27
249. Contagious pneumonia broke out amongst the mules and donkeys
in April. Forty-two animals became infected, and of these 15 died and 27
recovered. The source of this infection is unknown. It started in the
donkeys and spread rapidly until the animals were segregated. It ceased on
the 7th May.
250. It is impossible to keep the Farm animals free from contagious
disease to which they are exposed on all sides. Constant watchfulness and
early and energetic action is consequently necessary should any disease gain
entry. The manner in which the outbreaks have been dealt with reflects great
credit on the Superintendent and his staff.
251. Table XVI gives a complete return of the animals on the Farm for
1909-10, and it is only necessary for me to mention here the changes which
have occurred during the year.
252. Herd bulls.—The very important subject of providing the very
best bulls available has received the most careful attention, and I am glad to
say that our position has very materially improved in this respect. We have
been able to put 8 exceptionally good bulls into the herds and to remove three
which were not considered up to the standard. Our stud bulls now are of
excellent quality and the results should show in a few years' time. One bull
died during the year.
253. Cows.—The herd of breeding cows only shows an increase of 18
over last year. The reason for this is that a good market offered and we took
the opportunity of getting rid of a number of cows which were not quite up
to the standard. They were replaced by heifers of our own breeding. Thus
the herd has been greatly improved in quality.
254. Calves.—The calvings were good again this year, 663 calves being
dropped or a percentage of over 60. Of these, 318 were males and 345 cow
calves. The average is less than last year but is still very good. The quality
of the calves generally is very good indeed.
255. Bulls and Bullocks.—Fifty-seven bulls were supplied to District
Boards and others for breeding purposes and 178 bullocks to the Military
Department. The whole of these animals were of very good stamp.
256. Mules.—There has been no improvement in the position regarding
this part of the Farm scheme. We have only 83 mules on the estate
instead of 400 and have only been able to obtain 21 by purchase in the open
market. We are endeavouring to come to some arrangement with the Army
Remount Department to improve matters as there is no doubt that the Hissar
reared mule is an excellent animal. Of the 58 mules due for issue, 31 were
up to the standard for Ordnance, 23 went to Transport and there were four
casualties. Amongst those issued for Transport many only just missed being
Ordnance mules and I am sure that the Transport Department could not
buy similar animals in the open market.
257. There were 37 mares kept for mule breeding during the year, and of
these 13 foaled and 20 are now in foal. The number of mules born in con-
siderably less than last year, i.e., 35.1 per cent. This is the case always in
this industry, alternate years being good and bad. As has been shown in the
detailed report already submitted on the working of the Farm, the general
percentage of foalings has been good. I am now increasing the number of
mares to 50—the sanctioned strength.
258. Donkey stallions.—One was bought during the year and one, which
was not getting good stock, was sold. The old Italian donkey " Calcutta "
now 17 years old is still getting good mule stock and the three farm bred
donkeys " Hansi ", " Hissar " and " Farmer's boy " are quite satisfactory.
259. Stud Donkey Mares.—Our stud of donkey mares was increased by 5
and now stands at 93.
260. Foalings.—Forty-five foals were born during the year, giving a
percentage of 51.7 which may be considered to be very satisfactory. The
number of males born was 26 and of females 19.