Introduction
Piano notes flow out of my headphones as I am writing this article. Piano always makes me focus…not sure why. Science is clear about music’s influence on Humans: “Music improves focus by engaging key brain areas like the prefrontal cortex (attention), hippocampus (memory), and auditory cortex (sound processing). It also triggers dopamine release, which boosts motivation.” Research findings go even further into the influence of different types of music with classical music improving focus by reducing stress and promoting alpha brain waves, aiding in sustained attention.
There is no doubt on the positive effects of music in Humans. But what about animals? If music can improve human performance, could it also boost overall welfare in dairy cows and milk production? Common sense seems to indicate the same positive effects, but what does the science say? That is what we will explore in this article. We recommend you read it with classical or lo-fi (low fidelity) beat music in the background 😊.
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Investigating the beat…
The first controlled studies on the influence of music (or sound) in animals appeared in the 1970s and 1990s. In one of the earliest trials, researchers found that background music reduced cow's stress response and increased milk let-down speed. These early studies often compared milking efficiency and behavior between cows exposed to music and those kept in silence. In the 2000s, this topic gained more attention. Doing a quick search on Google Scholar with the keywords “music in cows” produces around 303,000 results, with 16,700 published since 2021.
Research has found that cows exposed to music (mostly classical) show a slight decrease in average heart rate, along with a significant decrease in average respiration rate. Studies show that auditory stimuli can be easily implemented in indoor cow housing systems to improve overall biological functioning (such as production, reproduction, health and fitness) by increasing the animal's ability to cope with physiological challenges and environmental stressors.
This is not an anecdotal subject, and definitely not empirical. It is backed by growing scientific evidence.
Why and how music positively influences dairy cows
1. Neurological and hormonal pathways
Music affects cows through their central nervous system, primarily by influencing the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Slow, rhythmic music like classical, can reduce activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for stress responses. This leads to a reduction in cortisol, the primary stress hormone in mammals. Several studies have measured this directly: Erasmus et al. (2023) found that cows exposed to calming music reduces levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, a non-invasive stress marker. Cao et al. (2025) showed that exposure to Raga music significantly reduced cortisol and improved immune function.
2. Improved physiological function
Lower stress hormones help maintain balanced homeostasis, benefiting key physiological functions in cows: milk let-down is regulated by oxytocin, which is inhibited by stress. Calming music indirectly boosts oxytocin secretion by minimizing cortisol interference. Immune response is enhanced when stress is lowered, as seen in increased leukocyte activity in cows exposed to music (Cao et al., 2025). Heart rate variability (HRV) and other autonomic indicators also stabilize in enriched environments.
3. Behavioral benefits
Music influences cow behavior, which further contributes to improve productivity and welfare.
- Calmer behavior: Studies such as Kenison (2016) and Lemes Lechuga et al. (2023) reported reduced startle responses and greater ease during milking in cows exposed to soft music.
- Better routines: Cows spend more time lying, feeding, and ruminating, which are all signs of comfort and positive welfare.
- Improved social behavior: Lower aggression was observed when music was incorporated consistently in the barn environment (Pinkerton, 2022).
4. Increased milk productivity
Music can directly increase milk yield when used consistently and correctly. Khalil & Abuzead (2007) found that slow, calming music improved milk yield by around 3%, while fast or erratic music had no benefit or even a negative effect. Cao et al. (2025) observed a statistically significant increase in milk production when cows were exposed to Indian classical music, linked to better physiological balance. Kenison (2016) also noted a smoother and more productive milking process in cows accustomed to background music.
These gains are believed to result from increased relaxation during milking, improving oxytocin flow, reduced stress-related disruptions and formation of positive environmental associations.
5. Environmental enrichment
Music acts as a form of non-invasive auditory enrichment, enhancing the sensory landscape of confined or indoor spaces. According to Mota-Rojas et al. (2024), sensory enrichment (including auditory stimuli) contributes to positive affective states, reducing boredom and frustration in captive animals. When paired with tactile or visual stimuli (e.g., gentle brushing or natural lighting), music can amplify the overall wellbeing of the animal (Lemes Lechuga et al., 2023).
However…
Not all music is beneficial. Studies have shown that loud, fast-paced, or erratic music (e.g., rock or heavy bass) can raise stress levels. Inconsistent music exposure may confuse or startle animals (Pinkerton, 2022).
Thus, for positive outcomes, music should be slow-paced and harmonious (e.g., classical, lullabies, soft instrumental), played at moderate volume (below 75 dB) and used consistently during key routines like milking or resting.
Take home messages
The idea that cows might respond positively to certain types of music may seem surprising at first glance, but research increasingly supports it. From classical compositions to traditional melodies, the right musical stimuli can reduce stress, stabilize behavior, and even improve milk yield in dairy cows. These effects likely stem from music’s influence on autonomic nervous system, hormonal balance and emotional states.
However, more studies are needed to understand how music affects different breeds, individual cows, and diverse farm settings. Adding to this, farmers also benefit from a calmer working environment, which can, in turn, positively influence their animals. So, turn the speakers on with calm music in your barns. Farmers, technicians and animals will benefit from it ;).
References
1. Cao, Z., Ji, H., Wang, L., Li, C., & Hou, F. (2025). Effects of music and five elements theory on behavioral and physiological responses in Holstein cows. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1623026. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1623026/full
2. Erasmus, L. M., Vosloo, R., & van Helden, P. D. (2023). The effect of auditory enrichment on faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in dairy cows. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 86, 106853. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0739724022000583
3. Kenison, L. (2016). The effects of classical music on dairy cows. Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Alfred University. https://aura.alfred.edu/bitstream/10829/7243/1/Kenison%2C%20Linda%202016.pdf
4. Khalil, A. M., & Abuzead, S. M. M. (2007). Effect of slow and fast music during milking on milk yield and behavior of dairy buffaloes. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal, 53(112), 255–265. https://avmj.journals.ekb.eg/article_176575.html
5. Lemes Lechuga, K. K. dos S., Ruggieri, A. C., Ceballos, M. C., & Sant’Anna, A. C. (2023). Music and tactile stimulation improve behavioral indicators and milk yield in dairy cows. Animals, 13(23), 3671. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/23/3671
6. Mota-Rojas, D., Guesalaga, L., Casas-Alvarado, A., Teixeira, D. L., & Orihuela, A. (2024). Sensory enrichment for farm animals: Auditory, visual, and tactile stimulation. Animals, 14(9), 1265. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/9/1265
7. Pinkerton, M. (2022). The effects of genre-specific music on cow behavior and productivity. The Ohio State University, Undergraduate Research Thesis.
https://kb.osu.edu/bitstreams/8c7886ed-e038-4073-bfd2-4c23561adf2a/download
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