Meet Veronika: The Cow That Uses Tools to Scratch Herself

A Swiss brown cow named Veronika, living on an organic farm in Austria, is making headlines for her unexpected behavior of using tools. This revelation comes from a study published in the journal Current Biology, suggesting that the cognitive abilities of cows may be far more advanced than previously thought.

Veronika has developed a unique method for scratching hard-to-reach areas of her body by picking up sticks and using them as tools. This behavior challenges long-held beliefs that tool use is primarily a human trait, highlighting the need for further research into the cognitive capabilities of livestock.

Scientific Exploration of Tool Use in Animals

Historically, tool use was considered a defining characteristic of humans, but examples have emerged in various animal species. Primates, dolphins, and even octopuses have demonstrated tool-using behaviors for communication and play. Notably, birds, particularly corvids like crows and jays, have shown remarkable cognitive skills, including the ability to use multiple tools for specific tasks.

In a notable experiment in 2012, a captive cockatoo named Figaro successfully used sticks to retrieve nuts, demonstrating adaptability in tool selection and modification. These findings raise significant questions about the cognitive limits of animals, particularly those that are not traditionally studied for such capabilities.

Veronika’s Tool Use: A Closer Look

Alice Auersperg, a cognitive biologist at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, was captivated by Veronika’s scratching behavior. Observing the cow, she concluded that this was not a random act but a meaningful use of tools. To investigate further, Auersperg and her colleague, Antonio Osuna-Mascaro, conducted a series of trials at the farm owned by Witgar Wiegele, who keeps Veronika as a pet.

During the study, the researchers employed a deck scrub broom, chosen for its asymmetrical design, and documented 76 instances of Veronika using it over seven sessions of ten trials. Veronika adeptly manipulated the broom with her tongue and teeth, demonstrating her ability to utilize it for scratching various parts of her body.

The cow exhibited a preference for the brush end for upper body scratching, while the stick end was utilized for more sensitive areas. This behavior indicates both goal-directed and context-sensitive tooling, showcasing Veronika’s versatility and fine motor skills.

The study suggests that Veronika’s scratching behavior is likely motivated by relief from insect bites. The environment she inhabits, being open and interactive with humans, allows her cognitive abilities to flourish, challenging the notion that such problem-solving is exclusive to species with larger brains.

The authors of the study noted, “Veronika did not fashion tools like the cow in Gary Larson’s cartoon, but she selected, adjusted, and used one with notable dexterity and flexibility.” They argue that the real absurdity lies not in the existence of a tool-using cow, but in the assumption that such phenomena could never occur.

Veronika’s story not only highlights the capabilities of a single cow but also opens the door for further exploration into the intelligence of livestock. As research continues, it may lead to a deeper understanding of animal cognition and the potential for tool use among various species.

This study emphasizes the importance of expanding our knowledge about animal intelligence, encouraging a reevaluation of how we view the cognitive abilities of animals that have long been considered less capable.