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CSR
What is the cow dance?
They jump, skip and sometimes even make a merry buck - it's the cows celebrating, because they finally get to go outside again. But what exactly is the cow dance?
What is the cow dance?
The cow dance is the joyful moment when cows are allowed out to pasture again for the first time after a long winter in the barn. As soon as the barn doors open, they run, jump and hop out into the fresh air - full of energy and joy.
Did you know that the cow dance contributes to the cows' well-being? It helps them get active again after they have been in the barn for a long time.
In winter, cows usually stay indoors, and for good reason. The grass is not suitable for grazing and it is often too wet and cold outside. Rain and soggy ground can damage their claws and cause inflammation. In addition, they cannot shelter well from rain and wind, which can affect their welfare.
Why don't the calves participate in the cow dance?
Calves go outside later because they need to develop physically and socially first.
In the first months of life, calves are still very vulnerable physically: they are susceptible to cold, wet conditions and diseases that spread faster outside. To build up their immune system, they are better off staying indoors a bit longer, protected from bad weather.
Besides, during this period they are only used to drinking milk. Before they can go outside with the adult cows, they must gradually learn to graze. Their digestive system has to adapt to this, which takes time.
Calves also have a lot to learn socially. In their first years of life, they often stay with their mother or with other calves, so they can practice social behaviour and learn to get along with peers.
In short, calves are better off staying indoors at the beginning of spring so that they can strengthen their immune system, learn to graze and develop social skills, but when they are ready, the joy of going outside is immense! A real calf dance!
Frequently asked questions
The cow dance often starts as soon as the barn doors open. The cows run or hop outside, sometimes making jumps of their own or spinning in circles. It looks like the cows are dancing.
This usually takes place in early spring, as soon as the grass starts growing and the weather is dry enough. This is often around April.
Usually, the cow dance lasts only a few minutes. The cows have a short burst of joy and then quietly go back to eating grass.
Yes, the cow dance in a traditional event held in many countries, but mainly the Netherlands and Belgium where it is seen as a symbolic moment of the start of the grazing season. It is not only a celebration for the cows, but also for the farmers who can finally let their animals out again.
