NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
2
Received dur-
ng the year.
2. The number received during the year is given below:—
Whence received.
From England
...
Omitted in last year's returns
Purchased in India
...
By transfer from reserved
colts.
By transfer from Bombay ...
By transfer from Bengal ...
Claus of Stallions.
Thorough-bred English ...
Three-quarter bred ...
Half-bred and Norfolk Trotters
Norfolk Trotters ... ...
Arab (horse) ... ...
Australian ... ...
Arab (pony) ... ...
Country-bred ... ...
Thorough-bred English ...
Norfolk Trotter ... ...
Half-bred English ...
TOTAL ...
Bengal
Presidency.
7
1
27
2
22
2
...
3
1
1
...
66
Bombay
Presidency.
2
...
...
...
3
...
2
...
...
...
1
8
3. Two Australians and 22 Arabs were purchased in India by the Inspector-
General, Civil Veterinary Department, during the year under report.
4. The stallions obtained from England appear generally of the stamp in-
dented for. It remains to be proved whether the half-bred and three-quarter
bred horses will produce as good stock as the Norfolk Trotters with longer
pedigrees have given.
5. Of the Australians purchased in India, one is thorough-bred and the
other Norfolk Trotter on both the sire and dam side. The Arabs were as a lot
good; but, as has been remarked in former annual reports, the difficulty ex-
perienced in obtaining a sufficient number of pure-bred, large-boned Arabs is
yearly increasing. It has been suggested that larger sums be offered for Arab
stallions in the Bombay market. My experience of now 43 years in the Arab
horse mart of Bombay leads me to believe that the monies now paid are suffi-
cient for the stamp of horse obtained. True it is that we hear of prices from
Rs. 2,000 to 10,000 being given for some Arab horses; but these are as a rule
fancy prices for race horses, and the majority of these fancy priced animals are,
though of high class, quite unfit for stud purposes on account of being very
deficient in bone and substance.
The demand for stud Arabs in Northern Arabia and Syria by European
Continental Governments has doubtless raised the prices in those provinces :
but I gather from reliable. Arab importers that prices from Rs. 1,200 to 2,000
are sufficient inducement to ensure the best Arabs obtainable in South Arabia
being imported to Bombay.
Among the Bombay dealers, as among dealers in most countries, are a
few men who put long prices on moderate, but fat and sleek, horses with the
hope of selling some of them to native noblemen or their agents. These
high priced Arabs are as a rule high under the standard, but shallow in girth
and long in leg, and, when fattened up and in dealers' condition, become in the
eyes of those who like tall horses excellent, and worth the large sums they are
priced at.
4
they being mostly on the leg without substance. This is not saying much for
our horses, but the fact is breeding is such a hazard that good ones are excep-
tions, and most breeders only breed for the turf."
10. The Director, Army Remount Department, in paragraph 48 of his
Annual Administration Report for 1892-93 notes his opinion as to the stud
horses required for India. The reasons why the classes of stallions sought for
are not obtained in numbers sufficient for the demands of the Government of
India I have above noted.
11. It has been stated that if more money were allowed by the Right
Hon'ble the Secretary of State for stallions purchased in Great Britain and
Ireland, that thorough-breds of the right stamp would be easily secured; but
I believe General Thornhill has recorded that he was satisfied with the
amount sanctioned, and would not obtain better thorough-breds than those
purchased by him were he allowed more funds. The fact is that it is difficult
to obtain thorough-breds in sufficient numbers of the class required, viz., deep
in girth, broad in chest, with short, large jointed, and big boned limbs of a
build of the hunter stamp. Doubtless thorough-breds are sold at prices rang-
ing above the limit sanctioned by the Secretary of State (350 guineas) up to
£20,000 to £30,000; but, though these high-priced animals with racing
pedigrees are used for racing stud purposes, they would not be considered of
the hunter type fit for Government stud purposes in India.
Casualties.
12. The number of casualties and the diseases from which stallions died
are given in Appendix III (vide page 82). The following table gives the
abstract of casualties:—
Presidency.
