Calgary Stampede
A study of rodeo bulls at the Calgary Stampede has found that few show signs of fear or distress before a rodeo performance.
The study, conducted by animal welfare experts at the University of Calgary and co-authored by renowned agriculture expert Temple Grandin, was the first ever to study the emotional state of bucking bulls.
Researchers followed 14 bulls over a two-year period and charted their emotional states, looking for different types of behaviour that signalled stress or fear.
A bull rider does his best to hang on at the Calgary Stampede. (Photo: Gettystock)
The bulls, who spent an average of 36 minutes in the chute before entering the arena, were mostly calm. Seventy per cent did not show any behaviours associated with aggression or wanting to escape, according to the study.
Bulls that did show those signs were mostly irritated by human behaviour. Researchers said that finding could help improve the bulls' experience before they head into the arena.
The Calgary Stampede has faced criticisms regarding animal welfare over the years. An FAQ page about animal welfare on the organization's website says bucking animals are not coerced into throwing riders off — rather, the bull's natural inclination to shake off a rider is encouraged.
Ed Pajor, the study's author, says his research is an important step to understanding the bulls' perspective.
“People argue all the time about whether animals should be used for these types of activities,” Pajor told the University of Calgary's UToday.
“That’s not what this research is about. This research is about if we are going to use animals in rodeos, we have a responsibility to try to do it in the most humane way possible."
He told 630 CHED that his findings have been shared with the Calgary Stampede.
Also on HuffPost:
Calgary Stampede 2015
(01 of121)
The bull Town City Hottie chases a bull fighter after throwing his rider during Calgary Stampede bull riding rodeo action in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(02 of121)
Cowboys are lowered into the rodeo ring on wires during the opening ceremonies at the Calgary Stampede rodeo in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(03 of121)
Yellow Houston during novice bareback Calgary Stampede rodeo action in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(04 of121)
Brendon McCallum, from Red Deer, Alta., comes off Yucatan Margie during novice bareback Calgary Stampede rodeo action in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(05 of121)
A member of the Stoney First Nation wears a headdress during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(06 of121)
A severe thunderstorm dumped heavy rain and hail on the Calgary Stampede grounds resulting in people navigating through accumulations in Calgary, Alberta on July 4 , 2015. (credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal)
(07 of121)
A cowboy uses a pedestrian tunnel to get to the rodeo grounds at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Sunday, July 5, 2015. (credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(08 of121)
Seth Brockman, from Wheatland, Wyoming, wrestles a steer during Calgary Stampede rodeo action in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(09 of121)
Barrel racer Carlee Pierce of Marietta, Okla., takes a selfie (top) as she is lowered on wires into the Calgary Stampede rodeo grounds and then checks it (bottom) during opening ceremonies in Calgary, Sunday, July 5, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(10 of121)
Tanner Milan, from Cochrane, Alta., competes in the steer wrestling event during Calgary Stampede rodeo action in Calgary, Sunday, July 5, 2015. (credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(11 of121)
Kassidy Dennison, from Tohatchi, New Mexico, competes in the barrel racing event during Calgary Stampede rodeo action in Calgary on Sunday, July 5, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(12 of121)
Wade Sundell, from Boxholm, Iowa, comes off his mount during Calgary Stampede saddle bronc riding rodeo action in Calgary on Sunday, July 5, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(13 of121)
Young competitors get dragged behind a wild pony during the wild pony race at the Calgary Stampede rodeo action in Calgary, Sunday, July 5, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(14 of121)
Pick up girl Kennedi MacMillan rounds up wild ponies after the wild pony race at the Calgary Stampede rodeo action in Calgary, Sunday, July 5, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(15 of121)
Guests dine on breakfast at the annual Premier's Stampede breakfast in Calgary, Alta., on Monday, July 6, 2015. T (credit:HE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(16 of121)
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley serves up pancakes at the annual Premier's Stampede breakfast in Calgary, Alta., on Monday, July 6, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(17 of121)
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley flips pancakes at the annual Premier's Stampede breakfast in Calgary, Alta., on Monday, July 6, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(18 of121)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper pauses for a selfie as he serves chili at the Calgary Military Family Resources Centre in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, July 7, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(19 of121)
A severe thunderstorm dumped heavy rain and hail on the Calgary Stampede grounds resulting in people navigating through accumulations in Calgary, Alberta on July 4 , 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal)
(20 of121)
Young spectators take in the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(21 of121)
Alberta premier Rachel Notley during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(22 of121)
