Scientists have begun a study of "social networking" in herds of cows so farmers can improve welfare and boost milk yields.
High-tech "proximity collars" have been fitted to cows on a farm in Cullompton, Devon.
Radio signals show how close cows are to each other, so the animals' interactions can be mapped.
Study leader Dr Darren Croft from the University of Exeter said: "Cows are social animals that form important group structures, and the addition or removal of animals from an established group can significantly alter its dynamics."
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