A mathematical model for the dynamics and synchronization of cows

We formulate a mathematical model for the daily activities of a cow (eating, lying down, and standing) in terms of a piecewise linear dynamical system. We analyze the properties of this bovine dynamical system representing the single animal and develop an exact integrative form as a discrete-time mapping. We then couple multiple cow “oscillators” together to study synchrony and cooperation in cattle herds. We comment on the relevant biology and discuss extensions of our model. With this abstract approach, we not only investigate equations with interesting dynamics but also develop biological predictions. In particular, our model illustrates that it is possible for cows to synchronize less when the coupling is increased.

► We formulated a model for daily activities of a cow in terms of a piecewise smooth dynamical system.
► We study synchronization in herds of cows using dynamical systems theory.
► We demonstrate that cows might synchronize less when interactions between them become stronger.