Horizon Season 2006 Episode 7 The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow

The episode "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow" is a fascinating look at the world of animal behavior and cognition. The show focuses on Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal scientist who has revolutionized our understanding of how animals think and feel.

Dr. Grandin is a fascinating figure in her own right, but her work on animal behavior is truly groundbreaking. She has spent years studying the way that animals perceive the world around them, and has developed a deep empathy for the animals she works with. In particular, she has focused on the behavior of cows, and her research has shed new light on how these creatures think and feel.

One of the most interesting things about Dr. Grandin's work is the way she has learned to see the world through the eyes of cows. She has an extraordinary ability to imagine the world from their perspective, and to design environments and systems that are more humane and less stressful for the animals.

The show explores a number of Dr. Grandin's innovations, including her famous "squeeze chute." This contraption is designed to hold cows still while they are being examined or treated, and it has become a standard piece of equipment on farms around the world. The design of the chute is based on Dr. Grandin's understanding of cow behavior, and it is designed to make the cows feel secure and calm. As a result, the cows are less likely to become agitated or panicked, and they are more likely to cooperate with their handlers.

Another of Dr. Grandin's innovations is her work on animal welfare auditing. She has developed a comprehensive system for evaluating the treatment of animals on farms and in slaughterhouses, and her audits have become an important tool for improving animal welfare standards around the world. The system is based on Dr. Grandin's deep understanding of animal behavior and psychology, and it has become a cornerstone of the animal welfare movement.

The episode also explores some of the challenges that Dr. Grandin has faced in her work. As someone with autism, she has had to struggle to communicate her ideas to the scientific community and to the general public. She has also faced resistance from some quarters, as her ideas about animal behavior and welfare have challenged long-held assumptions and practices.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Grandin has become one of the most respected and influential figures in the world of animal welfare. Her work has improved the lives of countless animals, and has helped to raise awareness about the importance of treating animals with respect and empathy.

Overall, "The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow" is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the world of animal behavior and cognition. Through the eyes of Dr. Temple Grandin, viewers gain a new appreciation for the intelligence and sensitivity of the animals around us, and see the enormous potential for improving their lives.