DAIRY cows give more milk if they are given some TLC – tender loving care – by their owners. And they particularly respond to be given a name rather than a number, according to researchers at Newcastle University. Scientists recorded the yields from some 500 cows and found those with names like Daisy produced up to 60 gallons more milk a year.

The study concluded: “Just as humans as humans respond better to the personal touch, cows also feel happier and more relaxed if they are given more one-to-one attention.”