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Researchers in Austria have described the unique case of the first cow ever recorded using tools, specifically sticks and brushes, to scratch itself.
A team from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna found that Veronica, a Swiss brown cow raised as a pet, had been holding sticks in her mouth to scratch herself for several years. Veronica began choosing pieces of wood about a decade ago and later began using long brushes, showing a preference for using the brush side to scratch hard skin and the handle side to scratch more sensitive areas.
Scientists say Veronica’s behavior could open up a new debate about the level of intelligence and creativity in farm animals.
A team from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna found that Veronica, a Swiss brown cow raised as a pet, had been holding sticks in her mouth to scratch herself for several years. Veronica began choosing pieces of wood about a decade ago and later began using long brushes, showing a preference for using the brush side to scratch hard skin and the handle side to scratch more sensitive areas.
Scientists say Veronica’s behavior could open up a new debate about the level of intelligence and creativity in farm animals.