Bull fighting has existed almost a thousand years ago at first out of the boredom of the warriors in those days. Eventually it has evolved into a traditions in certain countries.
Some brief history. Bullfighting is believed to be a direct descendant of gladitorial combat from the Roman times. There are theories it was introduced into Spain by Emporer Claudius, as a substitute for human combat. It later spread to Spain’s Central and South American colonies, and in the 19th century to France. Initially, the fights were held in the central plaza of a town as entertainment during religious festivities, royal weddings, and other celebrations. As popularity grew, dedicated buildings were constructed to house the events. First square, they were later constructed in the shape of an arena to discourage cornering of the action. The modern style of Spanish bullfighting is credited to Juan Belmonte, considered by many as the greatest Matador of all time. Today, bullfighting is still practiced in Spain, as well as many other areas of the world, however support for the event differs. Proponents state that bullfighting is a culturally significant tradition, on par with painting, dancing, and music. Younger generations and animal rights advocates state that it is equal to a savage blood sport, resulting in the suffering of both the bulls and horses. Bullfighting was recently banned in the Catalonia region in Spain.
Seville boasts the oldest bullfighting area in Spain, the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla.
Have you wonder what kind of bull are suitable for this inhumane activity? Here are some information about the bull itself.
The Iberian Bull
The Breed
Bulls used in Spanish bullfighting are a subspecies of cattle called Bos Taurus Ibericus. The bulls are known as Toro Bravo or the Iberian bull, and are also called toro de lidia, toro lidiado, ganado bravo and Touro de Lide. They are mostly bred on large free-range ranches in the south of Spain, Portugal and Latin American countries where bullfighting is practiced. Most bulls are black or dark brown, but they can also be red, chestnut, gray, roan, brindled or have white patches.
Characteristics
Spanish fighting bulls mature more slowly than cattle bred for meat. They have an elegant stature with a long curved neck and a well-muscled athletic appearance. They have heavy muscling over the shoulders and neck, and a high-held head. They have long horns, slender legs and when mature weigh from 1,100 to 1,600 lbs. They are naturally aggressive and will charge at many things. They must also have strength and stamina.
Genetics
The bulls are thought to have descended from wild bulls from the Iberian Peninsula that were used for Colosseum games by the Roman Empire. Genetic studies show them to have an old genetic pool with DNA that is normally found in African cattle that may have been introduced during the Moorish occupation of Spain. There are only about four different bloodlines in existence. In May 2010, the first Spanish fighting bull was cloned and implanted into a Holstein host mother.
Age of Fighting Bulls
The bulls are evaluated when they are 3 years of age. The best bulls are kept for full matadors. Others are used to fight training matadors, known as novilleros. Bulls fought by full matadors must be at least 4 years old. They must have fully functional vision and have horns that are even in size and shape and have not been blunted or tampered with. In first-rank bullrings, the bull must weigh at least 1,010 lbs. Second-rank bullrings require a minimum bull weight of 960 lbs., and third-rank bullrings require a minimum weight of 905 lbs.
