(5)
39. There are 262 head of live-stock now on the farm and their health
during the last year has been particularly good. Here, again, shortage of fodder
owing to the drought and want of labour following the influenza epidemic
somewhat delayed progress.
40. Both of these farms which have been the last few years in the process
of building up, are now getting into working order, and with the appointment
of the new Farms Manager, who will be able to devote his almost entire attention
to them, great improvements should soon be forthcoming.
(2) Equine (Under Local Bodies.)
(i) Horse and pony stallions.
See table X.
41. At the beginning of the year there were 72 horse and pony stallions
at stud belonging to this department.
42. Eleven were purchased during the year. Two were destroyed and two
died, leaving a balance of 79 on the list at the end of the year.
See table XI.
43. Sixty-six sires were at stud work during the year and the number of
mares covered by them amounted to 3,426 against 3,323.
44. Regarding young stock the progeny of these provincial sires, there is a
continued improvement and promise shown by them in nany parts, particularly
in the districts of Saharanpur, Budaun, Moradabad, and Shahjahanpur. Some
excellent good stock was noticed during my inspections which were the progeny
of the Arabs "Meteor," "Red Shank," "Different," "Copenhagen," "Midday,"
"Spectator," "Forester," "Sheen," "Flying Bird" "Vigilant," and "Atlas."
45. The functions of this department, in so far as horse-breeding is
concerned, are confined to the improvement of the indigenous horse and pony for
general utility purposes in those tracts other, than the four selected districts of
Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Bulandshahr, and Meerut, and it is noticeable that these
tracts which were primarily considered unsuitable for horse-breeding are now
proving themselves capable of producing a very good type of animal, which may
be confidently expected to still further improve.
46. As year by year we have been gradually replacing the old stallions
(some of which were somewhat small) by young strong sires of 14.1 hands and
over, there has now arisen a noticeable increase in the demand for them.
(ii) Donkey stallions.
See tables X
and XI.
47. At the commencement of the year there were 18 provincial donkey
stallions on the register and one was purchased during the year, thus making a
total of 19. Of these, 15 were at stud work and the number of mares covered by
them amounted to 835 against 698 of the last year, being an increase of 137.
48. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining donkey stallions an attempt is
being made to breed them ourselves and for this reason some donkey mares have
been purchased.
49. Sheep-breeding.—The sheep-breeding experiments undertaken by this
department during the last few years continue to be very encouraging. The
grading up of the Indian ewe by means of successive strains of Australian Merino
blood is being found to steadily exert a beneficial effect on the wool both as to its
weight, length of staple, as well as its quality. Experimental flocks are now
located at Lucknow, Moradabad, Kheri, Bundelkhand, Etawah, and Naini Tal.
50. The original proposal to establish a sheep farm near Orai which was
for the time being abandoned is being again taken up, and it is hoped with the
termination of the War and the return of more of the staff it will be possible to
start the scheme within the coming year.
51. Should a continuance of our experiments prove that it is possible to
economically produce a permanent and consistent improvement in the quality and
quantity of the Indian wool it will be worth serious consideration from a commer-
cial standpoint. Already some interest is being aroused on the subject and
several private estates have intimated their intention to give the matter a trial.
See table XIV.
52. Fairs ana shows.—Wherever possible, fairs and shows were attended
by officers of the Civil Veterinary department, and M. Niaz Mohammed, Deputy
Superintendent, was deputed to Aligarh and Bulandshahr shows and Nauchandi
fair.