Bengal
...
Bombay
...
Province.
North-Western Pro-
vinces.
Punjab ... ...
Deccan... ...
Gruzerat ...
Sind ... ...
Number
died.
8
5
1
1
2
Number
destroyed.
20
...
...
...
...
Total.
28
5
1
1
2
Average
death.
4.85
5.40
Average
destroyed
7.46
...
General
average.
12.31
5.40
13. The casualties amongst horse stallions were 4 against 6 last year in
Bombay. In the Punjab there were only five deaths, giving an average of 3.20
against 11.32 last year. In the North-Western Provinces the great number of
destructions is accounted for by the fact that, owing to the paucity of stallions,
a number of vigorous old horses were kept on from last year and the year before,
and these had to be destroyed during the year, either being worn out or the sub-
jects of disease, the result of senility. Sixteen were destroyed, being worn out.
Three deaths may be ascribed to accidental causes; one died at Bombay shortly
after arrival, and one was transferred for treatment from Baluchistan. This
leaves three deaths from disease amongst the stallions of the North-Western
Provinces.
Sales.
14. Appendix IV (vide page 84) shows the horses disposed of by sale.
Nine were purchased from the Department for stud purposes, and 13 were cast
for reasons rendering them unfit.
15. Several of the low-priced horses sold for stud purposes had been
purchased in the Bombay market to meet the demand of District Boards for
galloways and ponies.
5
Number
of
stallions
pre-
sent.
16. The stallions of various classes on the strength of the Bengal, Bombay,
and Central India establishments on the 31st March 1893 were as follows:—
Breeds.
Thorough-bred English ... ...
Three-quarter bred ... ...
Half-bred and Norfolk Trotters ...
Australian
...
...
...
Arab (horse) ... ... ...
Do. (pony) ... ... ...
Persian ... ... ...
Turkoman ... ... ...
Country-bred ...
TOTAL ...
Bengal.
53
1
130
4
86
...
1
1
6
282
Bombay.
11
1
7
...
25
30
...
...
...
74
Central India.
...
...
...
...
6
...
...
...
1
7
17. This gives a total of 282 against 268 last year in Bengal and 74 against
76 in Bombay. The seven horses in Central India have only been brought on
the strength this year. Of those noted as in Bengal 35 were in depôt for accli-
matization, and therefore their services were not available in the districts, 18
were awaiting sale, and others were under treatment for accidents or disease.
Distribution.
18. The table below gives the distribution of stallions for the last 17 years
in the horse-breeding provinces:—
YEARS.
1876-77 ... ...
1877-78 ... ...
1878-79 ... ...
1879-80 ... ...
1880-81 ... ...
1881-82 ... ...
1882-83 ... ...
1883-84 ... ...
1884-85 ... ...
1885-86 ... ...
1886-87 ... ...
1887-88 ... ...
1888-89 ... ...
1889-90 ... ...
1890-91 ... ...
1891-92 ... ...
1892-93 ... ...
BENGAL.
North-Western Pro-
vinces.
152
160
194
148
144
148
107
106
125
133
131
115
116
107
124
137
Rajputana.
2
7
7
5
5
6
6
2
...
1
2
2
3
3
2
2
131
Punjab.
127
136
123
156
165
161
184
190
188
176
166
163
165
129
137
106
128
Baluchistan.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
14
13
19
21
23
23
Total.
281
303
324
309
314
315
297
308
313
310
299
294
297
258
284
268
282
BOMBAY.
Deccan.
...
...
27
41
40
45
47
41
37
45
55
58
55
50
48
45
45
Gujrat.
...
...
17
22
20
24
20
18
18
19
20
17
14
1
11
11
10
Sind
and Cutch.
....
...
12
12
9
9
13
16
17
17
28
28
27
23
24
20
19
Baluchistan.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
4
3
8
19
...
...
...
...
...
...
Central I ndi a.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
7
Total.
...
....
