The Brave Bull, the nature of the King of Las Ventas

Spanish fighting bull

The Fighting Bull, or as it is commonly called, the “Brave Bull”, is an animal that, due to its origins and temperament, has managed to possess a great mystique. Its appearance makes this animal a symbol of bravery and also an emblem of the culture of Spain. One of the most defining characteristics is its enormous and sharp horns accompanied by an imposing muscle mass. The Brave Bull has earned its worldwide fame for imposing respect on whoever faces it in the ring. This generates multiple feelings in the bullfighter, in some cases fear and in other cases it also serves to enhance bravery.

The long road of its mythological genetics

The first historical data and written references about the bull appear in Asia Minor and Egypt. The Fighting Bull descends from the Aurochs or wild bull of the Middle Ages and was born in Spain. From here, it then spread and exported to Portugal, southern France and then made its way to numerous countries on the American Continent, mainly during the 20th century. The mitochondrial DNA of the fighting bull has left behind numerous enigmas that are difficult to decipher, since four domestic maternal lineages have been found, three from the Near East and one from North Africa, and eight classes that are not in the DNA of the rest of the bovines. Thus, it becomes the species that contributes the most diversity to the whole. The myth of the Fighting Bull is deep down established as a genetic jewel. This unique combination gives it physical qualities that it continues to make known today in the bullfighting shows that take place in the most important bullring in the world, “Las Ventas” located in the city of Madrid.

Breeding

The appearance of bull breeding for fighting purposes has always generated curiosity and discussion. The truth is that it is bred in exceptional conditions in the heart of nature, because for an animal of this type to be part of a bullfighting show with a centuries-old tradition, first of all, issues of breeding and feeding must be taken into account. Currently, the production of the fighting breed extends throughout Spain, Portugal, the south of France, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela. One of the main aspects that must be taken into account for the breeding of these specimens, which have an average weight of 500 to 600 kg, is the specific breeding location. These breeding environments are mainly confined to mountains or hills and disadvantaged areas of the Iberian Peninsula. This means unpopulated and wild places, not suitable for farming.

Spanish fighting bull

(Image used from: https://torosbravos.es/sostenibilidad/crianza/)

Bullfighting ranchers, heirs to a centuries-old tradition

The breeders of the Bulls of Lidia are the heirs of a management model based on tradition and modern knowledge of agricultural exploitation. In addition to knowing in detail the characteristics to achieve a noble breeding of the Bull, they have a deep knowledge and respect for the environment. This results in avoiding poaching and limiting the intervention of man in the rural environment. Despite its domestication, this animal of great symbolism, continues to maintain the bravery and aggressiveness characteristic of its wild ancestors. If visits Madrid And you want to meet this unique animal in its natural habitat, you can take one of our tours available at bullfighting farms.

 

What is the temperament of the Fighting Bull due to?

Many questions are trying to unravel the complicated structure that makes this herbivore into a beast. Various scientific studies also try to unravel this behaviour. Does it attack by nature or is it a matter of upbringing?

Spanish fighting bull

Hormonal chemistry

Why does the bull charge? “There are two pillars to explain why this herbivore attacks and does not flee like the rest: the ability it has to respond to stress and the physiology of aggressiveness,” explains the Biologist Fernando Gil. His studies are focused on the invisible part of this animal and his interest is to elucidate what sparks the bravery in it. “This animal quickly generates cortisol, a hormone that increases the availability of glucose and puts it into play in the blood to give it energy. The next thing that happens is the efficiency of the Fighting Bull to produce endorphins.” These hormones block pain receptors and are responsible for the bull not being hurt. This unique chemical conjugation differentiates the Fighting Bull from other specimens in its way of attacking. “Tough cattle have a lower level of serotonin, the hormone that inhibits aggressiveness. It is very curious how Encastes, Domecq, Núñez and Murube have more serotonin than the rest. Thus, breeders select by what they see and mould the bull biochemically and genetically.” The mystery of bravery is, far from all literature, “a cocktail of hormones” concludes Fernando Gil.

Do you want to meet a Fighting Bull in the Las Ventas Plaza?

In the bullfighting spectacle of ancient origin, a sacred ritual is played out between two. Here is founded this unique paradoxical relationship between life and death. This is El Toro Bravo, born and raised as an emblem of temperament and bravery that is impossible to avoid for the bullfighter who has the audacity to face it. If you are looking for places to visit in Madrid and want to get to know this emblematic animal up close, you will have your chance when you sign up for our Tour of the Las Ventas Bullring. Contact us!

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