Cuddling cows has become a popular form of therapy for stress. Standing in the barn, stroking a soft, warm cow. It may sound strange, but to a lot of people it's relaxing.

A couple of years ago, cow cuddling was only possible on one farm specialised in working with special needs groups. Now there are three so-called 'care farms' which offer this service to overstressed managers and children and adults with behavioural problems.

People with burn out, relationship problems and hyperactivity can cuddle up to a warm 700-kilo cow. Farmer Marente Hupkes has pioneered the cow-cuddling therapy. She thinks the healing effect has to do with the ordering of the digestion process of ruminates, as cow have four stomachs and chew on their cud.

“By cuddling up to the cow, people who are stressed feel her calmness."

The therapeutic effect of cuddling cows has never been scientifically proven. But, Ms Hupkes says, the positive feedback she gets from her clients is proof enough for her.