56
75
69
78
80
79
75
89
122
103
96
84
83
76
74
2
6
19. Maps will be found in the cover of this volume showing the breeding
districts of Bengal, Central India, and Bombay respectively. Stands where
horses are located are marked in red; where donkeys are stationed, in green.
20. Appendix V (vide page 86) gives the horse and donkey stands abolish-
ed and established in 1892-93. A summary is given below:—
North-Western Provinces ... ... ...
Punjab
... ... ... ... ...
Baluchistan ... ... ... ...
Bombay Presidency ... ... ... ...
TOTAL...
Number of stands
abolished.
2
2
2
6
12
Number of stands
established.
5
3
3
7
18
21. The number of stands established exceeds by six that of those abolished.
Stallions: De-
mand for—
22. The Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, North-Western
Provinces and Oudh, in his report states: "The want of hackney sires men-
tioned last year in my report still continues unabated." The remarks alluded
to by the Superintendent are: "The demand for stallions in the North-
Western Provinces continues, and I could utilize the services of 8 or 10 more
horses of the hackney stamp if I had them."
23. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, North Punjab, re-
marks: "I imagine that it is owing to financial difficulties that we are kept
so short of stallions. Speaking for the Punjab, it may safely be stated that
40 more horses might with great advantage be supplied. Last year 35 new
horses were indented for, but only 11 were received."
24. The Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Bombay Presidency,
states that "the demand for stallions is increasing, and I have indented for
3 thorough-breds and 3 three-quarter breds from England. I shall require to
purchase about 12 Arabs locally." In referring to Baluchistan, he remarks:
"I would once more call your attention to the fact of the extreme paucity of
stallions in Baluchistan. I am informed by Major Gaisford, Political Agent,
Quetta, that numbers of mares have been sent away owing to the fact that all
the horses in that district have considerably exceeded their limit. If available,
the following horses are urgently required:—
Quetta ... ... ... ... ...
Sibi ... ... ... ... ... ...
Arabs.
4
2
"If one or two three-quarter bred horses are available, their services will
be fully utilized at Quetta."
25. The reason why there is a paucity of stallions rests on the fact that
the number indented for on England was not fully supplied. The number
indented for was 77, and the number supplied 35.
Comparative
merits of stal-
lions.
26. In the following table, the number and class of sires, the produce of
which won prizes, is given:—
Class of sires.
Thorough-bred English
...
Half-bred English and
Norfolk Trotters ...
Australians (Walers) ...
Arabs ... ...
Stud-breds ... ...
Turkistans ... ...
Number of sires in each
class.
70
157
5
61
7
1
NUMBER OF FRIZES AWARDED.
1st prize.
59
129
2
35
1
...
2nd prize.
52
124
2
27
4
1
3rd prize.
33
125
2
32
...
2
Other prizes.
142
446
5
104
5
4
Total.
286
824
11
198
10
7
PROPORTION OF PRIZES TO EACH CLASS.
1st prize.
0.84
0.82
0.4
0.57
0.14
...
2nd prize.
0.74
0.78
0.4
0.44
0.57
1
3rd prize.
0.47
0.79
0.4
0.52
...
2
Other prizes.
2.28
2.84
1
1.70
0.70
4
Total.
4.85
5.24
2.2
3.24
1.42
7
8
33. The Bombay Presidency thus shows an increase of Rs. 9-7-6 over last
year's average. This is mainly due to dearness of grain and fodder. The
average has decreased by Rs. 11-13-1 in Bengal, and this is due to grain having
been plentiful.
Branded mares:
Number of—
34. On the 31st March 1892 the registers of branded mares showed the
numbers as given in the following tables:—
Presidency.
Bengal
...
Bombay
...
Province.
North-Western Provinces
...
Punjab
... ...
Rajputana
...
...
Deccan ... ...
Guzerat ... ...
Sind and Cutch ... ...
Baluchistan ... ...
TOTAL ...
BRANDED MARES.
Horse-
breeding.
4,243
8,159
...
1,313
1,044
2,315
1,027
18,101
Pony-
breeding.
