Cows choose experienced leaders

Intelligence, curiosity, confidence, experience and ability to communicate well are conditions that determine which cow can lead the whole herd.

The research results show that, at least in this animal, the leader does not need to bear the innate leadership, and the selfishness, oppression, size and strength are not the factors that make up one. Real leader.

"The fact that in animal groups of all ages, the leader is among the oldest to show that being a leader does not need to be born with an innate factor, but must be experienced, " Bertrand Dumont, author Research at the National Agricultural Research Institute in Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France, said.

He added: " Usually leadership and oppression do not go together. In other words, the leader does not need to be the strongest. "

Dumont and the group observed a group of 15 2-year-old cows on a French farm. During the day, cows are grazed on a rectangular piece of land, separated from another piece of land by a small path. This second land grows grasses that cows like to eat more.

Every time the herd is allowed to eat in the new field, the cow No. 7 is always the first to explore. When this child turns to the new place, the other cows immediately pay attention and follow them into groups of 2-3.

Dumont thinks that number 7 succeeded in persuading the whole team to explore the new feeding zone. He explained that animals have to adapt themselves to follow reputable herds, because that increases the chances of successful feeding.

However, the team has not found a clear signal that the 7 emitted makes the whole her follow. Derek Bailey, a researcher at the University of New Mexico, thinks that heads of cows often show confidence and intentional activity. Cows are not the same as a self-centered man, so his confidence must come from true intelligence.

" Intentional movement is the result of a wealth of knowledge about good feeding positions, and that is the signal for other animals to follow, " Bailey said.