Most farmers and experts would assume in order to keep the bovine population  happy, it would be simple as a good patch of grass and regular milking.

However, scientists at Exeter University reveal that cows need the company of their bovine friends as well, to lead happy lives.

The study revealed that cows surrounded by their mates are not only happier but make more milk, helping to satisfy the dairy needs of many, that runs into billions of gallons a year.

In an effort to further  understand how to manage the ‘social network’ of the herd, scientists at Exeter University are fitting cows with electronic ‘proximity trackers’.

This will enable them to figure out which of the herd seem to be the most sociable and which prefer to keep their own company.

‘Cows are social animals that form important group structures,’ said Dr Darren Croft of Exeter University’s Animal Behaviour Research Group. ‘We want to find out just how important these are.’

The UK study is being co-funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and DairyCo, a organisation working on behalf of British dairy farmers.

Natasha Boyland, a PhD student, has the task of observing the cows in the field.

‘We will look at the nature of the interactions to see just how relationships are formed and maintained within the herd,’ she said.

Collars are fitted to cows on in order to use radio signals to determine how closely and how often they interact.

‘In combination with the proximity data findings and other information about the animals, such as their health status, we hope to gather evidence that can be translated into practical advice for farmers,’ said Dr Croft.