First-ever flexible tool use seen in a cow suggests livestock are smarter than believed

image via New Scientist

January 19, 2026, 4:00 PM

• •Veronika, a pet cow, uses a deck brush to scratch herself with surprising precision and adaptability.
• •The cow's tool use includes targeting specific body areas and manipulating the brush with different techniques.
• •Researchers suggest that the ability for complex problem-solving and tool use might have ancient evolutionary roots in cattle.
• •Veronika's behavior highlights the need for enriched environments for farm animals to foster their cognitive abilities.

A pet cow named Veronika has been observed using tools in a sophisticated manner, challenging previous assumptions about farm animal intelligence. Veronika, a Swiss Brown cow, uses a deck brush to scratch specific parts of her body, demonstrating precision and adaptability in her tool use. This behavior is similar to that of primates. This finding suggests that we have underestimated the cognitive abilities of farm animals and that providing stimulating environments may be key to unlocking their potential.

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