Cow Colors

Overview

Objectives/Goals Can cattle discriminate between feed pans that are the same type, but two different colors? This research applies to showing cattle and the day to day care of them. This project relates to seeing if the cattle can tell between the many pans used. The hypothesis for this project is that the heifer will not be able to tell which pan is the one she has been using. Methods/Materials The materials used in this project are: grain (three 50 pound bags), feed scoop, one dark blue pan, one bright red pan, and a heifer. The method used for this project is to acquire a dark blue and bright red feed pan. Then feed the selected heifer the same amount and type of grain in the same pan for two weeks. After the two weeks are finished, place the two pans four feet from each other and let the heifer choose which one she eats out of. Repeat this step for the next three feedings while recording your results. Results The result of this experiment is that the heifer could not tell between the two pans, since she choose them randomly. Conclusions/Discussion Researchers can conclude that cattle are color blind, thus they cannot tell between the feed pans and their color. This result supported the previously mentioned hypothesis, which was that the heifer would not be able to tell the two feed pans apart. This could be an addition to the feed lot/slaughter house design created by Temple Grandin.

Competition history

• CSEF 2015 Mammalian Biology · Entry S1204

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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