Fear response in dairy cows was studied in response to exposure to an unfamiliar umbrella that was suddenly opened 0-2 m in front of the cows. Eye-white percentage was tested as an indicator of fear experienced. All animals showed startle and avoidance responses when first exposed to the opening umbrella. Compared to 30 seconds before the umbrella was opened, there was a significant increase in avoidance and percentage of eye white during a 30 second (avoidance) and 60 second (eye-white) observation period after the umbrella was opened. Based on these results, the percentage of eye-white may be a useful gauge of fear experienced in dairy cows