Scientists were amazed by a cow's use of tools

Researchers have for the first time documented a case of tool use in a cow — behavior that was previously considered impossible for this species. The work has been published in the journal Current Biology.

The main subject of the study was a cow named Veronika, living in Austria as a pet. The owner noticed that she used sticks to scratch her body. Later, this behavior attracted the interest of scientists.

"It was immediately clear that this was not accidental but deliberate use of an object," noted cognitive biologist Alice Auersperg from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna.

To verify the observations, scientists conducted a series of experiments. Veronika was offered a brush, and researchers observed how she used it. It turned out that the cow selected different parts of the object depending on the task: the stiff bristles for her back and the smooth handle for more sensitive areas of the body.

Furthermore, the animal adapted her movements: stronger and broader strokes were used for the upper body, while careful and precise ones were used for the lower body. This indicates flexible behavior rather than random actions.

According to researcher Antonio Osuna-Mascaró, Veronika demonstrates multifunctional use of the same tool — a rare type of behavior previously clearly documented mainly in great apes.

Scientists emphasize that cows do not have hands, so Veronika has to manipulate objects using her mouth. Despite this, she demonstrates control over her actions and likely anticipates their outcomes.

The authors of the study believe that such behavior may have developed due to the animal's living conditions. Unlike most farm cows, Veronika lived in a stimulating environment, interacted with people, and had access to various objects.

The study challenges established notions about low intelligence in farm animals. According to the scientists, such abilities may be more widespread but remain unnoticed due to housing conditions.

The discovery expands the list of species capable of tool use and shows that the cognitive abilities of animals may be significantly underestimated.