Being a cow is pretty much like being a human, according to a newly re-discovered book, “The Secret Life of Cows”. A Vogue reviewer described Rosamund Young’s book as “a first-hand account of unutterable charm”. Cows, the English farmer writes, talk to each other, discuss the weather, pass on wisdom, play hide and seek, like to be stroked, have running races, hold grudges, lose their temper, get stressed and grieve when one of their number dies.
Rosamund has spent most of her life on a farm in the Cotswolds with Fat Hat, Wizzie, Black Araminta, the Bishop of Durham and their many friends and relatives. The book is a series of anecdotes and observations grouped around themes such as “bovine friendships are seldom casual”.
“Cows use physical movements of their heads to convey a variety of messages,” Rosamund writes. One cow, Bonnet, was especially fond of apples. “During her long life she managed to communicate a number of different questions with different types of stare.” Another cow liked to play hide and seek with her owners. Bella would hide behind a tree apparently unaware that her shape made the hiding place less than convincing.
Rosamund and her brother Richard own a herd of Ayrshires kept on Gloucestershire’s Kite’s Nest Farm. She shows extreme sensitivity to her bovine friends. Cows can “be besotted” and “dote on” their calves. They form “devoted and separable friendships” with their peers, establish close bonds and communicate emotions. They favour some people over others and exhibit eccentricities. They recognise colours, have good memories and are intelligent.
“The Secret Life of Cows” was first published to little notice by an agricultural publisher in the UK. It languished for years until re-discovered. Now it has become something of an international phenomenon. It’s a book that will teach you a loving lesson about animal dignity and the value of kindness.
People lucky enough to live with cattle in their neighbourhoods at Sai Kung, Clear Water Bay and Lantau will have seen many examples of touching bovine behaviour. When some expletive driving too fast kills a cow we see its relatives and friends gather around the body, grieving.
They are charming creatures, if you have the sensitivity to enjoy their presence.
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