Meta’s upcoming virtual reality project, Metaverse, is generating excitement as it promises to revolutionize the way we experience digital worlds. While humans eagerly await the possibilities, it seems that virtual reality is not exclusive to our species alone.
You might remember our previous report on Russian cows wearing VR goggles. These headsets were designed to help cows relax by immersing them in virtual environments that resembled sunny green pastures. The goal was to increase their happiness and milk production.
Now, a Turkish farmer named Izzet Kocak is conducting a similar experiment with his own cows. Kocak, a cattle breeder and rancher residing in Aksaray, Turkey, has begun placing VR headsets on some of his cows to see if they produce more milk when they believe they are in a pleasant outdoor setting instead of being inside a milking parlor.
According to news reports, Kocak believes that by using VR technology to trick the cows into perceiving themselves as being outdoors, they will be happier and generate more milk. This is especially important during the winter months when the cows spend most of their time indoors.
The idea behind this experiment is to provide a more pleasant and natural environment for the cows, which may positively impact their well-being and milk production. It remains to be seen whether the cows’ perception of being outdoors through VR will lead to increased milk yield.
As researchers and farmers explore innovative ways to improve animal welfare, the use of virtual reality to enhance the lives of cows is an intriguing concept. It highlights how technology can be applied in unexpected ways to benefit not only humans but also our animal companions.
