Overview
- Current Biology published the case of Veronika, a cow documented using sticks and a deck scrubber as tools to scratch different body regions (doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.059).
- On-farm trials placed a deck scrubber in varying orientations across repeated sessions, yielding 76 recorded instances of deliberate tool use.
- Veronika used the bristled end for broad, firm areas like back and flanks and switched to the smooth handle for sensitive regions such as belly or udder, adjusting force and technique.
- The authors report this as the first documented example of flexible multi-purpose tool use in cattle, noting manipulation was achieved solely with mouth and head movements.
- Veronika’s longtime behavior was first noticed by her owner on a Kärnten biofarm, and the team is now inviting reports of similar cases after widespread media attention and parallels noted in horses and zebus.