Edb3_16/Getty Images

In 2001, researchers Adrian North and Liam MacKenzie equipped several dairy barns with speakers to explore whether music influences bovine physiology. They played a diverse selection of tracks—from Simon & Garfunkel to Jamiroquai to Beethoven—and recorded the cows’ milk yields. The experiment revealed a clear pattern: slower, melodic pieces such as ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ and R.E.M.’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ were associated with higher milk production, whereas uptempo songs like the Beatles’ ‘Back in the U.S.S.R.’ produced lower yields.

Music as Environmental Enrichment

Milk production is heavily shaped by the cows’ surroundings. A 2019 review highlighted that only 30% of yield variation is genetic; the remaining 70% stems from environmental factors such as nutrition and management practices. Providing a soothing acoustic environment is one way to improve welfare and productivity.

Multiple studies show that certain musical attributes can modulate hormone levels critical for lactation. For instance, calming rhythms have been linked to reduced cortisol—a stress hormone that can impair milk synthesis—and elevated serotonin, which supports milk let‑down. A 2025 systematic review of 18 studies found that low‑tempo music played below 70 decibels generally increased milk output, though a few trials reported no significant effect. Further research is warranted to confirm consistency.

Parallel Benefits for Humans

Music’s calming influence extends beyond bovines. Humans routinely turn to curated playlists—such as lo‑fi or classical mixes—to enhance focus or mood. Research in music therapy demonstrates improvements in cognition, neuroplasticity, pain management, and stress reduction. However, the variable nature of musical stimuli makes standardization challenging, and ongoing studies aim to refine our understanding of its physiological impact.

Modern Farmer has even compiled a cow‑approved playlist based on these findings, offering a playful way to integrate science into everyday listening.

These insights underscore that music, when applied thoughtfully, can be a valuable tool for both animal welfare and human well‑being.