Do Animals Interpret Music Like We Do? A Closer Look

Do animals share our appreciation for music, or do they merely tolerate it or even react to it differently? The answer to this question is multifaceted and intriguing, with various studies and personal anecdotes offering unique insights.

Music Amongst Livestock and Pets

Many animals, including horses, dogs, cows, and birds, have been shown to respond to certain types of music. Some become more relaxed, while others seem to have specific preferences that align with ours.

For example, milk cows often produce more milk when listening to classical music. This finding has led many dairy farmers to play calming music in their barns during milking. Similarly, my mother on an Irish farm would sing softly while helping to milk the cows, which seemed to soothe some of the more rambunctious ones.

The calming effect of music on animals was also witnessed in a rescued cockatoo named Griffi, who danced to music while undergoing rehabilitation. This suggests that certain melodies resonate with animals and can have a positive impact on their mood and behavior.

Pet Reactions and Preferences

When it comes to pets, the reactions can be quite different. My two cats have particular tastes. They ignore or avoid most music, preferring smooth and lyrical pieces. Bach’s fugues and much of Mozart’s work are tolerated, but Beethoven can be problematic. They dislike sudden accents, irregular rhythms, and noise. As for me, my Beethoven on a custom fortepiano becomes a pause until my golden retriever lifts my friend's wrist off the keys!

Interestingly, organ music seems to hold a slight preference over the piano, which might explain why they prefer clavichords, harpsichords, and early 19th-century fortepianos.

The Science Behind Animal Music Responses

Several scientific studies have explored the effects of music on animals. Research has shown that certain types of music, such as soft rock, reggae, and classical with a beat, can lower the pulse rate of animals. These findings suggest that music can indeed affect their physiology and behavior.

For instance, a study on horses revealed that Reggie the horse shows less anxiety while listening to calming music, indicating that music can serve as a form of stress relief for these animals. Similarly, cows produce more milk when listening to certain types of classical music, underscoring the potential benefits of music for livestock.

Conclusion

In summary, animals do interpret music in their unique ways, reflecting their emotional states and preferences. Whether it's the soothing melodies that helped my mother calm the cows or the harmonious soundtracks that prompted Griffi to dance, the impact of music on animals is clear. Exploring this further may not only enhance their quality of life but also provide us with new insights into their unique emotional worlds.

Do you have any anecdotes or stories about how your pets or livestock respond to music? Share them below!