A new study has evaluated footage of calves used in rodeo calf-roping events, finding all calves exhibited behaviours indicating fear and stress prior to being released into the arena.
The study—published in Ruminants and co-authored by RSPCA Australia senior scientific officer and veterinarian Dr Di Evans—is the first study to be published that investigates rodeo calf behaviours while they are confined in the chute.
The findings of the paper suggest that all calves experience some level of stress while in the chute—a type of holding crate with metal bars and panels that calves are loaded into before being released into the arena to be chased and roped. Longer periods of restraint cause more stress than shorter periods.
The study paper is the final article in a series of three studies undertaken by the University of Sydney into the effects of calf roping on calves at rodeo events.
Calf roping involves calves as young as four months being chased by a rider, lassoed around the neck, jerked off their feet and often crashing to the ground before having their legs forcefully bound with rope. It is common at many rodeos and legal in most states and territories, though it is notably prohibited in South Australia and Victoria. It should be noted that rodeos are banned in the ACT.
The paper strengthens the case for banning the activity of calf roping at rodeos nationally.
“This study adds to the existing body of evidence that calves experience significant fear and stress in the main phases of calf rope and tie events, including whilst being restrained in the chute prior to release,” Dr Evans said.
“Although all calves showed signs consistent with fear and stress, those who were restrained for a longer period displayed behaviours indicating heightened levels, compared to those who were held for less time.
“Given the inherent significant animal welfare risks with calf roping, there should be no doubt that all jurisdictions should follow the lead of Victoria and South Australia by effectively prohibiting calf-roping events.”
Over 30 video clips of calf roping were analysed to document the frequency of individual behaviours in each calf, such as head, tail and body movements, and ear position. Several behaviours, including eye white to iris ratio, rearing, escape attempts, open mouth and tongue protrusion were classified as ‘red flags’ due to their moderate to strong association with negative mental states in animals.
