Cow Orientation

How frequently do you observe cows as they graze? The vast majority of us don't, which is likely why the majority of us have never noticed that most cows orient themselves north to south. In fact, experts have shown that up to 70% of all cows will always be found in the north/south orientation based on satellite imagery from all around the world. Cattle are seen facing the same way in every nation and on every continent, which has prompted some to theorize that cows have a compass.

It's not uncommon to think of animals as having internal compasses; many migratory species are said to possess a similar trait. Yet, it's only an estimate for cows. It may be as straightforward as their preferring to sit such that the sun is shining on the broadest portion of their bodies or avoiding it out of comfort.

Since 30% of the cows will be doing something else, they are not required to face this way. The cows often turn their heads toward the direction of the wind on windy days. Yet the researchers were able to prove that, absent anything else influencing them, this is how most cows prefer to hang out by helping to dismiss weather impacts in their data.