COMPARATIVE RESPONSES OF BULLS AND STEERS TO TRANSPORTATION

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Abstract
Seven groups of six bulls and seven groups of six steers were transported separately by truck for either 10 min or 2 h. Body weight, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, serum cortisol, and a chute score were recorded before and after trucking. Heart rate was monitored by telemetry in one animal per group. The bulls were significantly heavier than the steers (513 vs. 473 kg), and had significantly lower serum cortisol levels (1.9 vs. 4.8 μmg/dL). The steers showed a significantly greater increase in rectal temperature than the bulls during the 2-h haul (0.5 vs. 0 °C); there were no other statistically significant differences between the two genders. Overall, the reactions of the bulls and steers to trucking were similar and minor. The longer haul caused a greater percentage weight loss (2.2 vs. 1.6%) than the shorter haul. It is concluded that transportation by road for up to 2 h need not be a stressful experience to bulls or steers. Key words: Transportation, steers, bulls, stress