169
The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bengal, remarks:—
"The supply of better class of bulls will no doubt do much to improve the physique, but unless the young
stock are better fed and the wretched specimens of Brahmini bulls transferred from the herds, the good results
expected from importation of valuable bulls will be disappointing.
"In last year's report it was suggested that some of the bulls in Behar might with advantage be trans-
ferred to Lower Bengal. Seventeen bulls have been obtained from Mozufferpore and Shahabad, and twelve have
been already distributed to districts.
"These bulls are small, but are considerably larger than the indigenous cattle of Lower Bengal and are of
better physique.
"I would suggest that the smaller Brahmini bulls which rove about in the North-Western Provinces
might with much advantage be transferred to Behar and the adjoining districts, a gradual extension of this
process would certainly tend to improve the animals of the districts generally by raising their height, and yet
retaining their sturdiness. I would therefore suggest that all small Brahmini bulls between the height of 50 and 45
inches found roaming about the North-Western Provinces in excess of the requirements might be transported to
Lower Bengal. This would be an economical way of improving the breed of cattle, there would be an infusion of
fresh blood and the size of the cattle would in time be increased.
With the latter suggestion I agree, and I suggested the measure of trans-
ferring small Harriana bulls to Bengal to the Superintendent during my visit
to Calcutta in April last. We have a number of excess bulls in certain Punjab
districts which are a nuisance to us on account of their small size, and the
damage they do to the cultivation crops. On my return from Calcutta I ad-
dressed the Director of Land Records of the Punjab on the subject, suggesting
that the matter might be brought to the notice of the Government of Bengal. I
do not think that many suitable animals would be obtained from the North-
western Provinces, as there is a general deficiency of decent bulls all over the
Province. The Punjab, however, could well spare some of the good class small
sturdy bulls, such as are required in parts of Bengal. The Superintendent
continues:—
"With regard to the Patna cattle, it seems a pity to allow the breed to deteriorate for want of fresh blood
of the original stock. I therefore strongly urge that this, which has become almost a special breed, be re-vivified by
the importation of a few Queensland bulls which might be stationed at some of the principal head-quarters, near
Bankipur, such as Arrah, Gaya, Chupra and Muzufferpore.
This matter has already been discussed, but the opinions expressed were for
the most part not in support of the importation of foreign bulls to the country.
There is no reason, however, why the district authorities should not purchase a
few bulls as an experiment. The Superintendent also suggests:—
"That young bulls from Government stock in the jails might be reared and sent to some experimental farm
and when they reach maturity, let loose just as Brahmini bulls are at present. They should have a recognisable
brand and considered Government property lent to the people.
This measure is similar to that which has been recommended for adoption
in the Punjab, and I consider it one which is calculated to do much good.
"At Sitamarhi, under the direction of the Sub-divisional Officer, several European and native gentlemen
have formed themselves into a society, called the "Sitamarhi Cattle Improvement Society," and they have not only
given Rs. 250 towards the expenses and prizes at the recently inaugurated Cattle Show, but they have also ordered
from the Government Farm at Hissar two good bulls."
This measure should be followed by good results if the bulls selected are
suitable.
Cattle breeding
North-Western
Provinces.
569. Mr. S. M. Hadi, Assistant Director of Land Records and Agriculture,
North-Western Provinces and Oudh, remarks as follows:—
"After making exhaustive enquiries into the breeds of cattle found in the north of Oudh, I have come
to the conclusion that improvement of the breeds in Oudh in general can best be effected by breeding from
carefully selected bulls of the Khairigarh and Parehar breeds as draught cattle, the bullocks of there breeds
are the most famous in the eastern districts of the United Provinces. I believe that very good calves which
will eventually grow into good bullocks can be got by crossing the cows found in the Gonda district with bulls
of the above-mentioned breed. The introduction of these bulls will, however, result only in the
improvement of those qualities which are looked for in draught cattle and not for milking qualities.
The cows all over Oudh are very poor milkers, and especially thoso in the north of Oudh,
where they are consequently seldom milked. It is therefore equally important to do something to improve their
milking qualities. No experiments have hitherto been tried in this direction and nothing can be said with
certainty with regard to the introduction of the blood which will bring about that result. It seems, however,
very probable that if bulls of the Kosi breed be imported and used for sorving local cows, the heifers got from
them will be of large size and better milkers. The next thing which is desirable to try will be to import some cows
of the Kosi breed and a bull from Mathura and maintain a breed in the Balrampur Estate Farm. Probably the
breed will deteriorate, but even if it be so, I think that by continuous action, a breed somewhat inferior in point
of milking qualities to the Kosi breed as it exists in Mathura, but very much superior to the local breed in that
respect, will be established in time. To establish a breed of milch cattle in Oudh is a matter of great import-
ance."
I recommend Kosi bulls and cows for the above purpose, chiefly for the following reasons:—
(a) That they are cheaper than animals of other milking breeds.
43