Researchers have documented an Austrian cow named Veronika using sticks to scratch its back, a behaviour that may redefine perceptions of animal intelligence, reports BritPanorama.
For over a decade, Veronika has lived on a farm in Nötsch im Gailtal, where she has been observed using sticks to reach areas of her body that she cannot otherwise scratch. Recently, a team from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna became aware of this remarkable behaviour after seeing video footage of her in action.
The findings, published in the journal Current Biology, represent the first documented instance of tool use in a pet cow. Lead author Antonio J. Osuna-Mascaró, a postdoctoral researcher at the university, expressed shock that such behaviour had gone unnoticed for so long despite the close relationship humans have maintained with cattle for thousands of years.
Veronika not only showed purposeful tool use but demonstrated a preference in how she employed the tools for different areas of her body during various trials conducted by the researchers. They noticed she consistently selected the bristly end of a deck brush for her upper body and the blunt handle for more delicate regions like her udder.
A cow using tools
The research aims to encourage further observations of cattle and possibly reveals greater cognitive abilities among farm animals. Osuna-Mascaró highlighted that the global cattle population exceeds 1.5 billion, and such intelligent behaviours should not be overlooked.
Veronika’s innovative scratching technique raises questions regarding the cognitive and emotional awareness of livestock, an area often dismissed in agricultural practices. The researchers conducted a set of controlled trials testing her reaction to the placement of the brush and recorded her selections and movements.
Marc Bekoff, an emeritus professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, acknowledged Veronika’s ability to manipulate the brush effectively, noting similar cognitive capabilities in other cows. He emphasized the need to reassess the intelligence of animals typically regarded as unremarkable, highlighting their capacity for complex behaviours.
Livestock intelligence
Historically, humans have been slow to recognise the tool-using abilities of various species. This notion was first challenged by primatologist Jane Goodall, who identified tool-making behaviours in chimpanzees in the 1960s. Osuna-Mascaró pointed out that a significant bias persists about the cognitive abilities of domesticated animals that are frequently dismissed.
Veronika’s interactions with her environment seem to provide a context for her tool use, suggesting she may not be unique. The researchers posit that other farm animals may also possess similar intelligence yet remain unobserved or unacknowledged.
The study has prompted a call for public participation, inviting anyone who has witnessed similar behaviours in livestock to report their experiences. The researchers hope this approach will broaden understanding of animal cognition and challenge historical perceptions of livestock intelligence.
As the discourse around animal intelligence evolves, Veronika serves as a compelling reminder of the complexities found within non-human species.
