Austrian Cow Shows Tool Use in First for Cattle

In a groundbreaking observation, an Austrian cow named Veronika has demonstrated the ability to use tools, marking the first scientifically documented case of such behavior in cattle. Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna reported the finding on Monday in the journal Current Biology, based on field trials with the 13-year-old Brown Swiss cow living in the picturesque village of Nötsch im Gailtal in Carinthia.

Veronika, kept as a family pet by organic farmer and baker Witgar Wiegele, has long shown curiosity toward objects in her environment. Wiegele first noticed her playing with sticks and using them to scratch hard-to-reach areas on her body. Over time, she progressed to more complex items, including rakes and wooden push brooms. Intrigued by a video of her actions, cognitive biologists Antonio Osuna-Mascaró and Alice Auersperg traveled to the site to verify the behavior.

During seven observation sessions involving 10 trials each, the scientists provided Veronika with a deck brush and watched as she manipulated it with precision. She picked up the tool using her tongue and teeth, adjusting its position by twisting her neck. For scratches on her tougher...