Cows do have mood swings. They are unhappy when the weather is bad and smile when it is sunny. Like humans, cows seek pleasure and love to play. When let outside after being cooped up for too long, cows run, prance and jump with joy. Sometimes, however, a cow just wants to be left alone because she is not feeling well and isolates herself from others. Cows also can be moody and sensitive. They may dislike certain individuals and can hold a grudge for years against other cows and people who have crossed them.
Cows are social animals and form herds. Cows have strong bonds and friendships, and spend much of their time with just a few preferred individuals. They even have best friends. Studies have shown that when cows are with them, their stress levels decrease and when separated from them, their stress levels increase. Cows help each other and learn from each other. They even form grooming partnerships where they can do each other’s hair.
Cows have a social hierarchy. There is often one cow in the herd who is seen as the boss and who dictates behavior to the rest of the cows. Any cows that do not follow the leader will become isolated from the herd. When new cows are introduced to a well-established herd, she will have to network and build relationships until she is accepted into the pack.
The most powerful relationship for a cow is that between a mother and baby. Cows have strong maternal bonds and are attentive, protective and loving parents. When allowed, a mother cow may nurse her calf for as long as three years. The mother-child bond continues after weaning; mothers and their children remain close to each other for life.
Because cows form such strong bonds with their loved ones, it is only natural that they show signs of grief when separated from them. When a calf is taken away, the mother will cry and bellow for hours, even days, and fall into a deep depression. Mother cows will search for their babies, visibly distressed, just as the calves cry for their mother.
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