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1012. The average height of Arvi bullocks selected behind the shoulder
is 52 inches, and that of a Jeytpur 48 inches.
1013. It is difficult to draw a distinction between the Paraspani and the
Jeytpur breeds, but in the latter the shape of the horns may be considered a
distinguishing feature. The chief faults of the cows of these breeds are that they
are too leggy and have small bones, in other words they are too light; but
it is considered that these defects might be remedied if judiciously selected bulls
were placed with the herds. The stud bulls of the Paraspani had the same
weak points abovementioned, and it is a source of regret that this has not been
remedied.
1014. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, suggests that if
good bulls were placed here, and a Cattle Show, at which prizes were awarded were
instituted in the district he is of opinion that many good bullocks, suitable for
Army purposes might be obtained.
1015. For really good cattle very high prices are realized, even Rs. 350
has been paid for a pair of trotting bullocks, while the average price for an ordi-
nary pair is Rs. 80. Cows may be purchased from Rs. 5 to Rs. 25, and if
properly fed yield about four quarts of milk daily.
1016. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, South Punjab,
states:—
I am unable to make any comments upon the subject, the Superintendent's time being entirely occupied with
Horse-breeding operations.
1017. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Beluchistan,
states:—
The number of cattle in Beluchistan is very limited, but those in the Nari tract of Kachi are very good indeed.
These cattle are exported to all parts of India and are famous for their quality, action and power; no special system
of cattle-breeding is carried on in Beluchistan nor are there any separate cattle Fairs held in the agency. An account
of the Cattle Fairs held at Quetta and Sibi are given under the heading of Fairs.
1018. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Madras, states:—
There is no cattle-breeding carried on by Government in the Presidency, nor are there any Cattle Shows
held.
Berar.
1019. The Director of Land Records, Berar, says:—
Any steps in this direction must await the development of the Veterinary Staff, and possibly the purchase of
stud bulls. In order to make some kind of commencement the Veterinary Inspector was directed to investigate
the different breeds of cattle in the Amraoti district and report any steps he thought might be desirably taken
for the improvement of the same. He worked through three out of the four talukas of the district, and inspected
the cattle in ten per cent. of the villages, but the results of his inspection are not yet ready for publication. The
points brought under notice are the following:—
1. Different breeds of cattle.
2. Grazing condition of the Taluka.
3. Suitability of taluka for breeding.
4. Suitability of local bulls for breeding.
5. Suggestions for improving the breeds.
Bombay.
1020. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bombay, states:—
In the Punch Mahals a bull was bought by the Board in 1891, and has since been handed over to a herdsman
with the only stipulation that he be kept in good condition and no payment be charged for his services.
The Hyderabad (Sind) Local Board purchased a bull in 1894 at Jacobabad, and I had an opportunity of
seeing him whilst touring in Sind. He was a very fine specimen of the large and heavy breed that are so famous
in the Kachi Hills, and was stabled in the house of Mir Imam Buksh, a wealthy zemindar in Sind. He received
no exercise, was tied up in a stall, and in very high condition. During the time he had been there he had covered
some 30 cows several of which died whilst calving to him. and the majority of the calves that were born alive were
unable to stand the climate, and died before reaching maturity. The zemindars were naturally averse to utilizing
his services, and the well meant endeavours of the Board did not meet with the success it deserved. I simply quote
this case us an example of the evil effects of endeavouring to introduce a foreign bull out of all proportion to the size
of the indigenous cows, and to show how necessary it is when attempting to improve the breed of cattle in this
country that our efforts should be confined to reserving only the best of that particular class, and that no violent
out-cross of foreign blood should be attempted.
A statement has been received from the Hyderabad Local Board that a bull purchased in February 1897 has
during the past year, served 36 cows, and that three cows which were served by him early in the year have since
calved, and that one calf died the day after calving.
1021. It will be seen from the above that the attempt at improving the
breed of cattle was extremely disastrous, and proves how necessary it is to have
expert advice in these matters. The system of stabling bulls is, as has been fully
explained elsewhere, radically wrong. Besides it is a bad principle to employ a very
large bull for small cows. The bulls should only be a litte larger than the cows,
and our endeavour should be to gradually raise the size of the whole herd. It is
not always desirable to have tall cattle, but, rather stiff sturdy powerful animals,
which are universally in favour for ploughing and agricultural work.