The cattle in this study were exposed to three types of stressors while in the presence of other heifers. The other animals were either familiar with the observed cattle, or unfamiliar. The observed animal was in the presence of either 1 or 4 other cattle during the tests. The study was designed to determine if the presence of familiar vs unfamiliar animals, and the effect of number of other cattle, on the response to stress. The animals were stressed by having a strange object placed in front of them, by being surpised by a sudden loud sound, and by being provided a bucket of feed in such a way that they could not reach the food. All of the tests resulted in some indicators of stress. In general, the presence of familiar animals reduced the stress response of the animals, compared to having unfamiliar animals present. Also, the effect of familiar animals was greater in groups of five (4 plus subject) than when only one other animal was present. In conclusion, stressful events are less stressful if an animal is in a social group of familiar cattle, and a larger group reduces the stress even further.