and eating habits. Tests were carried out over three days. Bell sounds were played at different volumes to cows feeding in barns. Some animals were fitted with bells that didn’t ring, to see how they reacted to the weight. Both had a negative effect on their eating behaviour.  (SRF/swissinfo.ch)