Synchronization of Cows

I discuss the synchronization of cows using both an agent-based model and then formulate a mechanistic model for the daily activities of a cow (eating, lying down, and standing) in terms of a piecewise smooth dynamical system. I analyze the properties of this bovine dynamical system and develop an exact integrative form as a discrete-time mapping. I then couple multiple cow "oscillators" together to study synchrony and cooperation in cattle herds. With this abstract approach, I not only investigate equations with interesting dynamics but also develop interesting biological predictions. In particular, the model illustrates that it is possible for cows to synchronize less when the coupling is increased.