( 7 )
larger had more stallions been maintained by the Budaun District Board, as the two
stallions standing there were stopped from covering, having completed their
numbers.
Three new stands have been opened: one at Bareilly under the municipal
board, one in Kheri district, and an additional stand in the Budaun district.
37. Regarding the young stock, progeny of these provincial stallions, it is
satisfactory to note the decided improvement and promise shown by them in
many places particularly in the districts of Saharanpur, Moradabad, Budaun
and Dehra Dun. Some exceptionally good young stock was noticed at the
Saharanpur fair. The Arabs "Bumblepuppy," "Sardar," "Copenhagen," and
"Brigand" all of which are very popular with the breeders, have maintained their
high standard and reputation as prime foal-getters. Requests for a stallion to be
located in the Bareilly district, under control of the district board, are received, but
so far the board has not provided funds for this purpose.
38. 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 the
general utility of the people 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 an animal which may be confidently
expected to further improve.
(ii) Donkey stallions.
See tables X
and XI.
39. At the beginning of the year there were 16 provincial donkeys on the
register and as no purchases were made and no casualties happened, the balance
at end of year remains the same. Of these donkeys 13, were at stud and the
number of mares covered by them amounted to 592, which shows an increase of 85
on last year's figures. There appears to be still an increasing demand for the
services of donkey stallions for mule-breeding; but, as was mentioned last year, the
limited number available renders it difficult to meet the demand. It has been found
impossible to obtain donkey stallions suitable for the purpose in India, therefore
it may be mentioned again that it is essential to think about making some
arrangements for importing them for future use if the mule-breeding industry is to
be encouraged and sustained.
SHEEP-BREEDING.
40. During the year under report operations have been started in this
direction, as was proposed last year, with the object of ascertaining if there is any
possibility of improving the quality and quantity of the wool of the Indian sheep.
Experimental flocks have been formed and located at Aligarh, Moradabad,
Bahraich, Kheri, Allahabad, Banda, Partabgarh, and Lucknow, and imported Merino
rams introduced into the flocks. Already some 55 half-bred Merino lambs have
been born but as yet it is too early to give any opinion in the matter. The ques-
tion of sheep-breeding has been taken up at the Kapurthala State, the Partabgarh
Courts of Wards Estates, the Jumna Mission Agricultural farm, and it is believed
that some interest is being evoked in this most important subject which it is hoped
will not be allowed to drop for want of continuity of policy or lack of funds. For
this experiment 12 Merino rams were purchased, and during the year there were
four casualties.
FAIRS AND SHOWS.
See table XIV.
41. Wherever possible these fairs and shows were attended by officers of
the Civil Veterinary department, and Mr. Wilson was present and judged exhibits
at the Dadri, Dewa, Khairabad, Etawah, Sardhua, Naraini, Hardoi, and Saharanpur
fairs. The Deputy Superintendent was deputed to the Bulandshahr fair and
veterinary inspectors to those within their respective circles. Temporary veteri-
nary dispensaries were opened in connection with the Etawah, Bulandshahr,
Saharanpur, and Batesar fairs under charge of district board or municipal
veterinary assistants. Interesting specimens of drugs, instruments, &c., dealing
with treatment of agricultural stock were on view at the Etawah Exhibition
and demonstrations in inoculations and other methods were given.
Rupees 1,401 were contributed towards prize awards and this amount was
distributed at Saharanpur, Bulandshahr, Banda, and Ballia fairs.