Bulls need respect

Free-running bulls might be dangerous if their behaviour is not adequately considered. Ethological observation elucidate that bulls do not tolerate if somebody else looks after "their" cows or to be dominated, and this dispos ition increases with age. Bulls document their attitudes by peculiar gestur es by demonstrating social power (threatening posture, presenting the tongu e, strong salivation, belling etc.). Overlooking these signs increases the risk for man to be attacked. Hints are given to reduce this risk and to pre vent severe attacks by bulls on the pasture, in free stall barns and during handling. It is stressed that a positive relationship between man and bull is an important contribution to facilitate the handleability of bulls.