Occurred on / Austria
Info: A 13-year-old Alpine brown cow in southern Austria has demonstrated rare and flexible tool use, according to a study led by biologist Antonio J. Osuna Mascaro. The cow, named Veronica, used a broom to scratch different parts of her body in a way that was 'goal-directed, repetitive and consistent with the functional properties of the tool,' Osuna Mascao said. Researchers observed Veronica across seven sessions and 70 opportunities, providing her with a broom that had stiff bristles. She consistently selected the appropriate end of the tool to reach parts of her body that would otherwise be inaccessible. 'She used the smooth handle on more delicate areas and preferred the stiff bristles for her upper back, where the skin is thicker,' Osuna Mascaro said. he behavior suggests sensitivity to tool properties and could qualify as multi-purpose tool use, which the researcher said is 'extremely rare in nature' and previously documented only in chimpanzees. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about cattle cognition and suggest cows are capable of flexible, egocentric tool use, the study said.
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