Veronika, a Brown Swiss cow living on a small farm in Austria, has become the first cow reported to use a tool. Researchers observed her using a deck brush to scratch various parts of her body, showcasing an unexpected level of intelligence in cows. Veronika cleverly uses the brush end for tough areas like her back and the handle for sensitive spots such as her belly button. This behavior was documented in Current Biology, highlighting her unique ability to adapt the tool for different needs. The study, led by Antonio Osuna-Mascaró from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, suggests that Veronika’s tool use is a rare skill among cows, previously only seen in animals like chimpanzees. This discovery challenges perceptions of animal intelligence and opens up questions about the cognitive abilities of other species.
QUESTION: How might Veronika’s tool-using behavior change our understanding of animal intelligence and influence how we interact with animals on farms?
This tool-using cow stunned scientists with her smarts
