A recent study has revealed groundbreaking insights into animal behavior, highlighting that livestock may possess cognitive abilities previously underestimated. Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna documented a pet cow named Veronika, who demonstrated the ability to use tools to scratch her back, a finding that could reshape perceptions of animal intelligence.
Veronika, a Swiss Brown cow residing on a farm in Nötsch im Gailtal, has been observed for over a decade engaging in this behavior. Her owner noted that she occasionally picks up sticks with her mouth, manipulating them to reach areas of her body that are otherwise inaccessible. The research team became aware of her unique behavior upon viewing a video of Veronika using a stick intentionally to scratch herself.
In a study published on October 16, 2023, in the journal Current Biology, lead author Antonio J. Osuna-Mascaró emphasized the significance of this behavior. “What this tells us is that cows have the potential to innovate tool use, and we have ignored this fact for thousands of years,” he stated. With approximately 1.5 billion cattle worldwide, the implications of this research are profound, suggesting that the cognitive capabilities of farm animals could be greater than previously acknowledged.
To investigate Veronika’s tool use further, the researchers conducted controlled trials, presenting her with a deck brush in various orientations. They recorded her responses, paying close attention to which end of the brush she utilized and the body areas she targeted. The results confirmed that Veronika exhibited true tool use—a behavior that extends her physical capabilities. Notably, she demonstrated a preference for using the bristled side of the brush for her upper body and the blunt end for more sensitive areas, such as her udder.
Osuna-Mascaró remarked on the surprising nature of these findings, comparing them to the known tool use of chimpanzees in the Congo Basin. While chimpanzees can use tools with a high level of dexterity due to their opposable thumbs, Veronika’s ability to adjust her grip and technique using her mouth showcased her control and understanding of the tool’s functionality.
The research has garnered attention from experts in the field. Marc Bekoff, an emeritus professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, affirmed that Veronika’s behavior exemplifies true tool use. He noted, “While she didn’t manufacture the brush, she clearly learned it could be used to relieve her itching.” Bekoff emphasized the need to re-evaluate the intelligence and emotional lives of cows and other farm animals, which are often underestimated.
The study draws parallels to historical research that challenged prevailing beliefs about animal intelligence. In the 1960s, Jane Goodall revealed that chimpanzees could make and use tools, fundamentally altering perceptions of their cognitive abilities. Similarly, in the 1970s, avian scientist Irene Pepperberg demonstrated that African Grey parrots possess cognitive skills comparable to human toddlers, such as vocabulary recognition and counting. Osuna-Mascaró commented on the evolving understanding of animal intelligence, stating, “This is just one example. There are many more.”
While Veronika’s environment, characterized by interaction with humans and a stimulating landscape, may have facilitated her behavioral development, the researchers caution against labeling her as the “Einstein of cows.” They believe that many other cattle and farm animals may exhibit similar abilities that have gone unnoticed.
The team is eager to expand their research and invites individuals who have witnessed similar behaviors in farm animals to share their experiences. “We know more about the tool use of exotic animals on remote islands than we do about the cows we live with,” Osuna-Mascaró said, highlighting the need for more attention to the cognitive abilities of domesticated animals. By shedding light on Veronika’s behavior, the researchers hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the intelligence and emotional complexity of livestock.
