Physiological Stress Responses in Cattle Used in the Spanish Rodeo

Abstract

Certain events can cause distress in cattle. In Spain, there is a sport similar to rodeo called persecution and takedown, in which calves are harassed and knocked down by riders. In this study, the physiological stress response of calves (n = 260) is assessed by measuring hormonal physiological parameters. Salivary samples were collected from Salers (n = 110) and Lidia (n = 150) calves before, during, and after the persecution and takedown event. The hormones epinephrine, cortisol, serotonin, and dopamine were determined in saliva samples using enzyme-immunoassay techniques. The results obtained revealed that epinephrine and cortisol levels increased during the event in Salers calves, with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the case of epinephrine, although after the event, these values returned to their initial state. Therefore, this sport supposes an assumable punctual stressor stimulus for the animal. In contrast, in Lidia calves, cortisol and epinephrine levels decreased, with a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the case of cortisol, which may be related to the temperament of this breed and facing a stressful situation in a different manner. This is confirmed by serotonin and dopamine levels that were altered in Lidia calves with respect to the other group studied. In conclusion, the sport of persecution and takedown produces a physiological response of adaptive stress assumable for the animals.

Addressing Combative Behaviour in Spanish Bulls by Measuring Hormonal Indicators

“…In addition to the described qualitative components, aggression has a complex physiological component in which different mechanisms and neurotransmitters play roles in promoting aggressive behaviours that vary among species [37]. Animal species such as the fighting bull have been described to be aggressive animals by nature [38], although this peculiarity of the fighting bull has been poorly studied. Therefore, this study aims to determine the physiological component that underlies the aggressiveness of fighting bulls in an observational manner, analysing their behaviour in fights and determining its correlation with the hormone levels related with aggressiveness in calves during their fights.…”