Behaviours Expressed by Rodeo Calves during Different Phases of Roping

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Animal Welfare Science
• Equine and Rodeo Science

Background:

• Calf roping events in rodeos raise significant animal welfare concerns.
• Limited scientific research exists on calves' behavioral responses to rodeo stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To scientifically assess the behavioral responses of calves during calf roping events.
• To identify specific behaviors indicative of distress in calves throughout the event phases.

Main Methods:

• Video footage of 15 calves during two rodeo calf roping events was analyzed.
• An ethogram was developed to observe six behavioral parameters across five event phases: Chase, Lasso, Catch and Restraint, Leg Tie, and Release.
• Chi-squared analysis and binary logistic regression were used to determine the significance of observed behaviors.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in calf behaviors were observed across all five phases of the calf roping event (p < 0.001).
• Evasive behavior, vocalization, and fast leg movements were significantly more likely in calves.
• Eye white, slow leg movements, and relaxed tail positions were significantly less likely to be observed.

Conclusions:

• Calves exhibit clear signs of distress throughout all phases of calf roping.
• The findings highlight the need for further investigation into calf welfare in rodeo events.
• This research provides empirical evidence of stress indicators in calves subjected to rope-and-tie events.