Dairy cows are allowed more pasture around here, too, but the pastures don't have a lot things to scratch an itchy neck on. Barbed wire and metal posts wouldn't give the same relief, and what cow can schedule her desire for contact? Makes me wonder if increased milk production and level of health is greater than predicted for family cows and show animals that get more interaction. I still think it's primarily a psychological benefit, but I have just recently finished another book by Temple Grandin, too.