A cow named Veronika in Austria has surprised scientists by deliberately using tools to scratch herself, a behavior that meets the biological definition of tool use. The findings, published in Current Biology, suggest that livestock may possess greater cognitive abilities than previously assumed. This discovery is not just a quirky animal anecdote; it forces a reevaluation of intelligence in species often overlooked in behavioral studies.
The Significance of Tool Use
In biology and anthropology, tool use is a key indicator of cognitive development. The ability to modify the environment with external objects suggests complex problem-solving skills and brain capacity. While humans have a long history of tool use dating back 2.9 million years with the Oldowan toolkit, other species like chimpanzees and crows also exhibit this behavior. Even humpback whales create “bubble nets” to catch fish, blurring the lines of what constitutes a tool.
Veronika’s Breakthrough
Veronika, a 13-year-old Swiss Brown cow, was first observed by her owner, Witgar Wiegele, a decade ago scratching herself with sticks. Initially clumsy, she refined her technique over time. A video shared with researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, confirmed this was not accidental.
Researchers led by Alice Auersperg conducted controlled trials using a deck brush, noting Veronika’s consistent and appropriate choices of tool ends for different body regions. She prefers the bristles for her back, but switches to the smooth stick end for more sensitive areas. She also adjusts her movements—forceful for her upper body, controlled for her lower.
Flexible, Multi-Purpose Tool Use
What sets Veronika apart is her flexible, multi-purpose tool use. She doesn’t just scratch; she adapts the tool to the task. This level of sophistication has only been convincingly documented in chimpanzees and humans.
“We show that a cow can engage in genuinely flexible tool use,” says Antonio Osuna-Mascaró, a study co-author. “Veronika is not just using an object to scratch herself. She uses different parts of the same tool for different purposes, and she applies different techniques depending on the function of the tool and the body region.”
The researchers emphasize that her behavior is egocentric – directed at her own body – yet she overcomes physical limitations by manipulating tools with her mouth.
The Role of Environment and Opportunity
The study suggests that Veronika’s environment played a critical role. Unlike most cows confined to intensive farming, she enjoys a long lifespan, human interaction, and access to manipulable objects. This combination fostered exploration and innovation.
The research team is now seeking similar observations from other livestock species. They invite anyone who has witnessed cows or bulls using tools to contact them, implying that this ability might be more common than previously assumed.
This discovery underscores that intelligence isn’t exclusive to certain species; it’s a matter of observation, opportunity, and challenging preconceived notions.
