Why do cows walk in the same direction as each other, even when grazing?

Answer 1

Cows, like a lot of other animals feed in to the wind. That means they walk with the wind on the faces. This allows them to smell for fresh clover and to detect predators that may be up wind.

Has nothing to do with the herding instinct. Herding is a form of protection from predators. Animals don't need to herd when feeding. But, relative close association is important. If one cow detects a predator, her behavior warns the others. Once warned, the cows will herd.

Answer 2

As a old country girl...when cows are going somewhere...like back to the barn to feed...they all travel in the same direction usually as a group but not becessarily a tight group. Cows when grazing tend to go in different directions but it's limited by the fences around the grazing land. Will one or two wander off? Absolutely. They can be independent to a degee, but they still have a certain herd instinct. Cattle always need to be rounded up if where are no fences. That is what cowboys are for. When a herd needs to go from one big area to another...the cowboys ride the perimeters to prevent strays....and they learned to throw a rope to be able to do that.

Answer 3

think you witnessed a coincidence. I grew up on a farm and can tell you first hand that cows do not all face the same direction when grazing. Unless the are all eating grass on the outside of the pasture. ( through the fence)

Answer 4

they may be domesticated, but they still retain the herding instinct. They feel more comfortable together and often don't wander very far from each other. because the stop to feed as they walk around the field they will all be facing the same way when eating.

Answer 5

Because they are herd animals and a lone cow is vulnerable. They stick together.

Answer 6

They dont always. And when they do its just because there all part of a herd and safety in numbers. They do go off in different directions though.

Answer 7

It's a phenomenon known as the herd instinct.

Answer 8

Perhaps because they don't want to walk round in a circle or do the Hokey Kokey.

Or perhaps they like to see which way the wind is blowing. lol

Answer 9

their noses face the wind ,an instinctive behavior to be aware of preditors ,and they dont like to smell their own farts

Answer 10

there herding animals they like the company moo moo