Image copyrightMoscow Ministry of Agriculture and FoodImage caption The headsets were specially adapted to fit cow heads A Russian farm has given its dairy cows virtual reality headsets in a bid to reduce their anxiety.The herd donned VR systems adapted for the "structural features of cow heads" and were shown a "unique summer field simulation program".Moscow's Ministry of Agriculture and Food cited research which they say has shown a link between a cow's emotional experience and its milk yield.Initial tests reportedly boosted "the overall emotional mood of the herd".According to a statement from the ministry, the experiments took place at the RusMoloko farm in Moscow's Ramensky district."Examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality, of milk increases markedly," it read.Researchers will examine the effects of the programme in a long-term study.
The developers reportedly hope to expand the project if positive results continue.Media playback is unsupported on your deviceMedia captionHow a "virtual reality" system for mice is being used to investigate brain function