In a groundbreaking study published in the latest issue of Current Biology, researchers from Vienna Veterinary University present the first experimental evidence that cows (Bos taurus) can utilize a single object as a versatile tool, adapting its use according to the task at hand. The study focused on a pet Swiss brown cow named Veronica, who learned to manipulate a deck brush to effectively scratch hard-to-reach areas of her body. Through a series of controlled trials, Veronica exhibited targeted adjustments based on the sensitivity of the body parts she aimed to scratch.
Veronica’s tool technique. Image credit: Antonio Osuna-Mascaró and Alice Auersperg, doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.059.
Veronica, a long-lived Swiss brown cow, is not raised for meat or milk. She is a beloved pet of Vitger Vigele, an organic farmer and baker who cherishes her as part of the family.
Over a decade ago, Vigele observed Veronica occasionally picking up sticks to scratch herself, sparking interest in her behavior.
According to Dr. Alice Auersperg, a cognitive biologist at Vienna University, “These findings suggest that our preconceptions about domestic animal intelligence may stem more from observational gaps than from actual cognitive limitations.”
In structured trials, Dr. Auersperg and colleague Dr. Antonio Osuna Mascaro placed deck brushes at random angles. They recorded which ends Veronica selected and the body parts she targeted.
After multiple assessments, the researchers discovered that Veronica’s choices were consistent and matched the needs of the targeted areas.
“We have demonstrated that cows can engage in genuinely flexible tool use,” stated Dr. Osuna Mascaro.
“Veronica doesn’t just use objects haphazardly.”
“She effectively employs different segments of the same tool for distinct purposes, altering her techniques based on the tool’s role and the specific body part involved.”
The study revealed that Veronica typically favors the bristles of a deck brush for scratching large, hard areas like her back. For more sensitive regions, she switches to the smooth stick end.
Moreover, her handling of the tools varies; her upper body scratching movements are broad and vigorous, while her lower body motions are slower, more deliberate, and precisely controlled.
Tool use is defined as manipulating external objects to achieve a goal through mechanical means. The study found that Veronica’s behavior fulfills this definition while demonstrating flexible and versatile tool use, utilizing different features of the same object for various functional outcomes.
Such agility in tool use is exceedingly rare, with evidence only convincingly documented in chimpanzees to date.
“Using tools on her own body represents a self-directed form of tool use, which is typically considered less complex than applying tools to external objects,” remarked Dr. Osuna Mascaro.
“Veronica faces inherent physical limitations as she depends on her mouth to manipulate tools.”
“What’s remarkable is her ability to overcome these limitations, demonstrating foresight by adjusting her grip strength and movements accordingly.”
_____
Antonio J. Osuna-Mascalo & Alice MI Auersperg. 2026. Flexible use of multipurpose tools by cows. Current Biology 36 (2): R44-R45; doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.059
Source: www.sci.news
