Moo swings? Cows go through disruptive puberty too – study

Scientists say animals can become more or less bold and adventurous as they grow up

Humans are not alone in enduring the rollercoaster ride of puberty as powerful hormones flood the body and cause mood swings from one day to the next. Scientists have found that dairy cows pass through a similar phase of emotional confusion that disturbs their otherwise rather stable personalities.

The findings emerged from extensive observations of Holstein dairy cattle as they matured from calves to adulthood. "Our study identified a period of inconsistency in personality traits over puberty," said Nina Von Keyserlingk, a professor of animal welfare at the University of British Columbia in Canada.