Cows need to be comfortable and relaxed to chew their cud, and usually lie down to do it. They can lie down for very long periods of time, not to sleep, but just to chew their cud. Cud-chewing cows are generally healthier. With a well-functioning rumen, cows will digest more of their diet and produce more milk.

How often do cows chew their cud?

Dairy cows spend almost 8 hours a day chewing their cuds for a total of almost 30,000 chews daily. It can be said that a content cow is one who is seen chewing her cud.

Do cows chew the cud all the time?

Cows spend nearly eight hours out of every day chewing their cud. This plus normal chewing of food can total upwards of 40,000 jaw movements per day. When a cow first takes a bite, it chews just enough to moisten the food.