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PART II.—PROVINCIAL REPORT.
IV—CATTLE BREEDING, &c.
565. Cattle Breeding.—As remarked in the Annual Administration report
of last year, it is impossible to take active measures for the improvement of the
breeds of cattle in this country until we get a more perfect knowledge of the
conditions which bear upon the subject. At the present time we have no staff
to deal with it, and the Provincial Superintendents state that they are
unable to devote any attention to the matter. On this point the Superintendent,
South Punjab, remarks—
"Under the heading cattle breeding I am unable to make any remarks as the work in connection with horse
breeding has so much increased. I have had absolutely no time to give to this subject."
The Superintendent, North Punjab, makes no remarks whatever on the
subject. The Superintendent, North Western Provinces, states—
" I have again to express my regret at being unable to take up the subject of cattle breeding."
In these circumstances therefore it is obvious that nothing can be done in
the matter, and the necessity of appointing Provincial Veterinary Surgeons for
the cattle portion of the work appears evident.
Seeing that no progress could be made owing to lack of executive, I have
had to undertake this portion of the duty, and am glad to say that considera-
ble progress has been made in the collection of information. During my tour
in the districts of the Southern Punjab a good deal of valuable information has
been recorded. The necessity for continuity of action has been prominently
brought to notice, and also the necessity for proper selection and management
of the bulls. The suggestion made last year regarding the advisability of
turning loose locally bred Harriana bulls of good class is being acted upon in
the Rohtak district and must be followed by good results. The chief points
which have been dealt with regarding cattle breeding in the Punjab are:—
(1) The suitability of the various tracts for cattle breeding.
(2) The number of unsuitable Brahmini bulls let loose by irresponsible
persons.
(3) The legislation necessary to ensure only suitable bulls of the indige-
nous type being released as "pun" with the consent of the
people.
(4) The necessity of protecting suitable indigenous Brahmini bulls, so
that they may become Government property, and hence people
injuring them can be punished.
(5) The necessity of arranging for the provision and maintenance of a
sufficient number of suitable bulls in the districts.
(6) The reform necessary in the management of the Government bulls
purchased by district boards, especially with regard to their selec-
tion, treatment when sick and their removal from stands when
they become worn out, or are useless from any cause.
(7) The necessity for continuity of action in replacing bulls in villages,
when they become worn out, and are no longer fit to cover. The
bulls sent to be of the same breed and class as the bull replaced.
A full report on these points has been submitted.
Suitability of districts visited for cattle breeding.
566. Gurgaon district.—Taking it on the whole this district is fairly well
suited for the production of good draught cattle. But one cannot fail to be struck
by the absence of the considerable stores of fodder about the villages which is a
marked feature of our best breeding tracts, and it is very evident that the sub-
ject of cattle breeding does not occupy such an important position with the
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