CHANGES IN HEMATOLOGICAL AND MUSCULAR PRO FILE IN FIGHTING BULLS DURING BULLFIGHT

The haematological changes and metabolic response of skeletal muscle h ave been studied in fighting bulls after the bullfight, and corelated with the strength shown by these animals during the bullfight. An incr ease of parameters related to the red blood cells, high concentration of lactic acid and level of acidosis in skeletal muscles (Biceps femor is, Gracilis and Longissimus dorsi) were observed, as well as a decrea se of muscular glycogen. These results suggest that these animals perf orm a very hard exercise and they have not the fitness to perform it. These changes were related with the presence of ''falls'' during the b ullfight. The development of muscle fatigue owing to acidosis and the depletion of glycogen in the muscles might be the causes of ''falls'' in figthting bulls.