Study Shows Domestic Cow Uses Tools Flexibly, Challenging Assumptions About Animal Cognition

Veronika, a 13-year-old Swiss Brown cow residing in rural Austria, was the focus of this experimental study, which aimed to assess her ability to use a simple implement effectively for different tasks. Researchers, Antonio Osuna-Mascaro and Alice Auersperg from the University of Vienna, systematically tested whether Veronika could manipulate a deck brush in purposeful ways. Rather than using the tool by chance, she adeptly grasped and maneuvered it differently based on the task, demonstrating a high level of flexibility.

“The goal of the study was to test whether Veronika’s tool use met the criteria for flexible tool use,” Osuna-Mascaro stated. Throughout multiple trials, Veronika exhibited several behaviors that met rigorous definitions of tool use, including selective grasping of different parts of the brush, deliberate orientation of the tool to solve specific problems—such as using the bristles versus the handle for scratching—and making goal-oriented adjustments by releasing and regrasping the tool for better control.

Osuna-Mascaro noted, “This might even qualify as the use of a multipurpose tool,” emphasizing that Veronika utilized various parts of the tool in different ways. Prior to this study, research on tool use had primarily focused on primates and certain bird species, making Veronika’s behavior a significant advancement in understanding the capabilities of large herbivores.

Veronika's exceptional behavior raises questions about the cognitive abilities of cattle in general. Osuna-Mascaro explained that while Veronika is unique, she may not be fundamentally different from other cows. Factors contributing to her abilities include being raised as a pet, which exposed her to various objects and environments, and her ongoing interactions with brushes and sticks prior to the tests. Furthermore, her age and life experiences likely fostered learning and exploration opportunities.

This context highlights the importance of environmental richness and individual experiences in developing complex behaviors in species often perceived as lacking cognitive flexibility.

Veronika's abilities challenge long-held views about the cognitive limits of cattle, suggesting that scientific inquiry into animal cognition may need to reassess assumptions regarding flexible problem solving across species. Additionally, discussions on livestock welfare and management could benefit from considering cognitive enrichment as a vital aspect of animal care.