20
progress made in our three large mule-breeding centres of Northern India.
The number of mares covered during the past two years are as follows:—
North Punjab . .
South Punjab . .
North-Western Provinces . .
1897-98.
Pony mares.
7,835
4,905
3,532
16,272
Donkey mares.
850
139
150
1,139
1898-99.
Pony mares.
8,147
5,050
4,038
17,235
Donkey mares.
916
192
271
1,379
The increase, representing as it does 963 pony and 240 donkey mares, is
most satisfactory.
89. The forecast which I made last year has, I am glad to say, not been
realised. I then showed that even with unreliable statistics we were able to
prove the removal of 4,615 pony mares from the Punjab and North-Western
Provinces, and I then feared that mule breeding would have suffered greatly
this year. This has, however, not been the case, and it must go to prove that
mule breeding is found to be a paying industry.
90. In Sind I trust that we shall have a great field for extension, and
already I note an improvement, 803 mares having been covered against 684 last
year.
91. The number of donkey mares covered is satisfactory, being greater
than it has been for the past 3 years. I would like to see the number still much
increased, but this is impossible with the limited number of donkey stallions
at our disposal. All that can be done at present is to relegate such Jacks as
will not cover pony mares to donkey breeding. I fully recognize the impor-
tance of the measure of improving the indigenous breed of donkeys as an
adjunct to our transport supply, and I would gladly take the question up had
I the donkey stallions at my disposal.
Demand for donkey
stallions.
92. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North-Western
Provinces and Oudh, states:—
"A steady demand for donkey stallions continues in these Provinces. During the past year 16 donkeys
have been cast for various causes and 2 have died; in addition to these, there are at present 13 donkey stallions
over 16 years of age. To meet these deficiencies only 5 donkeys have been allotted to the North-Western
Provinces; this number is absolutely insufficient to meet the requirements or to replace those cast, died, or over-
age. One new stand—Datagunj—has been opened, and is doing good work."
93. I am well aware that the North-Western Provinces have fared badly
in the way of new donkey stallons, still every Province suffered more or less,
and I was bound to guard the interests of the best mule centres. I, however,
trust that Government will sanction the purchase of the number of donkey
stallions which I have recommended this year in order to put mule breeding on
a more satisfactory basis than it has hitherto been.
94. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Baluchistan and
Sind, states:—
"I do not like to indent for any additional donkey stallions, as I am not yet satisfied with the work done
by those I have. The people of Baluchistan are much averse to mule breeding, and I have only been able to get
any mares covered by donkey stallions by working through the various Chiefs who have done it to oblige me.
Neverthless, could some scheme be evolved by which a market for young mules as soon as weaned could be
ensured, I have no doubt the prejudices of the people would soon be overcome.
"Thirteen mules were this year exhibited at the Sibi Show as against 3 last year, but no purchases were
made."
95. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
states:—
"The demand or scope for employment of donkey stallions in my circle certainly exceeds the number at my
command. Many donkeys, when in good condition and vigorous, after having been given a short rest, have
been allowed to cover over the sanctioned number.
"This demand will be partly complied with this year by the extra donkeys allotted to be handed over to
zemindars."
96. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North Punjab,
states:—
"There would be room for at least 30 more in the circle: there are too many over 16 years of age—34.
The demands for their services are continual from all sources. It is a very much sought after industry, as the
mule is always of some value, no matter how small, and he causes little trouble to keep."
"The Italian is undoubtedly the finest donkey to breed from, but good Cyprians run him close, and they are
half the price and capable of producing mules fit for Ordnance."