17
their tours. The number of castrations performed on tour was 771. The
increase in the number of contagious disease cases is due to the greater preva-
lence of Foot and Mouth disease and the decrease in the number of non-
contagious cases and castrations to seasonal conditions.
Investigation.
18. During the year 253 specimens were sent by veterinary assistants to
the Sir Dinshaw Manekji Petit Patho-Bacteriological Laboratory, Parel, for
examination and seven for the College museum. The decrease is due to the
lesser prevalence of hæmorrhagic septicæmia.
Veterinary Dispensaries.
Table V.
19. New dispensaries were opened during the year at Sakri (West
Khandesh), Sheogaon (Ahmednagar), Haliyal (Kanara),
Kolad (Kolaba), Wada and Bandra (Thana), and Jambusar
(Broach). More are needed to carry out the expansion of the Department
according to the approved programme, but District Local Boards plead paucity
of funds with discouraging freedom.
Including the new dispensaries the number at work was 61 against 54 last
year. The number of cases treated was 75,366 against 83,461 last year, while
medicines were supplied to 61,060 cases against 77,750.
The decrease is due to the adverse season which was exceptionally severe
on both human beings and animals. A large number of cattle have been sold
or have died. During the influenza epidemic animals were neglected by their
owners. Charges for treatment have been more freely introduced and they are
apt to affect the attendance. Their gradual introduction is indicated.
A. total sum of Rs. 8,934 was realised from fees against Rs. 6,797 in the
previous year.
20. No new hospital buildings were occupied during the year but those at
Savda (East Khandesh) and Barsi (Sholapur) are nearing completion. At
Baramati (Poona) and Pandharpur (Sholapur) new hospitals are to be con-
structed shortly.
Owing to the enhanced prices the amount of money available from the
Wadia Trust and Government for the building programme has been considerably
underestimated and unless a special grant is given further construction will
be impossible for some time. This is most unfortunate as new hospital
buildings are urgently required in every district of the Presidency. In some
places small additions and improvements are being made from local sources, but
a comprehensive building programme is urgently required.
III.—BREEDING OPERATIONS.
(1) Bovines.
(i) Stud bulls and their produce.
Table VIII.
21. The number of stud bulls maintained by Government and local bodies
is shown in table VIII. The scheme for issuing premium
bulls made no progress in the Deccan owing to the fodder
scarcity. One animal was sold as he was found unsuitable. Another was
transferred to another agent for maintenance. There are five premium bulls
employed in the Deccan at present. In Gujarat nine premium bulls were
issued from the Northcote Cattle Farm during the year to the Surat District
and one to the Ahmedabad District. Prices were reduced as maintenance
charges were not required.
22. District Local Boards do not appear to be in a position generally to
do much for cattle breeding even where the possibilities are favourable. No
bulls were purchased by local bodies during the year.
(ii) Bull rearing and breeding farms and depôts.
Table IX.
23. The Northcote Cattle Farm at Chharodi, Ahmedabad District, was in
charge of Mr. P. V. Nagarseth throughout the year
except for 50 days when he was on privilege leave and
Mr. M. P. Gandhi acted.
N 16-5