Evaluation of flank strap effects on professional rodeo cattle.

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Orivaldo Tenório Vasconcelos
Antônio Carlos Alessi
Cesar Roberto Esper
Paulo Henrique Franceschin

Abstract

Twelve crossbred Zebu bulls that had used the flank strap for four years were studied in order to evaluated the effect of its use on the following aspects: (1) injuries in areas touched by the flank strap as evaluated by histopathology; (2) alterations in spermatogenesis; (3) sexual behavior related to courting and libido; (4) feeding behavior concerning food ingestion and rumination. Material was obtained from six animals: semen collected for andrological examination and skin samples obtained by biopsy. The other six animals were evaluated as to cardiac and respiratory rates before and after jumping, food intake, rumination and sexual behavior while still using the flank strap. Histopathological and andrological did not show any alteration that could be attributed to the flank strap use. Cardiac and respiratory rates were within the normal range for this species. No alterations were recorded for food intake, rumination or sexual willingness. Results suggest absence of restrictive discomfort when flank strap is being used.

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How to Cite
VASCONCELOS, O. T.; ALESSI, A. C.; ESPER, C. R.; FRANCESCHIN, P. H. Evaluation of flank strap effects on professional rodeo cattle. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, v. 3, n. 2, p. 72-77, 1 Jul. 2000.
Section
SPORT VETERINARY MEDICINE