What Are the Trending Reads Everyone Is Talking About?

Veronika, a cow living in a picturesque Austrian town, has showcased remarkable tool use by employing a broom for scratching, demonstrating cognitive abilities previously overlooked in cattle. This behaviour, documented in a study published in Current Biology, suggests that cows may possess more intelligence than traditionally thought, urging a reevaluation of livestock capabilities.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

New research has highlighted the cognitive abilities of cows, specifically through the case of Veronika, who uses a broom to scratch herself. This behaviour is significant as it illustrates flexible tool use, a trait rarely documented in farm animals. The findings challenge long-standing views regarding the intelligence of cattle and encourage a broader perspective on their capabilities. The study opens the door for further investigation into animal cognition, particularly in species often regarded as unintelligent.

Key takeaways

Veronika the cow demonstrates advanced tool use by using a broom to scratch various parts of her body.
This behaviour has been documented as a first for cattle, suggesting they possess greater cognitive abilities than previously recognised.
The study encourages a reevaluation of how livestock animals are perceived regarding intelligence and problem-solving skills.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events surrounding Veronika and the study on tool use in cattle is as follows:

2013: Veronika is adopted as a pet and begins to display scratching behaviours using sticks.
2022: Observations of Veronika’s tool use with a rake prompt further investigation by researchers.
2023: Study published in Current Biology documenting Veronika’s innovative scratching techniques using a broom.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent study has documented flexible tool use in cattle for the first time, specifically focusing on Veronika's adeptness at using different ends of a broom to scratch various parts of her body. This finding challenges existing perceptions of bovine intelligence and suggests that cows may have untapped cognitive abilities.

What was already established

Historically, cows have been viewed as less intelligent animals, often associated with simplicity and a lack of problem-solving skills. Previous studies have primarily focused on emotions and basic behaviours in livestock, with little emphasis on tool use or complex cognitive functions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications of this research reach into the realm of consumer perceptions of livestock. As awareness of animal cognition increases, it may influence purchasing decisions regarding meat and dairy products, as consumers may seek more ethically raised animals that are recognised for their intelligence and emotional capacity.

Businesses and jobs

For farmers and businesses in the agricultural sector, acknowledging the cognitive abilities of livestock could lead to changes in farming practices. This might include providing more stimulating environments for animals, potentially improving their welfare and productivity. Understanding animal behaviour can enhance livestock management and animal husbandry techniques.

Policy and regulation

With growing evidence of animal intelligence, there may be future regulatory changes regarding livestock treatment and welfare standards in the UK. Policymakers might consider implementing stricter animal welfare laws that take into account the cognitive and emotional needs of farm animals.

Numbers that matter

1: The first documented case of tool use in cattle, highlighting a new area of study in animal cognition.
76: The number of times Veronika used the broom to scratch herself during the study trials.
13: Veronika's age, illustrating that many cows do not live to this milestone, often due to farming practices.
5: Types of animals known to exhibit tool use, including chimpanzees and dolphins, indicating the rarity of this behaviour.
1: The number of researchers involved in the study, underlining the need for further investigation in this field.

Definitions and jargon buster

Tool use: The ability to use an object to achieve a goal, often requiring problem-solving skills.
Cognitive abilities: The mental capacities that enable an animal to learn, reason, and solve problems.
Bovine: Relating to cattle, commonly used in discussions about livestock and farming.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus should be on raising awareness of Veronika's findings among agricultural communities and consumers. Educational initiatives could be implemented to promote understanding of animal cognition.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Researchers may seek to conduct further studies exploring tool use in other cattle and livestock species. This could also involve a comparative analysis of different environments, examining how living conditions affect cognitive development in animals.

Signals to watch

Public reactions to the study and increased interest in animal welfare.
Changes in agricultural policies related to livestock treatment and welfare standards.
Emergence of new research highlighting cognitive behaviours in different animal species.

Practical guidance

Do

Consider the cognitive abilities of livestock when making food choices.
Support farms that prioritise animal welfare and provide stimulating environments for their animals.
Stay informed about ongoing research in animal behaviour and cognition.

Don’t

Underestimate the intelligence of farm animals based on traditional stereotypes.
Assume that livestock do not require mental stimulation and social interaction.
Neglect the importance of animal welfare in agricultural practices.

Checklist

Research local farms and their animal welfare practices.
Engage with educational content about animal cognition.
Advocate for policies supporting animal welfare standards.
Explore sustainable and ethical food options that consider animal intelligence.
Follow developments in animal behaviour research.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Veronika’s case provides compelling evidence of tool use in cattle, it is essential to acknowledge that this is a singular instance and may not represent the broader cattle population. Further research is needed to understand the prevalence of such behaviours in other cows and under varying conditions. The study raises questions about the extent to which environment influences cognitive development, implying that cows in factory farms may not exhibit similar abilities due to lack of stimulation.

Bottom line

Veronika’s remarkable tool use serves as a significant reminder of the cognitive abilities of cattle, challenging long-held beliefs about their intelligence. As research progresses, it is crucial for society to reconsider how livestock are treated and recognised for their sentience and problem-solving skills, leading to improved welfare standards in the agricultural sector.

FAQs

What is the significance of Veronika's tool use?

Veronika's tool use is significant as it represents the first documented case of such behaviour in cattle, challenging assumptions about their intelligence and prompting a reevaluation of livestock capabilities.

How does this research affect perceptions of farm animals?

The research promotes a shift in perception regarding farm animals, encouraging people to recognise their cognitive abilities and emotional needs, which could influence consumer choices and farming practices.

What can be done to improve the welfare of livestock?

Improving livestock welfare involves providing stimulating environments, ensuring social interactions, and advocating for policies that recognise and support animal cognition and emotional needs.