In a picturesque mountain pasture in Austria, a remarkably intelligent cow is reshaping our understanding of animal cognition.
Meet Veronica, a pet Swiss brown cow who has innovatively learned to use both ends of a stick to scratch her back. This impressive tool use is exceedingly rare in the animal kingdom and has never been documented in cattle before.
Dr. Antonio Osuna Mascaro, a professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, led the groundbreaking study published in Current Biology. The research highlights how Veronica creatively utilizes available tools to scratch herself.
Initially, researchers provided her with a broom brush, expecting her to only use the bristles. However, Veronica adapted her tool use based on the specific itch needing relief.
For larger or more intense itches on her back, she utilized the bristled end of the brush. Conversely, for lighter itches, such as on her sensitive lower abdomen, she opted for the smooth handle end.
“The only well-documented occurrence similar to this was when a chimpanzee cleverly manipulated the ends of a stick to forage for termites,” Osuna Mascaro stated, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
Researchers emphasize that domestic animals have often been overlooked by behavioral scientists, meaning their perceived lack of intelligence may stem more from insufficient observation than from the animals’ actual capabilities.
“Understanding that cows possess the ability to innovate and use tools flexibly sends a powerful message about our biases regarding cow intelligence and capabilities,” Osuna Mascaro added.
Veronica: The Beloved Cow
The study emphasizes that while Veronica is unique, her intelligent behavior is not an isolated case.
As a cherished pet, Veronica enjoys access to open spaces, daily human engagement, and the freedom to explore her environment. At 13 years old, she is significantly older than the average domestic cow.
Her human companion, Witger Vigele, first observed Veronica using tools over a decade ago. Intrigued by her intelligence, researchers analyzed footage of her behavior and decided to meet this extraordinary cow.
The findings suggest that our perceptions of domestic animals’ intelligence may not relate to their actual abilities, but rather to the opportunities they are given to demonstrate their intelligence and whether we take the time to observe them.
“I would love to hear from anyone who has witnessed cows displaying similar behaviors firsthand,” Osuna Mascaro expressed.
“The key element is using an object dynamically to achieve goals that would be otherwise difficult or impossible,” he concluded.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
