Cattle Know How to Utilize Branches and Fences to Keep Their Coats Smooth and Healthy, Reveals an Australian Researcher.
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| Cattle know how to utilize branches and fences to keep their coats smooth and healthy (Image: BBC) |
Animal behavior researcher Bob Kilgour, who works at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, observed the grooming behaviors of various breeds of beef cattle in a pasture over several days.
He discovered that they spend about 3% of their day grooming and preening, even when there are no parasites clinging to their backs. Primarily, they use their tongues and hind hooves to groom the ends of their bodies. Additionally, cattle also use inanimate objects like tree trunks, branches, fence posts, and tree roots to scratch areas that they cannot reach.
“They approach broken branches with protruding twigs to groom around their eyes, simultaneously performing subtle movements to beautify sensitive parts of their bodies,” he said.
Kilgour noted that their deliberate choice of different objects demonstrates their ability to use tools. He also suggested this is a bold insight, as the classification of tool use depends on the ability to hold and manipulate objects.
“These animals cannot pick up objects and pull them away, but they can make decisions about how to enhance their appearance,” he said. “Therefore, I believe this will redefine our perspective on tool use.”
Kilgour compared the grooming behavior of beef cattle with that of untamed relatives such as bison, water buffalo, banteng, and African antelope. He found similar preening behaviors, indicating that grooming serves an evolutionary purpose, Kilgour noted. For instance, maintaining a healthy coat can protect them from parasites, bacteria, and grass seeds.
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