...
...
...
5,891
1,233
284
18
7,426
Total.
4,243
8,159
...
7,204
2,277
2,599
1,045
25,527
35. During the year under report the number of mares as below were
added to the registers:—
Presidency.
Bengal
...
Bombay
...
Province.
North-Western Provinces
Punjab ... ...
Rajputana ... ...
Deccan ... ...
Guzerat ... ...
Sind and Cutch ...
Baluchistan ... ...
TOTAL ...
BRANDED AND REGIS-
TERED.
Horse.
419
700
...
236
33
131
140
1,659
Pony.
...
...
...
247
57
81
4
389
RECEIVED FROM OTHER
DISTRICTS.
Horse.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Pony.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Total.
419
700
...
483
90
212
144
2,048
36. The standard of mares was raised this year in consequence of strict
injunctions from the office of Inspector-General, Civil Veterinary Department,
not only to secure the best mares, but on account of the paucity of stallion
power not to have the horses at stud over-taxed, and most careful selection of
only those possessing good brood points was made.
9
37. The table beneath gives the numbers removed from the registers for
various reasons:—
Died ... ... ... ...
Sold ... ... ... ...
Transferred to other districts ... ...
Stolen
... ... ... ...
Struck off register ... ... ...
TOTAL ...
BENGAL.
Horse.
529
499
...
33
4
1,065
BOMBAY.
Horse.
303
275
...
...
...
578
Pony.
795
826
...
...
...
1,621
TOTAL.
1,627
1,600
...
33
4
3,264
38. The balance remaining on the 31st of March 1893 is shown below.
Details will be found in Appendix VII (vide page 92):—
Presidency.
Bengal
...
Bombay
...
Province.
North-Western Provinces ...
Punjab ... ... ...
Rajputana ... ...
Deccan ...
...
...
Guzerat ...
...
...
Sind and Cutch ... ...
Baluchistan
...
...
TOTAL ...
Horse-
breeding.
4,376
8,387
190
1,029
1,019
2,446
1,167
18,614
Pony-
breeding.
...
...
...
4,696
1,111
365
22
6,194
TOTAL.
4,376
8,387
190
5,725
2,130
2,811
1,189
24,808
39. During the year 1,119 mares were branded in Bengal and 540 in
Bombay. At first sight it would appear by the total number of mares present
at the end of the year being only 24,808 against 25,527 last year that horse-
breeding is on the decline; but the reason why the total of this year is less is
owing to a strict census of branded mare stock having been taken during the
year in Bombay with the result that 2,199 were found to no longer exist, and
so were removed from the register; but as the number of mares branded during
the year is 1,659 compared to 1,231 last year, it is evident that breeding is not
on the wane.
40. More mares might have been added to the registers under this heading
in the North-Western Provinces had it not happened that the autumn fairs and
the heavy rains interfered with the movements of the Superintendent, Civil
Veterinary Department, and prevented him from visiting many promising
tracts of country, and so mare owners had not the opportunity of bringing newly
purchased mares for branding.
3
11
47. To facilitate reference, the average number of mares covered in 1891-
92 and 1892-93 are given. Details will be found in Appendix VIII (vide
page 94):—
Presidency.
Bengal
Bombay
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
1891-92.
43.98
34.81
1892-93.
43.42
34.62
48. It will be seen from this that the average is but slightly different from
last year. If to the numbers given above we add 20 per cent. for unbranded
mares covered with the connivance of native subordinates of the department,
and for branded mares whose owners are afraid to have the leaps registered, we
shall probably arrive at a fair estimate of the work performed by the Imperial
stallions. Here again a hope may be recorded that when the assistance of
patwaris of villages is rendered with regard to recording coverings and births
of foals, more reliable statistics will be afforded.
Produce; Num-
ber of—
49. The above paragraph applies equally to the table here given, of the
percentage of produce foaled to mares covered, and the average of foalings per
stallion for the last two years. Zamindars frequently fear to let it be known
that their mare has had a foal to a Government horse as they wrongly think
it might be seized by the authorities, so they bribe the zilladar or darinda to
report the mare as not having held, and hence we get no information of the
results of the covering of unbranded mares or of those branded ones whose
coverings are not registered :—
Presidency.
