Here are cows being released from winter confinement to spring pastures. Their joy at being returned to the natural element is evident.
Cattle, when they have free access to shelter as well as pasture, choose to spend more time outdoors (often preferring rain and snow to summer’s heat). They’re curious about anything new going on nearby. Even animal researchers have been surprised to discover cattle have “eureka” moments when solving problems, an experience so gratifying that some cows leap in the air.
Over the years we’ve often see our bovines indulge in those leaping moments, often out of sheer pleasure.
They know what they need and seek it out. Given free pastoral range, they select grasses with high nutrient levels, instinctively self-medicating with the right plants when ill. Unless rushed, they’re slow and contemplative eaters. After eating, they digest as all ruminants do, chewing their cud to enjoy the meal all over again. They choose to graze alongside favorite herd mates, just as we prefer lunching with friends.
Even confinement farm operations are beginning to find that grazing operations are better for cow health and cost less to run. Bovine joy is a natural side effect.
Bit of Earth Farm 
Laura,
I loved the video of the dancing cows. How could anyone not love them.
I’ve decided I live in a bubble. Not sure if that’s good or not…
Cows always live outside here, so do sheep, deer, alpacas, goats etc. If snow threatens they are moved to pasture with trees under which they can shelter. I intellecutally understand that this doesn’t happen overseas but on an emotional level it is completely hysterical. All that poo!
I did not know that about cows…so interesting. I think animals remain truer to their instincts than we do as humans. Somewhere along the line we negated those instincts in favor of things outside ourselves. Thanks for this delightful post.