Tai chi cows

A dairy farmer who believes a happy cow is a productive cow has discovered an unusual way to relax his herd and increase milk yields – tai chi. Rob Taverner performs the ancient martial art in front of his 100 cows every morning to get them in the right moo-d to produce lots of milk.

The 44-year-old organic farmer visits the animals at 9am each day to run through his ten-minute routine of slow movements and breathing techniques – dressed in his distinctive overalls and wellies.

He said: 'Tai chi is all about leaving your problems behind and getting into a better zone and my mood definitely transfers to the cows.

'Like all animals, they are very receptive to human emotions and can sense feelings such as relaxation, calmness and happiness.

'Some people think what I do is ridiculous but I have some very content cows and I would do anything to keep them that way. As any good dairy farmer will tell you, a happy cow is a productive cow.'