An Austrian cow has been filmed using a broom and other objects to groom itself, a behaviour researchers say qualifies as the first documented case of flexible tool use in cattle.
The observations, published in the journal Current Biology, show a 13-year-old Brown Swiss named Veronika picking up a brush with her mouth and using it to reach parts of her body that would otherwise be out of reach.
Scientists say the way she uses both ends of the brush to target different areas meets the criteria for tool use, a behaviour previously seen mostly in animals like chimpanzees and crows.
Veronika’s behaviour was analysed over multiple trials by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna.
Using a deck brush placed on the ground, she picked it up with her tongue and manipulated it so the bristled end could be used to scratch broad areas such as her back.
For more sensitive parts, she shifted to the smooth handle and used that end instead, showing adaptability and purpose in her choice of how to wield the tool, according to scientists.
Scientists said the behavior was notable as cattle generally aren’t recognized for their problem-solving ability.
Veronika’s consistent targeting of otherwise unreachable regions indicates goal-directed self-scratching, likely driven by insect irritation,” the study said, adding, “This pattern, coupled with anticipatory grip adjustments and technique diversity, reflects flexible, context-dependent tooling.”
Scientists say this behavior is notable because cattle are not generally recognized for problem-solving behaviors involving tools.
Researchers emphasised that Veronika’s life situation, living as a pet on a small farm, may have given her opportunities other cows might not have, especially those reared for farming purposes, which typically don’t live anywhere near as long.
In another unexpected marriage of science and the animal kingdom, research published earlier this month documented how scientists had created genetically modified mice with glowing sperm.
