11
Average number
of mares covered
per stallion.
57. Table IV also shows the number of mares covered per stallion
employed:—
North-Western Provinces and Oudh . . . .
North Punjab
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
South Punjab . . . . . . . .
Baluchistan
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Deccan
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Guzerat
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Sind and Cutch
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
1895-96.
45.3
48.27
54.48
55.54
33.68
28.52
41.58
1896-97.
51.00
52.11
52.07
58.43
31.90
30.20
35.65
58, The prospects of horse-breeding at the commencement of the season,
viz, about October, were far from bright, and the forecast submitted by the
various Superintendents was far from reassuring. On all hands, reports were
received to the effect that mares were being sent away in search of fodder, and
that a certain number were being sold. Again, later in the year, as already
stated, when speaking of the death-rate amongst the stallions, it had to be
considered whether some of the stands should not be left vacant owing to the
scarcity of fodder; notwithstanding the difficulties laboured against, it is most
satisfactory to note that the following increases took place:—
North-Western Provinces
.
North Punjab
.
.
.
Baluchistan
.
.
.
5.7 more mares were covered per stallion.
3.84 „
2.99 „
A decrease is noticeable in South Punjab to an extent of 2.41 mares per
stallion employed, but the average obtained, 52.07, must be looked upon as
very satisfactory.
59. The above may be said to be the most important breeding centres of
India and those in which we are most interested; it is therefore pleasing to
note that the breeders have weathered the storm so far, and, given a good
monsoon this year, I feel certain that drought and scarcity will have injured
the horse and mule-breeding interests of the country to an inappreciable degree.
60. Writing on the subject of the number of mares covered per stallion
employed, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North Punjab,
states:—
"The result is very unsatisfactory when it is remembered that many branded mares were sold by their
owners or sent away to the hills or other places on account of the scarcity of fodder. This is mainly attributable
to the great demand for the services of thoroughbreds, whose average coverings read:—Thoroughbred English
82.91 and Australians 62.00, against 70.53, and 31.00 last year."
61. Remarking on the decrease in South Punjab, the Superintendent
states:—
"The decrease was due to the high price of food and scarcity, also to the inferior quality of the grass,
complaints of which have been received from all parts of the South Punjab. All things considered, the decrease
is a little one and less than I had anticipated as a result of the famine."
62. In dealing with Bombay, including the Presidency and Sind, we find
no improvement; the Deccan is about equal to last year, but in Sind we find
a falling off of 5.93 per cent. which is to be regretted, Writing on this sub-
ject, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bombay, says:—
"I attribute this the decrease from a general average last year of 33.59 to 32.24 this year) entirely to
the great scarcity which has prevailed, and the difficulties owners have experienced in procuring forage if the
mares had to be brought any distance; and rather than incur the expense, a large number have been allowed
to remain barren this season."
63. This only puts breeding in Northern India in a more favourable light
than it would otherwise appear to be, as scarcity of fodder prevailed to such
an extent that it could not be surpassed, and still the zemindars have main-
tained their reputation as staunch horse breeders.
Maps.
64. Maps will be found in the cover of this report, showing the breeding
districts, the stands where stallions are located, and the number of stallions at
each stand.
Demand for stal-
lions.
65. On this point, the Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Balu-
chistan, states:—
"The number of stallions sanctioned for Beluchistan is, in my opinion, sufficient for the present."
c2