Animal Intelligence

[ysabetwordsmith]

Cow are the latest animals observed using tools, reopening the debate about animal intelligence

Researchers report the first documented case of tool use in cattle, based on a Swiss Brown cow named Veronika who doesn’t just grab an object and rub it against herself.

She chooses the “right” part of a tool for the job, changes her technique depending on where she’s scratching, and repeats those choices in a way that looks consistent and intentional.


Okay, I didn't see that one coming. I've only observed cows to be opportunistic tool users -- if a human sets up a Happy Cow scratcher or automatic milker, the cows can figure out how to take advantage of that. But I haven't seen one pick up an object with her mouth to manipulate it into doing things.

So now we need to consider: Are cows smarter than we thought? Is basic tool use easier and more common? Or both? I would check wild cattle types and heritage breeds, who are less pampered than commercial cows.

Comments

[thenorthener2050]

i had the idea that if cows can be milked when they want, why cant they get to shower with a button as well? and like more erotic things like a dildo they can activate. i mean why not they would give better milk then and live longer. it would be win win. if youre a good moomoo you would get better food. eat when you want to. drink when you want to. it could be like a computer game for them. you get points for high protein milk, if you dont mess around, and only shower in the morning not 5 times per day. i saw a kosläpp once. they danced around. it was with a widow. i asked her if she missed living on the countryside. she said she did. i saved her anyway. when she visited me and my grandparents its like shed been crying for weeks. we went on walks. i didnt sauna with her. i was just a kid then.

[see_also_friend]

Ha, cow tools!

Also check wild bovines, like buffalo, water buffalo, etc.