(6)
(2) SHEEP-BREEDING.
49. It is now seven years since the Civil Veterinary department decided
to give the subject of sheep-breeding in these provinces its serious attention, and
in 1915 a preliminary note on certain experiments was published. This set forth
the history of the early sheep-breeding operations in India and analysed the causes
which had usually led to failure in the past. It pointed out that in attempting
to improve the breeds of domesticated animals continuity of policy is the first
consideration. Too often, especially in Government enterprises, this factor is
entirely wanting owing to the frequent changes of directing officers. The success
in establishing celebrated flocks is usually due to the continuance of a sound
policy first laid down by the original breeder and carried on by his sons or
successors.
50. During those years three sets of experiments have been carried out
and the results which have been achieved have been entirely satisfactory. In
addition to the operations entirely connected with breeding much experience
has been gained regarding feeding and general management of sheep;
for it will be easily realised that in a country like India where the
pastoral and climatic conditions differ so vastly from other sheep-breeding tracts
special provision is necessary to maintain the health of the flock. Our main
line of experiment was that of crossing the Indian ewe with the Australian
Merino. The result of this first cross is usually very striking and instead
of hair (for such only can it be described) such as is found on the Indian ewe, the
fleece of the half-bred exhibits distinct features of wool. In most oases there is
an increase of staple with a greater strength and softness. Its most noticeable
feature is the increased "swint" or natural lanoline which is practically non-
existent in the common Indian sheep, the absence of which gives to the wool the
harsh dry character which is so noticeable. The yield is greater in quantity and
its market value is three to four times that of country wool. The shape of the
first cross-bred also differs from that of its dam. The head assumes a nearer
approach to the shape of its male parent and the roman nose and lop ears
characteristic of desi breeds begin to disappear. In the best specimens the half-
bred is not as leggy as the Indian sheep but does not improve much in size of
carcase. This experiment was followed up by selecting the best of these half-bred
ewes and mating them to the Australian Merino, the progeny being classed as
three quarter-bred. These lambs presented perhaps more irregularity, than was
the case with the half-breds, and although most of them showed a still further
improvement, there were some that did not appear to benefit much from the
second cross. However when carefully examined there were points which at first
unnoticed had ultimately to be appreciated. The wool became longer in staple, is
finer, softer, and has a decided crimp. It still contains a certain amount of kemp.
The latest cross of lambs has been bred from these three-quarter-bred ewes by a
Merino and here a very appreciable improvement in the quality and quantity of
the wool has been achieved.
51. It is hoped that by mating these graded ewes with similarly graded
rams the improvement will remain fixed.
52. The second set of experiments was carried out on the lines of Mendel,
that is to say, the half-bred ewes were mated with half-bred Merino rams (unrela-
ted). The result of this was not altogether satisfactory, certainly some lambs
exhibited a fixed improvement, but many seemed to decline somewhat in quality.
It has been decided not to proceed any further on these lines at present.
53. The third series of experiments was that of introducing half-bred rams
into country flocks. Here it was found we had a useful way of disposing of our
young surplus male half-breds and it is thought that if even this does not improve
the wool very rapidly; it certainly would be better for the native flocks to be sired
by rams of this description than by the indigenous country ram which in most
cases is closely related to ewes he runs with. At first these animals were given
away to deserving shepherds, but a demand for them has arisen and we are now
able to sell them for moderately large prices. It is difficult in many cases to
ascertain what the result has been, but in those flocks under intelligent supervision
a considerable improvement on the country stock has been noted.
54. So far our experiments have been confined to wool and we have depend-
ed on the Merino for improving this commodity. In view of the increased
demand for mutton and its enhanced price together with the probability of cold