37
to prevent spread and the Veterinary establishment is to be congratulated on
their success in this direction.
265. Breeding herd—Herd bulls.—The number of herd bulls at the begin-
ning of the year (Table XVI) was 22. One was added from the male stock, 1
was sold as useless and two were castrated as their stock was not up to the stan-
dard. We are still not well off for bulls but are doing what is possible to give
the most promising male stock a chance. The selection of bulls for a breeding
herd like this is a momentuous matter and the very greatest care is exercised
in the selection.
266. Cows.—There were 1,097 cows present at the beginning of the year
and 222 farm bred heifers were transferred to the herds. There were 38 deaths,
80 were cast and sold and 2 destroyed, leaving a balance of 1,199 present at the
end of the year. Sanction has been accorded to an increase in the number of
cows to 1,500 which the farm can in present circumstances easily carry. I find
on Major Farmer's return from furlough that herd books had been maintained
at the Farm until he left, but that owing to some misapprehension they were not
forthcoming last year, when required by me. They are now being maintained.
267. Male produce.—There were 900 male produce at the beginning of the
year. 406 were born and 2 purchased; of these 95 died, 2 were destroyed, 64
were sold as unfit, and 276 transferred, leaving a balance of 871. at the end of the
year.
268. Female produce.—The number at the beginning of the year was 699
and there were 381 births, against which were 64 deaths, 1 destroyed, 161 sold as
unfit and 222 transferred to the breeding herd, leaving a balance of 632 at the
end of the year. It is satisfactory to note that the rejected female stock is
keenly sought after by breeders and that although not good enough for our
herds they are better than the outside cattle. The distribution of this stock
to the districts has a good effect on cattle breeding in the neighbourhood.
269. Calves.—The number of calves born shows a marked increase over
last year—787 against 577 last year; of these 406 were males and 381 females.
270. Supernumerary bulls.—Eighty one were sold to Districts and were the
best lot so far issued. The rate at which they are sold to districts is a nominal
one and better prices could easily be realized for them.
271. Cultivation bullocks.—There were 309 at the beginning of the year, 8
were purchased and 26 transferred; of these 12 died, 20 were destroyed as worn
out, 35 were sold and 61 transferred to Ordnance leaving a balance of 215.
Young farm bred bullocks are now broken and used, and passed on when old
enough.
272. Ordnance Bullocks.—One hundred and twenty-five bullocks were
supplied for Siege train purposes at Rs. 150 each, this is still far short of the
authorised number but it is hoped that 180 or more may be issued next year.
273. Mules.—As stated last year we have great difficulties in purchasing
young mules likely to become fit for ordnance purposes in the open market. We
have, late in the year, had several of the Army Remount Department markets
thrown open to us. Our purchases were confined practically to the fairs open
to us last year and it was found possible to buy only 25 animals. Endeavours
will be made to obtain more now that better markets have been opened. The
mules purchased in the market are not so good as those bred on the farm.
274. The result of the mule operations is not at all satisfactory at present,
as our numbers are steadily decreasing. Last year there was a fall from 226 to
137 and this year a further drop to 107 has taken place, as we only obtained 25
by purchase and 22 by birth, whilst 30 were issued to Ordnance, 28 to Trans-
port, 3 died, 15 were cast and sold and 1 was destroyed.
275. Donkey Stallions.—There were 12 present during the year, of these 7
were Catalans received in India too young to issue. The remaining 5 are used
for mule and donkey breeding. The Catalans have now been issued to the
districts.
276. Donkey mares.—There were 85 present at the close of last year and
10 fillies were transferred. Of these 3 died, 1 was destroyed, and 3 were sold as
worn out, leaving a balance of 88 at the end of the year. The quality of the