Scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna have made an unexpected discovery in the cognitive abilities of large domestic animals, demonstrating that cows can consciously use objects around them as tools.

The study began after a European farmer noticed an unusual behavior in his cow: the cow had adapted a stiff-bristled mop left in the pen to independently and comfortably scratch its back and udder.

Invited zoologists conducted a series of controlled tests and documented that the animals were not displaying random actions, but rather purposeful and complex behavior designed to solve specific household problems.

Previously, the ability to consciously use objects as tools was considered the exclusive preserve of higher primates, elephants, dolphins, and some bird species.

This discovery completely changes the way ethologists (animal behaviorists) understand the intelligence of cattle, demonstrating their high level of spatial thinking and ability to adapt the environment to their needs.