Bengal ... ... ... ...
Bombay ... ... ... ...
Central Provinces and Berar ... ...
PERCENTAGE OF PRO-
DUCE
TO MARES
COVERED.
1891-92.
30.42
40.76
...
1892-93.
31.07
42.24
60.85
AVERAGE OF PRODUCE
PER STALLION.
1891-92.
11.88
10.80
...
1892-93.
13.28
13.86
6.0
50. It will be noted that the average produce per stallion in the Central
Provinces and Berar is very low. The results of many of the coverings are
unknown, and the records have possibly not been kept with that accuracy which
is desired. It is hoped, however, that with the introduction of the Civil Vete-
rinary Department more accurate details will be obtained. The newly
appointed Superintendent, Civil Veterinary Department, Central Provinces and
Berar, will tour through the districts during the cold season, and will endeavour
to enlist the co-operation of district officers in the matter, so that we may
expect to be able to show better results next year.
51. An abstract from Appendix IX (vide page 95) showing the number
of country-bred remounts purchased during the last two years is given
below:—
Army Remount Department
...
...
Bengal Native Cavalry
...
...
...
Punjab Native Cavalry
...
...
...
Police Department
...
...
...
Bombay Native Cavalry ...
...
...
TOTAL...
BENGAL.
1891-92.
339
1,182
307
94
...
1,922
1892-93.
591
849
302
90
...
1,832
BOMBAY.
1891-92.
56
...
...
92
101
249
1892-93.
47
...
...
98
206
351
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION REPORT
OF THE
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT
IN INDIA
FOR THE OFFICAL YEAR
1892-93
SECTION I—MILITARY.
MULE BREEDING.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION REPORT
OF THE
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT IN
INDIA
FOR THE OFFICIAL YEAR
1892-93.
SECTION I—MILITARY.
MULE BREEDING.
Donkey stal-
lions: Number
of-
The number of donkey stallions on the register on the 1st April 1892
was as indicated in the table below:—
Spanish ... ... ... ...
Arab ... ... ... ... ...
Home-bred ... ... ... ...
Country-bred ... ... ... ...
Bokhara ... ... ... ... ...
Punjabi ... ... ... ... ...
Italian ... ... ... ... ...
French ... ... ... ... ...
Persian ... ... ... ... ...
Cyprian ... ... ... ... ...
Khorasani ... ... ... ...
TOTAL
...
Bengal.
11
58
8
1
4
21
121
11
28
26
...
289
Bombay.
...
4
...
...
1
...
11
...
4
2
1
23
5
18
Increase dur-
ing the year.
2. Those received since are shown in the following statement:—
Received by importation ... ... ...
Omitted in last year's return ... ... ...
Purchased in India ... ... ... ...
By transfer from "donkey colts," ... ...
By transfer from Bengal ... ... ...
TOTAL...
Bengal.
18
1
1
1
...
21
Bombay.
2
...
...
...
1
3
Decrease dur-
ing the year.
3. The donkey stallions removed for various reasons from the registers are
shown below:—
Died ... ... ... ... ...
Destroyed ... ... ... ...
Omitted from last year's return ... ... ...
Transferred to Bombay
...
...
...
Presented to His Highness the Maharaja of Sirmoor ...
Sold
... ... ... ... ...
TOTAL ...
Bengal.
11
6
3
1
1
...
22
Bombay.
...
1
...
...
...
1
2
4. The details concerning deaths and destructions will be found in
Appendix XI (vide page 98). The casualties during the year were 5.88 in
Bengal against 5.53 last year, and in Bombay 4.16 against 13.04 in last return.
One donkey has been presented to His Highness the Maharaja of Sirmoor ;
and one donkey was sold from the Bombay Register as noted in Appendix XII
(vide page 99).
