FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Be it Mexican bull riding or Spanish bullfighting, these splendid mammals have always been fascinating. Bulls are male species of cattle (Bos taurus) which find their place across the world. They are widespread across all the continents, excluding Antarctica. Numerous breeds are found in different parts of the world depending on environmental factors.
Bulls are ferocious animals and need to be cautiously dealt with. Bull handlers generally use nose rings to maintain control over the fierce animal, so the risk of attack is minimal.
Are bulls domesticated only for their meat, hides, and breeding purposes? These hefty mammals have a significant role to play in various cultural activities that have a deep-rooted history. Interestingly, bulls have a place in the ancient Sumerian epics and Indian Hindu mythology. Also, native American tribes use a bull skull as a symbol of prosperity.
Read ahead to learn more interesting facts about this beast of a mammal. Also, check out our other articles on highland cattle and blue wildebeest.
The bull is the male species of cattle. They are domesticated, herbivorous animals that are widespread across the globe.
Bulls are members of the class Mammalia and the family Bovidae.
Bulls are the male species of cattle. Statistical observations point that the population of cattle across the world is a little over a billion. However, as per the Food and Agriculture Organization, there are roughly 1.5 billion cattle globally as of 2018. Therefore, considering an approximate 50% of cattle are bulls, we can estimate the number of bulls to be around 750 million.
Bulls are widely found across the world. They live in all continents barring Antarctica. Like all farm animals, bulls are usually domesticated in farms and ranches for their meat and hides. Bulls also play an important role in cultural events like bull taming and bullfighting.
Bulls live in places where there is enough vegetation cover for consumption. Grasslands, open spaces with bushes and shrubs, pastures, farms, and ranches make suitable habitats for bulls.
Cattle live in herds and they have a close association with human beings. Bulls are sometimes kept along with cows for breeding. During off-seasons, several bulls may be kept with each other in a bachelor herd.
The average lifespan of cattle is about 18 to 22 years. A steer or a castrated bull is often killed before it reaches 1650 lb (748 kg). However, the breeding stock is allowed a longer span of life, up to 25 years.
Bulls can be fertile at about seven months of age. Female cattle experience about 17 to 24 days of the estrous period, during which they are sexually receptive to the male's advances. Artificial insemination or medically assisted reproduction is also quite common at farms. The cow's gestation period is nine months. Most cows deliver a single calf at a time.
Bulls are commonly found across the world. The conservation status of this animal is Not Evaluated, however, as per The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), cattle is categorized as Domesticated. There is no immediate threat to the species' survival as they are found abundantly.
Bulls are the male species of cattle. In a bull vs. cow comparison, a bull is more muscular compared to a cow. Bulls are pretty well-built with a muscular neck, larger feet, and dense bones. The hair on their body differs from breed to breed, however, the body hair is usually shorter. They are usually similar to cows in height or a little taller. Some bull cattle breeds have a mane of curly, wooly hair. Bulls have a hump on their shoulders. Some breeds of cows also feature a hump. Bulls are heavier than cows due to the additional bone and muscular mass. Bulls may be horned or hornless. Bull horns are thicker but shorter compared to those of cows.
Bulls are majestic farm animals that have cultural and economic significance. These well-built and hefty animals are pretty aggressive and need cautious handling. However, bull calves are cute and adorable.
Bulls express themselves using vocal and visual signs. For example, they 'moo' and display different body and tail positions to express threats, challenges, or mating advances.
Bulls are pretty sizeable animals that can be around 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. They are quite similar to the western black rhinoceros in height. However, it can be double the size of a mountain goat in terms of its height.
Bulls are pretty fast runners. The average speed of a bull is about 15-20 mph (24-32 kph). However, at its top speed, it can run up to 35 mph (56 kph).
An adult bull can be quite hefty. It can weigh about 1100-2200 lb (499-998 kg), whereas a calf generally weighs about 55-99 lb (25-45 kg).
Bulls are the male species of cattle, and the female species are called cows.
A baby bull is called a calf. Calves are allowed to grow to adult cattle, or they are slaughtered for their meat and hide.
Bulls are herbivores. Cattle rearers feed bulls with cattle feed which is rich in nutritional supplements, including grains, oilseeds, hay, and roughages. Branded cattle feed is also a widely used option.
Bulls are very aggressive animals and need to be handled carefully to ensure protection. Bulls may fiercely trample or gore the handler that poses a high risk and turn fatal.
Bulls are bred for meat and their hides. However, their behavior is unpredictable as they can become violent. Taming the bull is essential. For a casual cattle keeper, a bull may not be a suitable pet to keep.
Spanish bullfighting boasts of a rich history dating back to the 8th century. A bullfighter uses a red cape called a muleta to taunt the bull. A frequent myth is that the color red enrages the bull. Other interesting bull fighting facts are bulls are red-green color blind, and they cannot identify the color red. It is the movement of the muleta that angers the bull. Also, bulls are herd animals. When isolated in the ring, they can become aggressive.
Bullfighting is practiced in Spain, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and many other countries. Spain also has the bull as its national animal.
There are about 250 known breeds of cattle worldwide including Chianina, Red Angus, Brown Swiss cattle, and Braford. While most breeds of bulls are domesticated, wild bull breeds are becoming rare. Bulls are intact male cattle. In comparison, a neutered male cattle, primarily raised for beef, is called a steer.
A bull is a strong, muscular being. At the peak of its physical strength, it can even kill a lion. Bulls are aggressive and violent and can fiercely attack or even kill the handler.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals from our pot belly pig facts and sheep facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable bull coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.