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constitution is completely set, that is when all the eight permanent incisors are
up (at five years old), the disposition of the animal is spoiled by castration, it
becomes sluggish and lazy, and wants the metal necessary to make a good
working bullock. It is admitted that it is next to impossible, in the ordinary
system of herding village cattle, to keep back the young active and growing
males, which are in consequence of these qualities likely to become the most
prominent stock-getters. Separating them into herds by themselves and pas-
turing them apart would no doubt, be an effectual plan, but this, under the
present circumstances, is impracticable, except on large, well organized farms.
With village herds, such a plan could not work on account of the
intermixture of all classes as they return at night to their respective owners.
From the foregoing remarks it will be seen that early castration is not advocated.
An alternative for the operation, however, may be tried, and in many parts of
the country where young males occasionally jump buffalo cows, an arrange-
ment is made to prevent this. A common native preventive method is to
suspend a cloth of about 18 inches square by the middle, so that it doubles
over and hangs down from the rope which passes round the body of the young
bull immediately behind the forelegs. This presents a screen, which covers the
posterior of the cow as he jumps upon her, so as to effectually prevent the
smallest chance entry. This arrangement is also free from producing evil
consequences in the wearer.
Owing to lack of executive staff I have had to undertake a portion of the
duty of acquiring information regarding cattle-breeding, and am glad to say
that considerable progress has been made in the collection of information
during the past year from a tour through five districts in Southern Punjab.
The chief points which have been dealt with regarding cattle-breeding in
the Punjab are similar to those adopted last year, and may be repeated for con-
venience sake. These are:—
(1) The suitability of the various tracts for cattle-breeding.
(2) The number of unsuitable Brahmini bulls let loose by irresponsible
persons.
(3) The legislation necessary to ensure only suitable bulls of the
indigenous type being released as " pun " with the consent of the
people.
(4) The necessity of protecting suitable indigenous Brahmini bulls, so
that they may be considered and treated as Government property,
hence people injuring them would be liable to punishment.
(5) The necessity for the provision and maintenance of a sufficient
number of bulls in the districts.
(6) The reform necessary in the management of Government bulls
purchased by District Boards, especially with regard to their
selection, treatment when sick, and removal when no longer fit
to cover through age or other cause.
(7) The necessity for continuity of action in replacing bulls in villages
when they become unfit to cover. The bulls sent, to be of the
same breed and class as the bull replaced.
A full report on these points has been submitted.
SUITABILITY OF DISTRICTS FOR CATTLE-BREEDING.
749. Ludhiana district.—All those parts of the country which are low-
lying or are subject to inundations may be considered as unsuitable for breeding
cattle of any size. Although large numbers are reared in the " Bet," they are
nearly all small. Nevertheless they are suitable for the work of ploughing in
that particular tract. With the exception of these small cattle, the production
is not up to requirements.
All cart cattle and those required to draw heavy loads are purchased at the
large cattle fairs which are held at Sirsa and in that neighbourhood.
In the " Bet" there is plenty of grazing, but the climate is against the
production of fine cattle.