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Swiss Cow Veronika: First Tool-Using Cattle Discovered

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study from Austria confirms Veronika, a Swiss brown cow, as the first documented instance of cattle using tools.
Researchers say Veronika's behavior shows advanced cognitive abilities and challenges assumptions about livestock intelligence.
The study notes Veronika adapts scratching techniques to body sensitivity, indicating flexible tool use.
Alice Auersperg emphasized the finding, and researchers urge farmers to report similar behaviors.

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Story summary

A study from Austria confirms Veronika, a Swiss brown cow, as the first documented instance of cattle using tools.
Researchers say Veronika's behavior shows advanced cognitive abilities and challenges assumptions about livestock intelligence.
The study notes Veronika adapts scratching techniques to body sensitivity, indicating flexible tool use.
Alice Auersperg emphasized the finding, and researchers urge farmers to report similar behaviors.