Mozart & milk: Studies Suggest Placebo Effect impacts Dairy Cows – and Other Animals
BERLIN – Could classical music boost milk production in cows? While the idea has been tested, recent analysis reveals a more complex picture: the observed benefits may stem not from a bovine appreciation for Mozart, but from the placebo effect – influenced by the expectations of those caring for the animals.
Research into placebo responses in animals is gaining traction, challenging customary views of treatment efficacy. A 1991 study by Muñana et al.( Berichedtent,1991) surprisingly found that over 40% of dogs in placebo groups experienced a reduction in seizures. However, a re-evaluation by Smiths et al. (2024) analyzing three placebo-controlled studies showed an increase in seizures during placebo phases, rising from an average of 2.3 to 2.95. This research highlighted a ”honeymoon effect” where initial placebo governance sometimes offered temporary stabilization, followed by a worsening of symptoms.
The phenomenon extends beyond seizure control. Attempts to determine if Mozart’s music increased milk yield in cows, as investigated in studies ( PubMed, 2013), remain inconclusive regarding the music itself. However, experts suggest animals are highly sensitive to environmental cues, including sound and the attitudes of their caregivers. A positive atmosphere, confidence, and friendliness demonstrably impact animal well-being.
“If animals have experienced that they feel better after injections or other treatments, they might react similarly to a dummy medication,” the article explains, drawing a parallel to Pavlov’s dogs and the power of conditioning. This altered caregiver attitude then translates into improved animal welfare.
While a supportive environment is valuable, the analysis emphasizes it doesn’t replace necesary medical intervention. The placebo effect in animals appears largely driven by owner expectations, indirectly influencing the animal’s response.
References:
* Muñana, et al. Berichedtent. 1991. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19912522/
* Smiths, et al. Re-evaluation. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38783265/
* PubMed. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23340788/
