A Russsian dairy farm is testing the use of virtual reality glasses on dairy cows to see if it boosts milk production.
International research suggests that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality, of milk increases markedly.
Employees of one of the largest farms in the Moscow region, RusMoloko dairy farm, together with IT experts, are testing that theory looking at the effect of virtual reality.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Moscow Region said a virtual reality studio worked with veterinarians and consultants to adapt human VR-glasses taking into account the structural features of the head of cows.
With the use of the specially designed goggles, they plan to test the effect using relaxing images of paddocks.
"Based on numerous studies of cattle's vision, showing cows better perceiving shades of the red part of the spectrum and weaker green and blue tones, virtual reality architects created a unique summer field simulation program," it said.
During the first test, the experts recorded a decrease in anxiety and an increase in the overall emotional mood of the herd.
"The impact of VR glasses on the milk production of cows will be shown by a further comprehensive study."
A study by Wageningen University in the Netherlands found environmental conditions had a significant impact on cow health and, as a consequence, the quality and quantity of milk produced. The findings were also confirmed by researchers from Scotland's Rural College in Scotland.
