US EditionAustrian Cow Becomes First Cattle Ever Documented Using Tools
Veronika, a Swiss Brown cow, used a broom's bristled and stick ends flexibly to scratch different body parts in 76 trials, revealing complex cognitive abilities in cattle.
- On January 19, Current Biology reported that Veronika, a pet Swiss Brown cow, uses both ends of a deck brush to scratch herself, as detailed by the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.
- Witgar Wiegele first noticed stick-scratching more than 10 years ago, initiating long-term observation that led Alice Auersperg to visit Veronika's farm in Nötsch im Gailtal.
- In controlled trials researchers found Veronika consistently selected the deck brush end suited for body regions, using the bristled end for firm areas and the smooth handle for sensitive parts, manipulating it precisely with her tongue and teeth.
- Authors say this discovery suggests cows' cognitive abilities have been underestimated, marking the first reported tool use in a cow, and the research team plans further study and invites members of the public to report sightings.
- Compared with other species, multipurpose tool use is extraordinarily rare and has been documented convincingly only in chimpanzees; Veronika's behavior prompts comparisons to Gary Larson's 'Cow Tools' cartoon.
190 Articles
190 Articles
Two researchers have published a study on Veronika, a cow that knows how to scratch with a broom. She uses the broom differently according to the way she wants to scratch herself, a rare skill. Veronika grew up under different conditions of many farm cows. - "It was first thought that it was a mistake": Veronika, an Austrian cow, intrigues scientists by grating with a broom (Sciences).
An Austrian cow has made scientific history by using a broom to scratch her itches
One of the main traits that separates mankind from animals is our use of tools. However, there are some species that do use or construct a tool to help them accomplish a task. Chimpanzees, ravens, and other animals have been recorded using tools, but a cow was never among them. Until now.Veronika, a 13-year-old Swiss brown cow living in Austria, has made scientific history by being the first recorded case of a cow using tools. Veronika reportedl…
Veronika The Cow's Record Scratch
Veronika was 4 years old when she picked up her first tool: a tree branch, found in her pasture in the town of Nötsch im Gailtal in the Austrian alps. Veronika lives with Witgar Wiegele, an organic farmer and baker who keeps the Braunvieh cow as a pet. Veronika's meadow is downright idyllic, nestled among blue lakes and snow-capped mountains and carpeted in grass green enough to make Maria von Trapp hit a whistle note. Here, Veronika nosed throu…
In Carinthia, Austria, a Brown Swiss cow has impressed scientists. For the first time ever, they have seen a member of the cattle family using tools – 13-year-old Veronika can lift a broom and scratch her back with it.
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