8
GOVERNMENT CATTLE FARM HISSAR.
53. This is the fourth year that the Farm has been under the management
of the Civil Veterinary Department.
54. Cows.—There are 779 cows on the Farm selected out of a total of
2,000. The work of selection was carefully carried out and none but the best,
possessing true Harriana type, were retained. These will be further cast and
sold as true bred heifers come on to replace them. The proof of keeping noth-
ing but good cows and more careful supervision is, that the number of calves
born is slightly in excess of former years when the herd contained more than
double the number of cows; moreover, we are now dealing with truly bred
cattle.
55. Young stock.—These are very satisfactory. The first crop of 80 bull
calves selected from the best herds are well grown, true to type, and will be of
immense value when issued to the districts containing Harriana and Nagore
breeds.
56. Bulls.—There are 18 herd bulls on the Farm; some 2 or 3 of these
are capable of being improved upon, but must be retained until we can get
better to replace them. A great deal of time and trouble was spent during
last cold weather in endeavouring to buy true bred bulls good enough to place
with the Farm herds, but it was only possible to obtain one.
57. Supernumerary Bulls.—Seven bulls only were supplied to the districts
during the year under report. This is due to the fact that I have stopped the
issue of bulls from the Farm unless they are true to type and pure bred; as
cross-bred, unshapely animals do infinite harm when used in the districts.
58. Under the scheme laid down for the working of the Farm, it will take
two years more before we can meet all demands. At the end of that time, we
shall be able to supply 50 to 100 true bred bulls annually to the districts at
prices ranging from Rs. 150 to Rs. 200.
59. Castrated Produce.—No bullocks were taken by the Military Depart-
ment this year, although 300 were ready in November. This caused a serious
loss to the Farm, as they had to be sold by auction, with the exception of 100 of
the best, which were kept back and used in the cultivation. These will be fit
for the service in November in addition to 150 young stock coming on.
Definite arrangements have been made with the Military Department to take
a certain number annually. It will now be possible to regulate the breeding
herd so as to meet the requirements of the Military Department for Siege Train
bullocks, and the districts for bulls.
60. Cattle diseases.—With the exception of a small outbreak of foot and
mouth disease, the stock remained healthy.
61. Cultivation.—Vast strides have been made during the year under this
head. All the cultivated area has been thoroughly cleaned, water courses put
in order, and large quantities of jungle growth removed. Maps have been
prepared and an iron plate fixed in each field showing area in acres and bighas,
and the whole surrounded by a substantial wall. Each field has been measur-
ed by the Canal Patwari and registered in the Canal Office as well as our own.
This will obviate any further difficulty with regard to water. A systematic
programme of rotation crops has been laid down and the whole of this branch
of the Farm put on a sound working basis.
62. Mules.—During the past year, this scheme was modified and arrange-
ments made to purchase only 100 mules annually instead of 200. The price
also was increased from Rs. 70 to Rs. 120, as it was found impossible to pur-
chase the class required for Ordnance purposes at the low figure of Rs. 70.
63. At present, there are 318 mules on the Farm, varying in age from 12
months to 4 years. They have, owing to the liberal feeding, grown and deve-
loped in the most satisfactory manner. The paddocks have been remodelled
and all now contain an ample supply of good water. There have been only 2
casualties during the year, one from Snake-bite and the other Tetanus.