Hematological, Enzymatic, and Endocrine Response to Intense Exercise in Lidia Breed Cattle During the Roping Bull...

Area of Science:

• Animal Physiology
• Veterinary Science
• Animal Welfare Science

Background:

• Lidia cattle are integral to Spanish bullfighting festivals, facing intense physical exertion.
• The physiological effects and welfare implications of these events on Lidia bulls are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stress response and muscle damage in Lidia breed bulls during traditional roping bull celebrations.
• To establish baseline physiological data for welfare assessment in these animals.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 53 adult male Lidia bulls before and after a 45-minute running exercise during roping bull events.
• Analyzed hematological parameters, muscle enzymes (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate), and stress hormones (cortisol, ACTH).

Main Results:

• Significant increases in leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets post-exercise.
• Muscle enzymes, particularly creatine kinase (up to 10-fold increase), and stress hormones (cortisol, ACTH) showed marked elevations.
• All measured parameters remained within established reference ranges for cattle.

Conclusions:

• Lidia bulls exhibit physiological stress and muscle exertion during bullfighting events.
• Despite significant changes, the bulls' physiological parameters suggest resilience and adaptability within normal bovine ranges.
• This study provides crucial baseline data for evidence-based welfare evaluation and management protocols for Lidia cattle in traditional festivals.