127
762. The number covered in our three large breeding centres of Northern
India is most satisfactory, amounting as it does to 667. The number has been
reduced in South Punjab by ho mares being shown as covered by stallions belong-
ing to private persons. These stallions were inspected and found to be unfit for
:stud purposes. The numbers for the past two years were as follows :—
North-Western Provinces
North Punjab ...
South Punjab ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1896-97
2,415
1,899
3,293
7,607
1897-98
2,939
2,316
2,999
8,254
763. The average covered per stallion employed was as follows :—
North-Western Provinces
North Punjab ...
South Punjab ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1896-97
4.47
57.54
49.89
1897-98
42.00
64.33
55.55
The percentage reached in the Punjab testifies to the popularity of these
stallions. It is in my opinion too high in North Punjab, as it must lead to some
stallions being overworked.
Cost of feed and
keep, how
defrayed.
764. The average cost of feed and keep during year was as follows :-(Table E.)
North-Western Provinces and Oudh
North Punjab
•South Punjab
Central Provinces
...
...
...
...
...
...
1896-97
Horse.
... 274-15-6
... 287- 1-3
... 311-10-5
... 318-12-4
Pony.
226- 8 5
290-10-1
278- 2-1
...
1897-98
Horse.
280- 7-5
291-15-7
326-10-4
...
Pony.
248-10- 1
306-10-11
267-13- 2
...
There is a certain increase all round; this I always regret to see, as it must
tend to cause a strain on District Funds.
765. The cost in the North-Western Provinces is met from Provincial and
that in the Punjab from District Board funds.
Produce.
766. Table D. will show the number of foals dropped. Comparing the results
with those obtained last year, we find an increase of:—
d
North-Western Provinces
North Punjab ...
South Punjab ...
...
...
...
...
...
1896-97
Foals
ropped.
803
516
818
2,137
1897-98
Foals
dropped.
842
657
705
2,204
Average per stal-
lion employed.
31.73
3212
21.40
767. The working in this direction is much better than it has hitherto been;
not only are more foals dropped, but the percentage of successful coverings is very
much more satisfactory. Both North-Western Provinces and North Punjab show
a decided improvement, whilst South Punjab shows a decrease in the number
dropped. This is due to the number of stallions belonging to private persons which,
as previously stated, have been struck off our lists as being unfit to be used as
stallions.
Colts
castrated.
768. The number of colts castrated by Veterinary Assistants and Salutris
paid by District Boards (vide Table L.) has already been alluded to in paragraph
213 of this report.
Maxes
unbranded or
branded for
district horse
breeding.
769. Table F. is again appended to this report, but I regret to say
that it is totally unreliable and consequently valueless.
As I felt that its
figures were quite misleading, I have addressed all Local Governments and Adminis-
trations asking them whether arrangements can be made whereby the returns could
be more depended upon. Up to date the replies received all tend to show that the
agency employed for the collection of the information required is unable to form
any opinion of horse flesh. I shall therefore, when all replies have been received,
submit a proposal for the consideration of the Government of India to the effect
that this Table should be omitted in future.
770. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North-Western
Provinces and Oudh, alludes to this subject in the Provincial section of his report,
as follows :—