Avaliação do bem-estar e impactos causados pelos equipamentos utilizados em animais de rodeio

Rodeo, as a practice of cultural, sporting, and economic relevance, generates debates about its impact on animal welfare, especially concerning the equipment used. Thus, this study correlated behavior and cortisol levels with stress in bulls subjected to the use of a bucking strap, lariat, and spurs, analyzing physiological and behavioral parameters associated with stress. The methodology included dividing ten animals into two groups: one subjected only to the use of the equipment with behavioral assessment and the other to full riding and blood collection for pre- and post-ride cortisol measurement. The behavioral results showed that the animals exposed only to the equipment remained calm, without signs of agitation, even during routine activities. The group subjected to riding exhibited a non-significant increase in serum cortisol levels. In this context, it was observed that the use of the equipment (bucking strap, spurs, and lariat) did not cause visual behavioral changes in the animals, nor was there a significant difference in serum cortisol measurement pre- and post-ride. Therefore, when rodeos are conducted within the established and monitored technical and legal parameters, there is no interference with animal welfare, allowing for the reconciliation of cultural expression with respect for the animal athletes.