7
Five buffalo bull calves, 41 bull calves, 26 cow calves and 40 cows, 8,
desi bulls and 12 buffalo bulls were placed in the different factories on the estate
during the year. Twenty-eight calves were born and 6 died during the year
under report. Seven old cows, 3 heifers and 4 bull calves wore rejected, the
cows and heifers realizing Rs. 139 only, while the bull calves, which were valued
at Rs. 275, were reserved for the use of the Raj. The present area of the farm
comprises 32 acres and is enclosed by a barbed wire fence. An additional
plot is being acquired which, when added, will increase the area available for
grazing to about 75 acres.
As regards improvements carried out during the year, four new sheds and
a well with reservoir attached were constructed. Three silo pits were also
constructed. Next year the whole area will be divided into 10 acre plots to
facilitate the grazing of the different classes of stock. New silos will also
be erected, as well as, it is hoped, godowns for grain and fodder. A scheme
which has received the assent of the Manager was submitted, and it is hoped
that when this is in operation better results will be forthcoming.
A Veterinary Overseer has been sanctioned, but considerable difficulty is
being experienced in getting a suitable man.
During the year a special officer, Mr. G. Milne, I.C.S., was deputed by,
Government to enquire into the subject of the improvement of cattle
and it is hoped that the information which has been placed at his disposal
will have the effect of producing something tangible. Two cattle farms should
be provided for—one in Bihar and one in Orissa—as the climate and character
of the country are such in the latter Division that I doubt if bulls could be
imported there without waste of funds. Purchasing and rearing calves appears
to offer the cheapest solution of supplying the deficiency in bulls, unless a
large breeding farm is established in addition.
HORSE AND PONY STALLTONS
No horse or pony stallion was maintained either by Government by
District Boards, or by private persons during the year. The stallion at
Dumraon was disposed of.
TABLES XIII AND XIV.
Particulars of the principal Fairs and Shows are given in Tables XIII
and XIV.
I visited the Sonepur Fair and the Chutia Show in Ranchi. No elephants
were purchased at Sonepur owing to the high prices demanded for good class
animals. Similar arrangements to those of previous years were made for
controlling any cattle disease that might break out. The later days of the
fair were characterized by very inclement weather. Very large numbers
of cattle were purchased as in previous years by Faridpur cattle dealers for
sale in Eastern Bengal and Assam. Great inconvenience was felt by them
for want of efficient supervision in the loading and handling of trucks. The
Railway authorities have been addressed on this subject with a view to prevent-
ing a recurrence. I regret to say that the Ranchi Show was not a success
although the committee worked energetically. The milch cow class was the
largest, but up-country goalas owned most of the animals.
Bettiah (Dasahara), Bihta, Barahpur, Khagra, Dharamganj and Hardi
Fairs were attended either by the Circle Inspectors, or the Veterinary Assistants
of the District; temporary dispensaries were provided in which a fair number
of cases were treated.
SUBORDINATE VETERINARY ESTABLISHMENT.
Table VII gives the total Subordinate Veterinary Establishment. On the
31st March there were 4 Veterinary Inspectors and 61 Assistants excluding these
in charge of Hazaribagh Pinjrapole and the Palamau Encumbered Estates.
The latter post was not filled owing to insufficiency of suitable candidate.