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Cows use individual calls to communicate
Cows

The study confirms the theory that cows use individualised calls to communicate with each other.

Research could influence change in animal care policies

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and the Queen Mary University of London have been measuring the process of how cows communicate using detailed acoustic analysis for the first time.

The team spent ten months studying the ways cows communicate with their young, carefully examining acoustic indicators of identity and age.

Two distinct maternal 'calls' were identified. When cows were close to their calves, they communicated with them using low frequency calls. When the cows were separated, their calls were louder and were at a much higher frequency.

A third call, used by calves to call out to their mothers when they wanted to start suckling, was also identified.

The researchers say that this study confirms the theory that cows use individualised calls to communicate with each other.

Two herds of free-range cattle from a farm in Nottinghamshire were used in the study. Highly sensitive equipment was used to make the recordings, which gathered so much data it took another year to analyse.

Dr Monica Padilla de la Torre, from the University of Nottingham, said: “The research shows for the first time that mother-offspring cattle ‘calls’ are individualised— each calf and cow have a characteristic and exclusive call of their own. Acoustic analysis also reveals that certain information is conveyed within the calf calls — age, but not gender.”

The researchers say that the results provide an excellent foundation of investigating vocal indicators of cattle welfare.

Dr Alan McElligott, at Queen Mary University of London, said: "By investigating vocalisations in behavioural contexts outside of mother-offspring communication, further research could reveal vocal indicators of welfare — and influence change in animal care policies.”

The paper, Acoustic analysis of cattle (Bos taurus) mother-offspring contact calls from a source-filter theory perspective, is published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.