110
636. As, however, he considered that it would be necessary to foster mule-
breeding for some time, he proposed that one of the following measures should
be adopted, in order to induce the people to avail themselves of the donkey
stallion :—
(a).—A bonus of Rs. 3, to the owner of any mare covered by a Govern-
ment donkey stallion,
or
(b).—A guarantee that Government will purchase all certified stock at a
price not less than say Rs. 40 each, up to the full value of the
animal.
637. The second proposal does not commend itself to me as. Government
would in all probability find themselves saddled with some worthless mules.
The first proposal might, however, be tried as it would not involve much expense.
I have, therefore, submitted it for the consideration of the Government of India
as I feel that, with the demand for mules in this country, we cannot afford to
allow a single centre in which mules can be bred to remain undeveloped.
638. The Agent to the Governor-General, Rajputana, in a Resolution on
the work done by the Principal, Ajmere Veterinary School, states:—
Although the people of Ajmere and the adjacent States have not availed themselves so freely as was hoped, of
the services of the Government stallions which with the local breeding operations generally, are under the supervision
of the Principal, nevertheless a fair number of mares have been covered, and stock to this extent improved.
Pony and Mule-
breeding—
Central
Provinces.
639. The Provincial report submitted by Veterinary-Lieutenant Farmer,
who only assumed charge on 24th March 1898, is written from notes left by his
predecessor, and is not as replete as it might be. I am able, however, to gather
the following information.
640. The number of stallions is shown as 3, and 110 mares were covered
against 138 last year, giving an average of 36.6 per stallion employed against 34.5
last year.
641. The District Superintendent of Police, Saugor, to whom we are indebted
for the advance made in all breeding operations, is of opinion that a third stallion
could be used in that district, but I think it would be advisable to wait until these
now employed are fully utilized.
642. The cost of feed has been as follows :—
Horses
Donkeys
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Rs.
„
250 6
271 12
2.
0.
No explanation is given to account for a donkey costing more than a pony.
No reliance can be placed on the results of last year's coverings.
643. Mule-breeding has not progressed as I thought it would. When first
sent, the donkey covered 62 in 11 months, whereas he only covered 39 last year.
No explanation is offered.
644. Altogether much advantage cannot be expected from horse or mule--
breeding in Central Provinces, and the attention of the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, will more advantageously be directed to the cattle which
contribute so largely to the wealth of the agriculturists.
Horse and Mule-
breeding in
Central India.
645. During the year under review, all stallions, with one exception, have
been removed from Central India as their services were not utilized, but even this
one stallion does not appear to be appreciated, as he only covered 16 mares from
1st April to 9th November 1897 at Agar, and 8 at Goona up to the end of the
year, making a total of 24 mares only. This is not satisfactory I, therefore, purpose
addressing the Officer Commanding, 1st Regiment, Central India Horse, asking him
to return the horse to the Depôt unless an improvement can be anticipated.
646. In the Administration Report of last year I stated that the Officer
Commanding, 2nd Regiment, had expressed a wish to introduce mule-breeding,
a donkey was consequently sent, and the results have been undoubtedly good,
54 mares having been covered during the year.
647. I regret to say that equally good results have not been obtained
by the donkey with the 1st Regiment at Goona. This Jack was sent in Septem-
ber last, and has only covered 4 mares. This may be due to the fact, which was
reported by the Officer Commanding that Regiment, that owing to some.