The Austrian cow named Veronika has astonished researchers by demonstrating the ability to utilize tools, prompting a re-evaluation of the presumed cognitive capacities of cattle, as reported in Current Biology.
Veronika’s owner, farmer Wittgar Wiggle, first observed her engaging in peculiar behaviour years ago; she would occasionally use sticks for play or for scratching her body. Furthermore, the cow exhibited a strong recognition of her family members’ voices, approaching them when called.
A video showcasing the remarkable cow reached biologists in Vienna specializing in animal intelligence, who subsequently arranged a meeting. Veronika impressed the visitors further by demonstrating proficiency with a broom. If the object was positioned awkwardly, the bovine would first adjust it with her tongue before gripping it firmly with her teeth.
She employed the bristled end of the broom to scratch the rough skin on her back. Conversely, for more sensitive areas, such as her udder, she switched to using the smooth handle for the same purpose.
While tool use has previously been documented in species like chimpanzees, crows, dolphins, and octopuses, such skills had never before been witnessed in domestic livestock. The research team plans to continue investigating this subject, suggesting that current scientific understanding of this animal group may be significantly incomplete.
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