After seeing many cows today and hearing the noise of the bells I wondered, are cow bells cruel to the cows? Is the noise not deafening when so close to their ears?
Not at all! Swiss farmers always perforate the eardrums of newborn calves with a knitting needle in order to prevent suffering and hearing loss on account of the bells when they get older.
So I've read the other thread and looked on wikipedia, but still not finding much on the actual hearing of the cows. It must be deafening or at least really irritating.
A cow hears 23,000 to 35,000 Hz so not far from us.
Personally, I think the only reason it is so noticeable to you is simply because you're not used to it. Much like folks who live in NYC (and other large cities) eventually "stop hearing" the incessant traffic noise, folks here who live near the fields, as well as the cows themselves, likely become inured to the sound of the bells.
Then again, if you want to go around testing cow hearing, I'm sure there's some group (coughPETAcough) someplace that may be interested in helping you find funding for this.
The bells sound at least 100 dbm? That is very loud, and against legal normal working conditions! Someone should organise a referendum. If we can punish fast drivers, maybe we can stop insensitive farmers.
I heard that farmers in general put the bells on cows to make them get on each other's nerves. I didn't know that the Swiss cows co-existence was featured by corporate environment characteristics.
I really hope so I feel sorry for the cows not only are the bells loud, but also heavy how would the farmer, or the museum guy like to wear a cow bell, maybe they should try it for a few hours see how they like it.
Actually that's just what they do on festive occasions. It's called Trycheln (or something like that, dialectal variations abound):
Most Trychlergruppen will have a spare bell or two you can rent for a few weeks to see how you like it. If you decide to join permanently you're expected to buy a bell of your own. (or presumably, borrow one from a member of your herd.)
I always thought it was so the herders in the Alps could find them to bring back the the stalls. Also to scare away other animals or snakes. But of course cows in the flatland's don't need them, only in the alps.