Some may dispute this sport of rodeo but did you know by being a participant of the rodeo for these animals is merely an extension for their lives. Although, the fate for much cattle is heading to the sale barn for human consumption. When you look at the statistics of female cattle and male cattle there is a much higher rate of bulls produced versus females. Which then leads the bulls to be steered and sent off to local feedlots till their weight is appropriate for slaughtering purposes. Their average weight of roping calves are estimated from 225-250 pounds. While being roped by the cowboy it takes a special training and skill by both the horse and rider to handle a 250 pound calf. The calf event was a simulation of the branding and doctoring method used back in the day. After the weight of the calve exceeds its limit of weight that a contestant can lift up to the calf will fulfill the same purpose it would have been if it had never ben chosen for the sport of rodeo. That being for either diary or the beef industry or if it’s a bull there could always be a possibility of being a bucking bull one day. Bull Riding is also a very popular event in rodeo. This wasn’t really a related ranching duty back in the day but looking at it from a glance bull riding serves the bull industry. Which helps prolong the life of a bull and keeping them from being used for the beef industry. Good thing that female and male cattle are both in demand for beef and dairy breeding but not all are so lucky to be the chosen one. Therefore, bull riding can be a great outlet for bulls if they meet the requirements it takes to be a bucking bull. The average bucking stock works less than an estimated five minutes per year in the arena, and can work as long as fifteen years of his or her life in the rodeo. So keep in mind when your next local rodeo comes to town that these animals have the best quality of life by being involved in the sport of rodeo verses the alternative that could shorten their life span much earlier. Rodeo official’s and committees make it top priority to keep the animals healthy and safe. However, there will be those occasional but rare times where an accident will occur but be sure that the staff and officials will handle the matter in the most humane way possible.
