In brief
Researchers in Vienna have reported a groundbreaking finding that an Austrian cow named Veronika demonstrates sophisticated tool use, previously undocumented in cattle. This revelation suggests a level of cognitive ability in cows that rivals that of primates, potentially reshaping our understanding of animal intelligence. Veronika has been observed using various tools, including brooms and rakes, to scratch herself, employing different ends of the tools for specific tasks. Her owner hopes her unique talents will inspire greater appreciation for the natural world.
Scientists are rethinking what cattle are capable of after an Austrian cow named Veronika was found to use tools with impressive skill.
The discovery, reported by researchers in Vienna, suggests cows may have far greater cognitive abilities than previously assumed.
Veronika, a cow living in a mountain village in the Austrian countryside, has spent years perfecting the art of scratching herself using sticks, rakes, and brooms.
Word of her behaviour eventually reached animal intelligence specialists in Vienna, who found Veronika used both ends of the same object for different tasks.
If it were her back or another tough area that warranted a good scratch, she would use the bristle end of a broom. When a softer touch was needed, such as on her sensitive underbelly, she would use the smooth handle end.
This kind of tool use is rarely seen in the animal kingdom and has never been documented in cattle before.
Dr Antonio Osuna-Mascaro of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna said: We were not expecting cows to be able to use tools, and we were not expecting a cow to use a tool as a multipurpose tool. Until now this has only been consistently reported in chimpanzees.
Chimpanzees show the most varied range of tool use outside of humans. They use sticks to gather ants and termites, and stones to crack nuts.
However, despite about 10,000 years of humans living alongside cattle, this is the first time scientists have documented a cow using a tool.
The researchers say their discovery shows that cows are smarter than we think and that other cows could develop similar skills, given the chance.
As for Veronika's owner, organic farmer Witgar Wiegele, he hopes her unexpected talents will inspire people to value the natural world. As he puts it: Save the nature, then you protect yourself. Nature diversity is the key to survive on this planet.
The study is published in the journal Current Biology.
