Take a look at some of the common questions below, and check out the full library of videos on Bull Care on our YouTube Channel here.

FAQ:

What Makes A Bull Buck?

A bull cannot be “made” to buck. A PBR bucking bull is born to buck and genetics are the most prevalent factor in determining the bull’s ability to buck. Bucking is natural and bred into a PBR bucking bull.

Is The Rider's Bull Rope Harmful To The Bull?

The rider’s bull rope is made of poly-rope and does not agitate the bull in any way. PBR rules prohibit hard objects in direct contact with the bovine and sufficient padding is used in spots to prevent any agitation. A bull rider can use the assistance of someone to pull their bull rope tight with no more than three hands on the rope at a time. The rope is pulled through a loop underneath the bull and only the rider’s grip secures the rope in place.

Are Cattle Prods Used In The PBR?

Cord McCoy explains the myth that Hot Shots and Cattle Prods are used on bucking bulls in the PBR. PBR prohibits the use of cattle prods in arena, inside the chutes and/or lead up alleys as bulls are managed at a PBR event. Cattle prods are only allowed to be used by personnel in the back pens to prevent injury to the bull and/or handler. Disciplinary action is taken if anyone uses a cattle prod in circumstances that are not injury threatening to bull or handler.

Do Bulls Get Ongoing Treatment Or Physical Therapy?

PBR Stock Contractor Kenny McElroy talks about the different physical therapy methods bulls receive. PBR stock contractors take great care of their animal athletes. Bulls will regularly receive physical therapy and treatment from top-notch vets and caretakers. Like any athlete, muscles get sore and there are ways to ensure the animal releases any lactic acid build-up and remains comfortable in and out of the arena.

How Often Do Bulls Sustain Injury In Competition?

It’s extremely rare that a PBR bull is injured as a result of its performance. The few bulls that do suffer a career-ending injury receive the best care possible. Many are healed and retired to stud living the balance of their lives as healthy, fully capable breeding bulls. In the case of a severe injury, that can’t be repaired through surgery, a bull would be humanely euthanized. Every measure is taken to preserve the life of a bovine athlete and to ensure any injury is handled properly. There is a vet on-site or on call at all times during PBR events.

Has There Been Past Mistreatment Of Bulls?

PBR closely monitors its bovine athletes and has strict rules to prevent animal mistreatment. If stock contractors, contestants, or other personnel do not adhere to the rules and regulations in place, disciplinary action is taken with the issuance of fines and/or suspension — potentially as severe as lifetime suspension. PBR has had one stock contractor in our history who was deemed to have violated PBR’s rules and expectations with respect to animal welfare and treatment. He was banned for life.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Bucking Bull?

Like humans, bucking bulls come in an array of shapes, sizes, colors with their own talent, personalities and desire to compete developing on a case-by-case basis. The average bucking bull begins competing with remote control dummies at 2 years old and generally begin their professional career between 3 and 4. Most bucking bulls average a 2-4 year professional career with some competing for as many as 10 years. Post-retirement, bulls live out the balance of their life as a stud on a ranch, passing of natural causes around 15 years old.

How Do You Transport Bucking Bulls?

When transporting bulls, PBR's animal athletes get plenty of rest and room in their trailers and at stops. PBR stock contractors take care to ensure the bulls are comfortable during travel.

Do Bulls Rest Between Travel & Competition?

Stock Contractor Jeremy Walker talks about when bulls compete once arriving at an event. Stock contractors generally like to get the bulls to the events a few days in advance in order to allow the bull enough time to rest before the competition. Bulls are loaded into the arena hours before it's time for them to compete.

Are A Bull's Testicles Tied Up?

The biggest misconception in the sport is that a bull’s testicles are tied up (or touched in any manner) in order to make the bull buck. Like any male species, tying up the testicles would hinder performance by causing only pain. There is NO negative stimulation that induces a bull to buck, it’s all in genetics.

Can Any Bull Compete In The PBR?

Any bull who is physically capable and meets the health and performance requirements set by the Livestock Director and competition department is eligible to compete at PBR events. All bovine athletes receive the best care and treatment and are given the opportunity to live a long, pampered life befitting world-class athletes.

How Much Does A Bull Weigh?

A bucking bull can weigh anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds. On average, bulls receive about 10-15 pounds of a special blend of high-protein grain and approximately 15 pounds of high-quality hay per day. The blend varies depending on the bull’s needs and the stock contractor.

What Does A Bucking Bull Eat?

A bucking bull can weigh anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 pounds. On average, bulls receive about 10-15 pounds of a special blend of high-protein grain and approximately 15 pounds of high-quality hay per day. The blend varies depending on the bull’s needs and the stock contractor.

How Many Times Do Bulls Buck At Each Event?

All bovine athletes receive the best care and treatment and are given the opportunity to live a long, pampered life befitting world-class athletes. How often a bull is bucked depends on the length of the event weekend and how well the bull performed in his first out of that weekend. The longer the bull had to work to buck off a rider, the longer the rest they receive.

What's The Difference Between Bucking Bulls & Livestock?

Bucking bulls are bred to compete in athletic competition and livestock bulls are bred for meat production. Therefore, the life span of bucking bulls fortunate enough to be in the PBR is 4-5 times longer than that of an average bull calf.