Most Spanish bulls are black.
Spanish bulls are bred specifically for the purpose of bullfighting. They are a subspecies of cattle called Bos Taurus Ibericus or Iberian bulls. They are known as Toro Bravo, and are called toro de lidia, toro lidiado, ganado bravo and Touro de Lide. Most of them are bred on large free-range ranches in the south of Spain, Portugal and Latin American countries where bullfighting is practiced. In 2010 the first Spanish bull was cloned. Colors are mainly black or dark brown, but can also be red, chestnut, gray, roan, brindled or have white patches.
Instructions
1. Select a bull to be the sire. Spanish bulls mature more slowly than cattle bred for meat, so you should choose a bull that is three to five years old. It should weigh at least 1,000 lbs., as first-rank bullrings require bulls to weigh a minimum of 1,010 lbs. Choose a superior animal with a long, curved neck and a well-muscled, athletic appearance. Shoulders and neck should be heavily muscled, legs should be slender, and horns should be long and symmetrical. Pick a bull with proven breeding experience that has produced good calves.
2. Select large-sized heifers or cows that conform to the Spanish breed type and have an elegant stature and wide pelvis. It is best to use females who have calved before unless you are familiar with the birth problems that maiden heifers can experience. Cows should be in good condition but not fat and should have access to quality pasture, clean water and mineral blocks. If there is no good pasture available, they should be given hay with a high protein content.
3. Have the bull checked by a veterinarian for sexually transmitted disease, as you do not want to risk the fertility of your cows. The scrotum should be large as there is a direct correlation between scrotal circumference and sperm production. Heifers and cows should be vaccinated and checked by a veterinarian to make sure they are disease-free.
4. Place the bull in the pasture with the females. Allow him to mate and keep a record of the breeding dates. Remove the bull after 60 days then have the females pregnancy tested after 90 days. If any females are not pregnant it is best to cull them from the breeding herd. The average gestation period is 279-290 days (about nine months). After day 260, move the females to a fresh clean pasture where you can monitor them for signs of impending birth. Keep in touch with your veterinarian as the time of birth approaches, and if there are any problems during the pregnancy have the cow examined.
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