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair attends the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(23 of121)
Construction workers and spectators watch during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(24 of121)
Parade marshal and Olympic medalist Kaillie Humphries waves during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(25 of121)
A trumpet players in a marching band during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(26 of121)
Parade goers wear First Nations headdress during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(27 of121)
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen look on during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(28 of121)
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair attends the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(29 of121)
A young man wears a cowboy hat while attending the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. (credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
(30 of121)
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, left, and his granddaughter Juliette, six, attend the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 3, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh (credit:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese on a Stick(31 of121)
Cheese on a stick...because Stampede. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Chocolate Dipped Bananas(32 of121)
They come icy-cold for a refreshing treat! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Cactus Burger(33 of121)
Authentic Cactus Leaf, black beans, provolone cheese, roasted garlic mayo, roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms, lettuce, caramelized onion, tomatoes. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Capital PB&J(34 of121)
A giant PB&J made with heaps of peanut butter and jam. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Churros with Ginger Sugar(35 of121)
These Mexican treats are covered in a tangy ginger sugar for an added treat. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Cockroach Pizza(36 of121)
Scorpion pizza is SO last year! This year's pizza has the most loathed of insects...the cockroach. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Crazy Cone(37 of121)
Hollowed corn tubes, filled soft-serve ice cream. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Dragon Dog(38 of121)
Come try the most expensive hot dog in the world. This $100 dog features a foot-long sweet bread bun filled bratwurst sausage infused with Louis XIII cognac (retail: $3000 a bottle) then smothered in Kobe beef (cooked in truffle oil), fresh lobster tail (cooked in butter and garlic), using our special Dragon sauces and finished and topped with a fine mixture of truffles, tomatoes and ricotta cheese. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Mini Donut Pop(39 of121)
Get your favourite midway treat in frozen form! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Giant Fruit Spears(40 of121)
A healthy, tropical snack for those hot days. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Fruit and Herb infused Drinks(41 of121)
Healthy AND delicious. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Fruit from the Fruit(42 of121)
Fruit slushies made in their own fruit containers. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Jalapeno Lime Fudge(43 of121)
Rich chocolate fudge infused with a spicy combo of real jalapeno and lime. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Donut Grilled Cheese(44 of121)
You've tried the Donut Burger...now try the grilled cheese version! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Jurassic Pork Mac and Cheese(45 of121)
Jurassic Pork...hee-hee-hee. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Lobster Corn Dog(46 of121)
Everything you love about the corn dog, minus the hot dog and replaced with real lobster. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Meatball Sub(47 of121)
A street food classic comes to the midway. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Ogre Cone(48 of121)
Not for the weak of stomach (or the lactose intolerant) this mammoth ice cream tips the scale at 4 litres. Make sure to round up the family of a few friends for this one! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Biggest Dog on a Stick(49 of121)
Why eat four corndogs separate corn dogs when you can get one of equal size on the same stick? (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
PB&J Funnel Cake(50 of121)
The PB&J sandwich, reinvented! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Peanut Butter Kabob(51 of121)
A deep fried peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich sliced into four, served on a stick spaced between three deep fried Reese Peanut Butter cups. Because everything can go on a stick! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
PB Power Balls(52 of121)
These peanut butter power balls from The Peanut Butter Cupboard are packed with rolled oats, crunchy peanut butter, honey and a splash of vanilla – the perfect ingredients for that much-needed mid-day, midway power boost! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Bourbon Street Peppercorn Steak Poutine(53 of121)
Freshly shaved steak topping a poutine with a creamy peppercorn gravy. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Foot Long Pizza Dog(54 of121)
Is it pizza or is it a hot dog? You'll have to try it and find out! (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Red Curry Poutine(55 of121)
Another poutine addition to the midway, this time with an authentic Indian sauce. (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Red Velvet Chicken Strips(56 of121)
Chicken strips dipped in Red Velvet cake mix and cooked again. Because, why not? (credit:Calgary Stampede blog)
Jalapeño Poutine Mini Donut Bowl(57 of121)
Tasty cheese curds, smothered in gravy, and topped with spicy jalapeño slices over a bowl of freshly made mini donuts.
