Game simulator helps teach cow handling to US farmers
Game simulator helps teach cow handling to US farmers
Game simulator helps teach cow handling to US farmers
By Shirley Macmillan
November 23, 2023
Summary
A cow-handling game based on a flight simulator is helping US dairy farmers to train their staff in low-stress cow handling. "Games offer engagement and a chance to apply a concept and skills. They help knowledge retention and are more interactive, within a safe setting. They won't replace physical handling," she says. Game development Having seen a tractor-driving simulator at a trade show, Jennifer hired an educational game programming company to create something that would teach low-stress cow handling. The result is a game offering eight levels of skill, where operators can cumulatively affect cow stress through inappropriate behaviour and handling, or learn to move cows correctly. Only once a level is completed correctly can the gamer climb to the next stage. The game was built in English and Spanish from the ground up - many US farm staff are Spanish-speaking - with voiceovers and limited text. The game was tested on people aged 19-55 with 0-22 years' farm experience.
Reference
Macmillan, S. (2023, November 22). Game Simulator helps teach cow handling to us farmers. Farmers Weekly. https://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/game-simulator-helps-teach-cow-handling-to-us-farmers