London - A cattle farmer in Britain has engaged the services of an Italian opera singer to serenade his cows in the hope that they will produce more milk of a higher quality.

Farmer Bobby Gill, from the northern county of Lancashire, said he hoped the singing would help improve the taste of the ice cream made with their milk.

Marcello Bedoni has been singing a selection of opera favourites in one of the fields at Gill's farm, it was reported Thursday.

The quality of the milk will be taste-tested at the end of the musical day to see if it has made an difference.

"We brought Marcello in to sing to the cows to produce better quality milk. It keeps everything relaxed and helps to enjoy life."

Bedoni said he enjoyed singing to the cows. "They are a great audience," he said.

Researchers at Britain's Newcastle University said in a study last year that happy cows, especially those addressed by name, give more milk.