Bacon Wrapped Corn(58 of121)
Corn on the cob wrapped in a piece of smoked bacon and served with sweet maple syrup butter.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog(59 of121)
A barbecued hot dog wrapped in crispy bacon and served with grilled onions and bell peppers on a soft bun.
Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly – On a Stick!(60 of121)
Delicious roasted pork belly wrapped in perfectly sizzled and crisp bacon, and conveniently served on a stick.
Big Bubba’s Bad BBQ Skillets(61 of121)
A delicious blend of savory, onions, bell peppers, Cowboy Potatoes, and sausage with just the right amount of seasoning added then cooked to perfection on a large 48-inch paella pan.
Chocolate Dipped Cookie Dough – On a Stick!(62 of121)
Balls of rolled cookie dough, dipped in chocolate, hardened to the perfect temperature and served on a stick.
Kawabanga Corn Dog(63 of121)
This isn’t your average corn dog. Take a delicious giant sausage, put it on a stick, dip it in corn batter and deep fry it.
Almost 2ft. Long Sausage(64 of121)
This sausage takes “jumbo” to a whole new level! Sausage served up on a fresh toasted French baguette that comes in at nearly two feet.
Creole Cajun Chicken Po’ Boy Sandwich(65 of121)
A traditional Louisiana submarine sandwich served with spicy creole Cajun chicken and dressed with cool coleslaw.
Crocodile Sliders(66 of121)
This exotic crocodile patty is served on a bite sized bun with lettuce and tomatoes. Crikey!
Deep Fried Cheezies(67 of121)
Take the classic crunch of aged-cheddar cheezies and coat it in a light doughy batter and deep fry it.
Deep Fried Cookie Dough(68 of121)
Rolled cookie dough is dipped in pastry batter and deep fried. This treat is a childhood dream come true!
Deep Fried Donut Bacon Cheeseburgers(69 of121)
The name says it all. Two melt-in-your-mouth donuts stacked together with a burger, cheese and bacon served in-between!
Deep Fried Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups(70 of121)
A deep friend snack made of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, dipped in batter and deep fried.
Flower Cotton Candy(71 of121)
This cotton candy is a unique experience for everyone; watch your cotton candy be spun into a beautiful flower. Each stick is unique and considered a piece of art.
Fried Pickle Pizza(72 of121)
Slivers of pickles chips, deep fried, and placed on top of a bed of cheesy pizza.
Juicys Full Rack Ribs(73 of121)
Mouthwatering full rack barbecued ribs are ready to be roped in at the Outlaw Grill.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken(74 of121)
Spicy dry-rubbed Jamaican chicken is served with traditional Jamaican style rice and freshly tossed salad.
Garlic Chicken Kebabs(75 of121)
Tender barbecued garlic chicken and fresh veggies served kebab style; this is a summer BBQ favourite.
Million Dollar Baby Mac & Cheese(76 of121)
Freshly made gourmet macaroni and cheese, infused with white truffle oil. Topped with sautéed crab meat and sundried tomatoes, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Papri Tot(77 of121)
An infusion of Indian and Western takes the tater tot to a whole new level. Layers of tater tots topped with pico, dates, tamarind chutney and sweet yoghurt.
Polish Poutine(78 of121)
Just think crispy fries and rich brown gravy all topped with pan fried potato and cheddar cheese perogies with loads of fresh sour cream, crispy bacon and caramelized onion. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper, take a bite and you’re hooked.
Porcupine Corn Dog(79 of121)
A hotdog is skewered, deep fried in corn batter, and then rolled in French fries.
Poutine Burger(80 of121)
Why order a side dish when you can have it all in one? It’s a juicy burger stacked with fries, drenched in gravy and cheese curds, and topped with a Kaiser bun.
Red Velvet Mini Donuts(81 of121)
Everyone’s midway favourite has a new twist! These mini donuts are made of moist red velvet cake batter and warm cream cheese glazing.
Scorpion Pizza(82 of121)
This pizza is for the most daring of foodies. Add a little crunch to your pizza topping with a few seasoned scorpions – if you dare!
