Do cows have feelings?

There is evidence suggesting that cows do have feelings. As herd animals, they have extensive social relationships and may experience emotions such as stress, fear and pleasure.

By measuring heart rates and cortisol levels in cows, researchers at Northampton University concluded that cows have best friends in their social networks and experience distress if they are separated from them. The heart rate of cows increases significantly when learning something new, indicating an emotional reaction to learning improvement. Slaughterhouse designer Temple Grandin has made a successful career out of designing humane livestock facilities that reduce the level of fear in cows and reinforce their social instincts.