One of the most significant welfare determinants on dairy farms lies outside the treatment pen: how cows are moved and handled. Cow-handling practices directly affect stress physiology, lameness risk, udder health, milk let-down and handler safety. Yet, the churn of dairy employees and getting good training limits consistent improvements.
Seeing an opportunity to improve handling, Jennifer Van Os, PhD, and the University of Wisconsin animal welfare team created a digital touchscreen game that enables farm staff to practice moving cows in a simulated dairy farm environment. Rather than simply reading a manual, trainees play through a series of scenarios: moving cows from pasture to barn, guiding them into the milking parlor and navigating when a cow is reluctant.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, November 13, 2025. Link. ‘Mooving Cows’ is completely free and is available for both Apple and Android devices. The application has been approved by the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Animal Care program for continuing education on stockmanship; completion of the game provides users with a certificate.