If you spot a cow in the countryside, they are sure to wear shiny, sounding bells around their neck.These bells came into existence around 5000 years ago in the third millennium BC in Neolithic China. They were made to wear it by their owners for several reasons.The system of cow-wearing bells or cowbells started like a belt that is worn around cows that were free-roaming livestock as a way for herders to keep track of cows in the same group from the sound of the bells. This method was used when cows were grazing in open hilly areas or plains and even mountains. Therefore referred to as cowbells, this term is used because they are more likely used by cattle, however the bell can be used for a variety of animals. Cows wear bells and so do goats and sheep to keep track these animals. These bells used to be pottery bells which were later replaced by metal bells. The manufacturing of these cowbells still exists in countries like India, Korea, Indonesia, and many village handicrafts.During the spring season in Western Europe as the snow melts, cows wearing cowbells were sent to the meadows in high alpine environments so that they could graze and in every village, this was celebrated by the cows being adorned with a floral garland woven on their horn. Cows were awarded by these bells on the basis of the highest milk production. In the late 14th to early 15th century in Europe, the bells which contained the earliest written evidence were used for livestock.To learn about other interesting, fun facts, you can also visit these why do bulls have nose rings and why do frogs croak.Why does only one cow wear a bell?Earlier, there were bells around each and every cow of the herd so if an individual gets lost from the livestock, its owners can search the location according to the sounds of the bell and safely return them to their livestock. In this modern era, cows do not necessarily wear bells on their neck as farmers have resorted to electric fences to keep their livestock from getting out.The reason behind this is that if an individual goes missing, through the sound of a bell they can locate where their herd is. Young cows wear small-sized bells as they are very sensitive to hearing bells with a high pitch so they may easily stray. In Switzerland, huge dairy cows will be seen with black spots that stand up to nearly 5 ft (1.52 m) tall and weighing up to 2,000 lb (907.18 kg). They graze on lush grass and wildflowers. It is a culture of Switzerland and other countries that the people use and recognize Swiss cow bells at some traditional ceremonies. By using these symbols, farmers protect their cattle from faith. It is a health and welfare fact that cows have been known to be more sensitive to hearing than humans.Is it a special type of bell?There are many types of cow bells and in the past, every cow in the herd would be found wearing a bell and those antique cow bells are still found in this modern period. These old cow bells were made up of a clapper which is commonly made of iron, bronze, or brass copper. The idea changed and they started crafting these bells from woods which became heavier to handle by the cows as they contained a lot of weight. The idea of crafting bells varied from culture to culture, therefore many cow bells were made up of thin plated sheets of metal including various colors.Wearing a bell was the sign used by owners to show their pasture and to know which herd the cow belongs to. Some tags were given to other animals too, though cows have a sensitive hearing compared to humans and these bells make a loud enough sound to be heard by their herd. Farmers put bells in their group of cows that have different tags so that they can differentiate their cows from other group cows. Calves are provided with small-sized bells because they can not bear the loud sound produced by cowbells and there are also categories of animals who used to have bells like goats, calves, and sometimes even a bull.How are the bells attached?Cows wearing bells around their neck help in keeping track of cattle. These bells are attached to belts made up of leather and wood fibers. It is also helpful for situations like if they get lost from their herd so that they can be easy to find or locate. Calves wear small bells around their neck as they have a more sensitive sense of listening and hearing compared to humans. A real-life handmade instrument that make sounds is called a cowbell. They are used to detect cattle when the cows are left in open areas.This instrument was made of brass or steel and wee also known as idiophones because they worked like a local network. A cowbell would produce sound via the vibration of the entire musical instrument. In the past, all cows in the herd would be wearing these bells later in the modern period, you will only see one or two cows wearing bells around their neck and some calves are even seen wearing of it. There are three types of best cowbells for herd owners. The first one is Pearl PCB6 Primero Cowbell. It is one of the most popular cowbells that is affordable, the second one is Vangoa which is a 5 in (12.7 cm) cowbell made up of steel and is also durable, with good quality and a stick is included in it. The last one is Latin Percussion LP008 Ridge Rider Cowbell. It is also recorded by a study that the cows, wearing a bell may suffer from partial or full deafness as they wear a 1-2 lb (0.45-0.9 kg) weight bell around their neck which might harm their health. The size of a Swiss cow wearing a bell is so big to symbolize their traditional culture. It also denotes the pride of a farmer in a particular animal and also depicts the farmer’s family events held in their honor.Do bells annoy or hurt the cows?According to animal welfare, cowbells annoy the cows because they make a very loud sound and can lead to deafness in cows. People also claim that they become distracted because of this cowbell sound. For example, a man from South of Munich filed a case against the noise made by cowbells but later the claim was denied. Some local cows are also kept on the farm by the farmer and the farmer puts bells on their neck to remember the group of the cows.Cows do not feel safe at night due to humans as well as their predators and at that time, they make use of their bells. They also get irritated by loud noises made by whistling and if there are unpleasant sounds made by anyone around cows, it can be stressful for them and they may get easily annoyed by them. At times when these cows are left in alpine regions or in open areas, the sound of these bells are very useful for tracking farm cattle and also if they get lost they can easily find their group members. Sometimes cows also ring their bells to show love to humans whom they recognize and they also love to be petted and taken care of. They allow each member of the group to relate with each other and humans as well.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do cows wear bells then why not take a look at why do birds sit on power lines or Holstein Friesian Cattle?
If you spot a cow in the countryside, they are sure to wear shiny, sounding bells around their neck.
