Pet cow uses broom to scratch herself in first documented case of bovine tool use

A pet Braunvieh cow in Austria was observed selecting and using a broom to scratch different body parts; researchers tested the behavior and found she chose which end to use according to the area and reported the findings in Current Biology.

Veronika, a pet Braunvieh (Swiss brown) cow in Austria, was observed picking up sticks and a broom to scratch herself without training. Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna visited the farm and tested her by placing a deck brush in random orientations. Over many sessions they recorded which end she used and how she adjusted her grip. The authors published the results in Current Biology on Jan. 19. Key observations: - In controlled tests, Veronika used the broom with the brush end more often than the opposite orientation, by about 2.5-to-1. - After 70 sessions she tended to pick up the thin handle so the brush could scratch thick-skinned areas like her back, and to pick up the brush so the handle could rub delicate areas such as her navel or udder. - She displayed anticipatory behavior, for example raising her tail before scratching certain regions, and sometimes released and regripped the tool to reach a target area. - Holding and repositioning the brush required specific mouth actions: she wrapped her tongue around the tool and pressed it between her lower teeth and the dental pad, which made deliberate regrips necessary. - The researchers and outside experts described this orientation-sensitive use as tool use and noted the case as the first documented instance in cattle. Summary: The study documents the first recorded case of tool use in cattle and shows a pet cow selecting tool orientation to match the body part she intended to scratch, which the researchers interpret as a form of innovation or planned action. Undetermined at this time.