A pet Swiss brown cow in Austria named Veronika has been observed using sticks to scratch herself, a behavior documented in a new *Current Biology* paper. Researchers led by Alice Auersperg from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna conducted randomized trials, confirming the cow's intentional tool use. This challenges long-held assumptions about livestock intelligence.

The study marks a significant gap in research, as scientists have largely overlooked the cognitive capabilities of domesticated animals like cows. Veronika's owner, organic farmer Witgar Wiegele, allowed the team to test her with a deck scrub broom. Over seven sessions, she used her tongue and teeth to position and grip the tool, demonstrating adaptive behavior.

This finding expands our understanding of tool use beyond primates, dolphins, and corvids. It suggests that complex cognitive abilities may be more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously thought. Future research could explore whether other livestock exhibit similar behaviors, potentially reshaping how we view animal husbandry and cognition.