Ows are able to choose leaders According to the latest data in the field study of leadership among cows and other grazing animals, the decisive characteristics of a new leader in the herd are intellectual ability, curiosity, confidence, experience and good social skills. Scientists say that among these animals do not have to be "natural leaders", and such qualities as thedirectory, selfishness, size and strength are not considered to be qualities of a leader.
Bertrand Dumont, lead author of Applied science of animal behavior, the journal of leadership in a group of cows grazing, explains: "the fact that in the group of animals of different ages, leaders become the most senior, suggests that this is not an innate quality, and the result of the acquired experience." Dumont is a scientist at the national Institute of agriculture of France.
"Usually the leadership and domination do not relate to each other. In other words, leaders are not the strongest animals. Dumont with his team watched the group consisting of a 15 year-old cows on a farm in France. During the day the cows were allowed to graze on the field where grown cocksfoot, from another part of it was separated by a small passage. In the second place grew the chaff, which are so fond of cows.
Every time the herd was given access to the second pasture, cow number 7 the first was to explore the situation. As soon as the cows saw that she goes to a new place, the herd was recognized for her opinion and followed by certain groups in the middle of three.
This proves that the close ties that may exist between certain animals, and that, most likely, in the past No. 7 successfully led the flock to new pastures. Animals adapt to leaders because it improves their own food.
Researchers have not identified any obvious tell-tale signs that could do cow No. 7, to be followed by the whole herd. Previously it was assumed that cows usually vote with the language of facial expressions and gestures in which direction to go. Derek Bailey, associate Professor of the study of animal and range Sciences at the State University of new Mexico, explains that animals Orient their body in the direction you want, and go where indicates most of phone
Bailey agrees with the data of Dumont about the fact that leaders are individuals, followed by other animals to new pastures and held a similar experience in Montana.
"Especially one cow - her room was 2232 - always walked ahead of the herd, always among the top three, " says Bailey. We used it to help the less obedient flock members move on to other pastures".
He believes that often become leaders confident cows, able to convey the value of the goal. Unlike humans, cows devoid of false boasting, so usually trust of cattle is based on reason. Purposeful movement can indicate a good knowledge of the location of the feed, and as a result, is also a signal to other animals.
In the future, Dumont with his colleagues hope to determine what particular movement or other actions use leaders to encourage group movement.
According to the latest data in the field study of leadership among cows and other grazing animals, the decisive characteristics of a new leader in the herd are intellectual ability, curiosity, confidence, experience and good social skills. Scientists say that among these animals do not have to be "natural leaders", and such qualities as thedirectory, selfishness, size and strength are not considered to be qualities of a leader.
Bertrand Dumont, lead author of Applied science of animal behavior, the journal of leadership in a group of cows grazing, explains: "the fact that in the group of animals of different ages, leaders become the most senior, suggests that this is not an innate quality, and the result of the acquired experience." Dumont is a scientist at the national Institute of agriculture of France.
"Usually the leadership and domination do not relate to each other. In other words, leaders are not the strongest animals. Dumont with his team watched the group consisting of a 15 year-old cows on a farm in France. During the day the cows were allowed to graze on the field where grown cocksfoot, from another part of it was separated by a small passage. In the second place grew the chaff, which are so fond of cows.
Every time the herd was given access to the second pasture, cow number 7 the first was to explore the situation. As soon as the cows saw that she goes to a new place, the herd was recognized for her opinion and followed by certain groups in the middle of three.
This proves that the close ties that may exist between certain animals, and that, most likely, in the past No. 7 successfully led the flock to new pastures. Animals adapt to leaders because it improves their own food.
Researchers have not identified any obvious tell-tale signs that could do cow No. 7, to be followed by the whole herd. Previously it was assumed that cows usually vote with the language of facial expressions and gestures in which direction to go. Derek Bailey, associate Professor of the study of animal and range Sciences at the State University of new Mexico, explains that animals Orient their body in the direction you want, and go where indicates most of phone
Bailey agrees with the data of Dumont about the fact that leaders are individuals, followed by other animals to new pastures and held a similar experience in Montana.
"Especially one cow - her room was 2232 - always walked ahead of the herd, always among the top three, " says Bailey. We used it to help the less obedient flock members move on to other pastures".
He believes that often become leaders confident cows, able to convey the value of the goal. Unlike humans, cows devoid of false boasting, so usually trust of cattle is based on reason. Purposeful movement can indicate a good knowledge of the location of the feed, and as a result, is also a signal to other animals.
In the future, Dumont with his colleagues hope to determine what particular movement or other actions use leaders to encourage group movement.
Jennifer Viegas, news animal planet
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