Skittles Candy Apple(83 of121)
Get ready for a sugar rush- your favourite classic candy apple is coated with a deep red candy coating and rolled in Skittles.
Deep Fried Sushi(84 of121)
This is a unique twist on a traditional sushi roll. It’s breaded in Japanese panko with a drizzle of creamy cusabi sauce and green onions.
Tokyo Teriyaki & Shanghai Sweet Chili Corn Dog(85 of121)
This chicken corndog has returned from Asian with two corndog twists – Tokyo Teriyaki and Shanghai Sweet Chili!
Tequila Fries(86 of121)
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FRIES! These fresh cut fries have a hint of zesty lime and a zap of tequila. This is one tequila decision you won’t regret.
Thai Noodle Wrap(87 of121)
Choose from chicken, beef or vegetable protein, sautéed with a combination of fresh veggies and Thai style steamed noodles. When hot and ready, a sweet and savory Thai sauce is added and finished off with a garnish of crunchy bean sprouts and cilantro.
Turkey Dinner Poutine(88 of121)
The full turkey dinner- thick slices of turkey meat, mashed potatoes, cranberries, peas and delicious gravy all on a bed of poutine.
Vicious Fish – On a Stick!(89 of121)
Joey’s famous fish dunked in Frank’s RedHot sauce and then battered and fried.
(90 of121)
Deep-fried bubblegum
(91 of121)
Chocolate covered bacon (credit:Alamy)
(92 of121)
Deep-fried Doritos
(93 of121)
Pickle shots for the brave. Also a good chance it will help you with a hangover... (credit:Getty Images)
(94 of121)
Double smoked bacon wrapped cheese perogie skewer. (credit:Alamy)
(95 of121)
Idaho taco - a baked potato packed with all your favorite taco fixin's. (credit:Getty Images)
(96 of121)
Godzilla mac and cheese - An Asian twist on a comfort food favourite. Topped with nori, teriyaki sauce and Japanese mayo. (credit:Getty Images)
(97 of121)
Idaho nachos - Nachos prepared on waffle cut fries (credit:Shutterstock)
(98 of121)
Philly cheese steak (credit:Getty Images)
(99 of121)
Chocolate-dipped bacon apple (credit:Alamy)
(100 of121)
Chocolate bacon fudge (credit:Getty Images)
(101 of121)
Dessert fries - french fries topped with cinnamon and a side of frosting dip (credit:Shutterstock)
(102 of121)
Cake pops (credit:Getty Images)
(103 of121)
Chocolate cinnamon bear fudge - sweet fudge topped with spicy candy (credit:Getty Images)
(104 of121)
Frozen yogurt (credit:Shutterstock)
(105 of121)
Naaco TNT - A sweet, salty, spicy, fresh and crunchy puffed rice based salad from India. It is made by mixing a variety of vegetables, sauces/chutneys, spice powders, fresh herbs, lime and puffed rice together and serving it in a waffle cone. (credit:Shutterstock)
(106 of121)
Deep-fried Philly cheesesteak rollup - The traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which gets rolled up and deep fried. (credit:Getty Images)
(107 of121)
Deep-fried butter - Cubes of butter are tightly wrapped in homemade pie crust before being deep fried to perfection. (credit:Shutterstock)
(108 of121)
Deep-fried pickled green beans (credit:Getty Images)
(109 of121)
Sweet corn corndog - Fresh sweet corn is husked, cut off the cob and added to traditional corndog batter to create a fresh twist on an old favourite. (credit:Shutterstock)
(110 of121)
B52 fudge
(111 of121)
Chip dog
(112 of121)
Cochinita Pibil - pork taco with Adobe lime salsa, lime, red onions and habaneros.
(113 of121)
Deep-fried avocado
(114 of121)
Deep-fried pie
(115 of121)
Double-bacon corn dog
(116 of121)
Egg roll on a stick
(117 of121)
Elephant ear on a stick - dough is wrapped around bacon and bananas, deep fried and served on a stick
(118 of121)
Flautas de pollo - rolled chicken tacos that are deep friend and with sour cream, lettuce and salsa on top
(119 of121)
Chocolate-dipped jalapenos
(120 of121)
Map of Stampede food locations
(121 of121)
Shrimp chips