Comparative acoustic analysis of bovine vocalizations and herding songs: implications for human–animal communication under grazing conditions

Abstract Communication has been a key part of cattle management across distinct cultures; however, there is limited information about the relationship between herding songs and bovine vocalizations over time. This study compared the acoustic features of bovine vocalizations (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) with those of herding songs using Bioacoustics and Music Information Retrieval (MIR). Similarities and differences were identified by principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed notable differences in both the timing and frequency-related acoustic parameters between cattle vocalizations and herding songs. Herding songs had longer durations, while bovine vocalizations were shorter in comparison. In the spectral range, songs showed higher frequencies (> 2500 Hz), whereas vocalizations ranged from 1115.67 to 1797.66 Hz. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct acoustic groups: one with Bos taurus and Bos indicus vocalizations and another with herding songs, characterized by greater spectral variability and a higher proportion of high-frequency components. These findings offer a quantitative look at the acoustic connection between bovine vocalizations and grazing songs, providing insights into interspecies communication and potential applications for livestock management based on acoustic signals.