World of the Bizarre

Russian farmers are giving cows VR headsets

By T.K. Randall
November 28, 2019

Image: Female Black and White Cow
Credit: Keith Weller / (PD) USDA It might seem like an out-of-season April Fools' joke, but the above photograph is reportedly the real deal - a cow wearing a working virtual reality headset as part of a strange experiment designed to determine if a virtual environment can help to reduce anxiety and improve milk yield.

The research, which is being carried out on a farm near Moscow, is so peculiar that it isn't exactly clear whether this is a genuine experiment or some sort of promotional exercise.

According to a press release, the virtual reality headset had to be specially adapted to fit the animals.Software developers were also hired to develop a "unique summer field simulation program" that would appeal to cows and make them feel more relaxed.

It is certainly not outside the realms of possibility that this is a serious scientific study, especially given that similar experiments have been carried out before.

Some farmers have even tried playing music to cows to see if it helps them produce more milk.

Whether exposing the animals to a VR simulation will have any effect however remains unclear.

Source: The Verge

Tags: Russia, Cows, Virtual Reality