Russian cows get VR headsets to help anxiety

Image source, Moscow Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Image caption, The headsets were specially adapted to fit cow heads

A farm in Russia is giving its cows virtual reality headsets to try to help them keep calm.

The VR headsets are specially designed to fit cows' heads and show a peaceful summer field simulation as they 'moo-oove' around.

Moscow's Ministry of Agriculture and Food say there is a link between how cows feel, emotionally, and the amount of milk they produce.

Image source, Moscow Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Image caption, The headsets were specially adapted to fit cow heads

Special tests at the RusMoloko farm in the Ramensky district, Moscow, show "the overall emotional mood of the herd" has been boosted by the VR tech.

Researchers plan to look at the effects of the tech in a longer-lasting study.

The makers of the headsets hope that if it's a success, the project could be used at other farms.