Game simulator helps teach cow handling to US farmers
The game was inspired by flight simulators © Wii/Adobe Stock A cow-handling game based on a flight simulator is helping US dairy farmers to train their staff in low-stress cow handling.
Trademarked as “Mooving Cows”, users can update their skills in just 27 minutes without the expense, or physical risk, of one-on-one training.
Despite many freely available resources, only 55% of US dairy farms train their staff, says Jennifer Van Os, assistant professor in the department of animal and dairy sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The national farm assurance scheme is now requesting evidence of an annual training review, and this led her to develop a more interactive way of learning, as an alternative to passive learning via videos and lectures.
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“Games offer engagement and a chance to apply a concept and skills. They help knowledge retention and are more interactive, within a safe setting. They won’t replace physical handling,” she says.
Game development
Having seen a tractor-driving simulator at a trade show, Jennifer hired an educational game programming company to create something that would teach low-stress cow handling.
Farmers and staff were involved during the development and trial stages.
The result is a game offering eight levels of skill, where operators can cumulatively affect cow stress through inappropriate behaviour and handling, or learn to move cows correctly.
Only once a level is completed correctly can the gamer climb to the next stage.
When they have finished all eight successfully, they generate a certificate on their phone or tablet, which can be printed and signed for records.
The game was built in English and Spanish from the ground up – many US farm staff are Spanish-speaking – with voiceovers and limited text.
The game was tested on people aged 19-55 with 0-22 years’ farm experience. They found it “fairly enjoyable and fairly easy” to use.
Mooving Cows will be launched in early 2024. Jennifer is now collaborating to produce versions for Australia and Germany and is seeking sponsorships for annual updates to ensure it remains a free resource.