Number
of
donkey
stal-
lions present.
5. The strength of donkey stallions as it stood on the 1st April 1893 is
shown in the following table:—
Spanish ... ... ... ...
Arab ... ... ... ...
Home-bred ... ... ... ...
Country-bred ... ... ... ...
Bokhara ... ... ... ...
Punjabi ... ... ... ...
Italian ... ... ... ...
French ... ... ... ...
Persian ... ... ... ...
Cyprian ... ... ... ...
Khorasani ... ... ... ...
TOTAL
...
Bengal.
10
48
8
1
4
22
136
11
25
23
...
288
Bombay.
...
3
...
...
...
...
13
...
5
2
1
24
19
Cost of keep,
&c., of donkey
stallions.
6. In Appendix XIII (vide page 100) may be found the cost of the feed
and keep of donkeys during 1892-93. The averages for the last 14 years are
given below:—
Tears.
1879-80 ...
1880-81 ...
1881-82 ...
1882-83 ...
1883-84 ...
1884-85 ...
1885-86 ...
Bengal.
Rs.
181
141
105
107
116
119
122
A.
1
1
9
11
3
7
12
P.
5
4
2
1
5
11
1
Bombay.
Rs. A. P.
...
...
...
233
194
240
202
9
4
13
15
0
8
10
6
Years.
1886-87 ...
1887-88 ...
1888-89 ...
1889-90 ...
1890-91 ...
1891-92 ...
1892-93 ...
Bengal.
Rs.
133
148
131
124
129
144
147
A.
8
3
11
13
1
8
0
P.
11
1
2
3
5
7
6
Bombay.
Rs.
230
291
260
270
272
254
290
A.
14
7
0
5
5
3
14
P.
9
7
6
5
10
3
3
This shows an increase in Bombay of Rs. 36-11-0 per head said to be due
to dearness of forage.
Pony
mares
covered.
7. The pony mares annually covered by Government donkeys during the
last 10 years are as follows:—
Years.
1883-84 ...
1884-85 ...
1885-86 ...
1886-87 ...
1887-88 ...
Bengal.
11,153
12,551
16,091
16,272
15,551
Bombay.
209
294
338
616
819
Years.
1888-89 ...
1889-90 ...
1890-91 ...
1891-92 ...
1892-93 ...
Bengal.
15,723
16,530
16,713
16,564
14,766
Bombay.
890
821
868
1,019
846
8. A general statement will be found in Appendix XIV (vide page 103)
giving the results of mule-breeding operations for 1892-93. A summary is
given below:—
Average number of mares covered per
donkey stallion.
Total number of mules foaled during the
year.
Percentage of mules foaled to mares
covered.
Average number of mules foaled per donkey
stallion.
BENGAL
1891-92.
63.38
4,758
30.11
18.58
1892-93.
59.28
4,527
30.26
18.23
BOMBAY.
1891-92.
43.32
88
19.86
4.8
1892-93.
39.00
96
15.16
6 38
23
multifarious duties, have most generously co-operated with the officers of the
Horse Breeding and Civil Veterinary Departments in furthering and fostering
the horse and mule breeding industry; without their help, so cordially given,
the successful results attained could not have been reached.
5. It is believed that since the transfer of the Horse-Breeding
Operations from the Military to the Revenue and Agricultural Department,
the District Officers generally have shown a much greater interest in the oper-
ations than formerly, and are convinced of the great importance of horse and
mule breeding as agricultural industries, which it is necessary to support both
on financial grounds and also with a view to providing the horse and mule stock
required by the State and public, and thus to no longer allow of Indian money
being sent to foreign countries for imported animals which can and should
be spent at home.
31st December 1893.
J. H. B. HALLEN,
Veterinary Lieutenant- Colonel,
Inspector General, Civil Veterinary Department.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.
ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION REPORT
OF THE
CIVIL VETERINARY DEPARTMENT IN
INDIA
FOR THE OFFICIAL YEAR
1892-93.
SECTION II.—REVENUE.
7