Marcello Bedoni, who is more used to performing in front of packed concert halls across Europe, jetted in from Germany to Cockshotts Farm for the performance to the 50-strong dairy herd in a bid to improve their milk productivity.

The musical extravaganza with a twist in the village countryside was held ahead of the relaunch of a 100-year-old brand of ice-cream Federici's created by Antonio Federici who stated opera music was an essential ingredient to his recipe. He was convinced it stimulated the production of creamier milk and created a happy working environment.

The Fresian cows were treated to "Amore ti vieta" by Giordano and "E lucevan le stelle" by Puccini during the 30-minute concert by Marcello, who was joined by female operatic trio the Gelato Girls, Nara Taylor, Alexandra Carter and Alexandra Jones, who performed "That's Amore."

Farmer Mr Bobby Gill said: "The hills around Sabden were alive with the sound of music this morning. The performance went down very well with the herd. We are naming our next born calf Bedoni in his honour. They say singing to the cows helps them to relax."

Mr Gill, whose family have been farming in the Ribble Valley since 1932, is one of several local farmers whose cows produce milk for the Bowland Fresh brand.

Marcello said: "The cows are such gentle beasts and have a good ear for opera. I put together a special repertoire for my audience including soothing arias and Napolitan songs. I steered clear of rousing numbers like Wagner and Carmina Burana."

Mr Frank Frederick, grandson of Antonio Federici, said: "My grandfather always sang to the cows before milking and in our quest to recreate the gelato my brother and I enjoyed as children, we are sticking faithfully to his recipe.

"The cows will enjoy the recital and this will be reflected in the quality of the milk they produce for us. The passion of the music will be reflected in the product. We also plan to stage opera performances within the Federici factory this summer for our workforce so everyone enjoys the benefits of this wonderful music."

Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, dairy adviser to the National Farmers' Union, added: "Soothing sounds or music can reduce stress and induce relaxation and a healthy, contented cow is likely to produce more milk and anything that enhances that can only be a good thing."