84
532. This question requires to be most carefully considered as the deterio-
ration in the breeds of cattle must continue unless careful selection of bulls is
made: I, however, fear that this Department can do nothing in this important
matter until these provinces have an extra officer to deal with all questions
relating to the welfare of cattle.
Punjab.
533. No information is available on this point from this province. The
deterioration of cattle is only too visible at the large fairs held in various
centres, and the whole question will have to be very carefully considered on the
appointment of a third Superintendent. Then, I think, a comprehensive
scheme should be drawn up.
Bombay.
534. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, goes carefully into
this subject. The Collectors of 18 districts have been consulted, but with the
exception of Dharwar and Surat, who simply say they will consider the matter,
and Sholapur and Poona, who are willing to assist, the remaining 14 are either
unable or unwilling to assist in any measures to improve the breed of cattle.
535. The Superintendent divides his remarks into two parts, viz., the cattle
belonging to owners in the Krishna Valley, Northern Guzerat, the Gir hills of
Kathiawar. Amongst these he points out that the breeds being of value, the
owners are quite alive to the necessity of keeping their breeds pure. Referring
to these breeds he states:—
"Few finer cattle are to be found in India than exist in the districts named above, and there is no doubt
that breeders in these particular tracts are men who thoroughly understand their business, and the greatest care
is taken to use only bulls of superior class. The bull calves are castrated when young and sold as yearlings or
2-year-olds to occupants of land in Kaira, Ahmednagar and Baroda, and on the breeding grounds nothing but
a few of the highest class bulls are allowed to graze with the calves and heifers."
536. The second division refers to the Deccan in which the conditions are
completely reversed and in which in no sense of the word can this particular tract
be called a cattle breeding district. With reference to this portion he attempts
to show that cattle owners are not likely to take much interest in the improve-
ment of their cattle, that they do not castrate their young bulls until they are
nearly full grown, and he argues that the ryot will not set aside the custom of
generations especially when he finds that his wants can be supplied by superior
animals at a cheaper rate than he can breed himself.
537. The same conditions exist in most parts of India, still by selection of
good, or perhaps it should be said by the selection of comparatively good bulls
of each herd and by the castration of all young male stock at an early age,
improvement does take place and this without any very great expense. These
are matters which can be taken up by Local Bodies and when systematically
taken in hand, success must result.
538. Although the Superintendent argues that the owners are not likely to
take the matter up, still he advocates the compulsory castration of male stock
when young, so that I gather that he must propose to fill their place with selected
bulls. I trust that he will continue to pay this important matter the attention
which it deserves.
Bengal.
539. I am glad to find that this important subject is receiving attention in
Bengal. During the year under report, 24 new bulls were supplied.
540. On the subject of cattle-breeding, the Superintendent, Civil Veteri-
nary Department, states:—
"Failing to procure good bulls from Bihar, application was made to the Hissar Government Farm for 13
bulls of moderate size suitable for Bengal cows.
"In consideration of the great demand for bulls and the difficulty in obtaining them, it was considered
desirable that some sires should be kept in reserve to meet future supply. An opportunity was offered by the
Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Madras, who informed me that very good young bulls and cows
were obtainable in Nellore at a much reduced price; but unfortunately no funds were available.
"Complaints were received from some people as to the unsuitability of the bulls supplied to them, but con-
sidering that the present arrangement is only a make-shift until we can breed our own bulls, and that the bulls
were not selected by this Department, I think, on the whole, we have done fairly well.
"The Pusa Farm.—A. meeting was held under Mr. Lyon, Director of Land Records and Agriculture
Bengal, at Pusa, on the 8th July 1889, to discuss matters regarding the utilization and future management of
the Pusa estate, where it is proposed to establish a cattle-breeding farm. After full discussion, it was decided
that the work should be limited to cattle- breeding and dairying and that the Board of Revenue be approached
for permission to work the farm upon the lines of a private commercial undertaking after sanction of initial
expenditure. The Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bengal, has forwarded, for the consideration of
the Board and of Government, a scheme prepared by Lieutenant D. J. Meagher, Special Forage Officer, Bengal
Command, with his remarks in connection therewith, which, I believe, is now before the Board, and the Gov-
ernment.