Freedom Food’s survey shows that nearly half (44 per cent) of farmers play music or the radio to their animals, with Radio 2 being the most popular station (played by 23 per cent) followed by Radio 1 (14 per cent). Adele, Bon Jovi, Coldplay and Eminem were named as popular farmyard artists.

The research was carried out by Essex-based Writtle College as part of Farm Animal Week (18-24 June).

NFU animal health and welfare adviser Catherine McLaughlin said: “We are not surprised by the results of this survey. Lots of farmers routinely play music and talk to their animals as they believe it not only relaxes them but also boosts production – such as milk yields in dairy cows.

“The research carried out by Writtle College is interesting but needs to be backed up by scientific evidence before we can say that this method actually works.

“British farmers care about the health and welfare of their animals and will use every tool in the box available to them to ensure their animals remain healthy and happy.”

Other key highlights from the research were:

• 28 per cent said they also play talk shows with Radio Five Live being the most popular station (19 per cent), followed by Radio Four’s Today Programme (10 per cent) and Talk Sport (10 per cent)
• 10 per cent of farmers said they even sing to their animals including opera, hymns, 60s and 70s tracks, top 20 hits, rugby anthems, piggy nursery rhymes and the soundtrack to the film Born Free
• Aerosmith and Nirvana were also named as popular farmyard bands