Rethink cow curfew

RESEARCHERS SAY dairy cows housed indoors want to break curfew and roam free and they cows are highly motivated to be outside. The study measured how much work dairy cows will do to access pasture, by pushing on a weighted gate. The cows worked hard to access pasture, especially at night. Indoor housing may meet the cow's basic needs for food, water, hygiene and shelter, but does not allow the cow to engage in natural behaviours. Scientific Reports, March 23