The Earth’s natural magnetic field is a constant environmental factor in which living organisms exist without being consciously aware of it. It has long been known that some animals are able to use this field for orientation or for adjusting their body position. In recent years, field-based studies have revealed a notable behavioral pattern in cattle. Grazing or resting cattle have been reported to align their body axis predominantly along the north–south direction. This behavior is defined as magnetic alignment.
Magnetic alignment is not a conscious orientation behavior. It is considered an automatic and passive behavioral response associated with body posture and resting position. In this review, the existing literature on magnetic alignment behavior in cattle is evaluated within a simple and integrative framework. Proposed biological mechanisms underlying magnetic field perception in animals are summarized, and their possible relevance to cattle is discussed.
In modern livestock systems, animals are exposed not only to the Earth’s natural magnetic field but also to artificial electromagnetic fields. Therefore, the potential disruptive effects of electromagnetic fields on magnetic alignment behavior are examined based on available literature. Current studies do not provide conclusive evidence that electromagnetic fields directly disrupt magnetic alignment. However, some observational findings suggest that this behavior may be sensitive to disturbances in the integrity of the surrounding magnetic environment.
In conclusion, magnetic alignment in cattle is a real phenomenon supported by consistent field observations. Nevertheless, the biological basis of this behavior and its relationship with electromagnetic environments have not yet been fully clarified. This indicates that magnetic alignment represents a promising area for future field-based research in terms of animal behavior and animal welfare.