Cow-Assisted Interventions in the Social Farming: First Results of a Pilot Study

Social farming combines agricultural, social, and healthcare functions, and Ani-mal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are increasingly applied within this framework. Despite their potential, cattle are excluded from Italian guidelines and rarely studied. This pilot study explored the feasibility, effects, and economic sustainability of cow-assisted interventions within social farming in Umbria, Italy. Four Red Pied Valdostana cows were involved in 11 structured sessions with three groups: adolescents removed from families, young adults with mental health disorders, and individuals with eating disorders. Activities included observation, feeding, grooming, problem solving and leading. Human outcomes were assessed across emotional, relational, and behavioral dimensions, while animal welfare was continuously monitored. A cost analysis was also conducted for Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA), Animal-Assisted Education (AAE), and Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). Participants reported improved self-esteem, emotional expression, and social interaction; the eating disorder group showed greater openness toward dairy consumption. Animal welfare remained stable with high tolerance to handling. Costs were driven mainly by professional staff rather than animal care, with average hourly costs of €74.51 (AAA), €144.99 (AAE), and €172.41 (AAT). Cow-assisted interventions proved safe, feasible, and beneficial, supporting their potential inclusion in Italian guidelines on AAIs.