28
that measures should be taken in every district where breeding is possible,
to improve and maintain the local breeds.
Bull rearing
and breeding
Farms
and
Depots;
171. The main results of the working of the Provincial Cattle Farms are
given in Table IX.
172. The largest and most important of these is the Northcote Cattle Farm
at Chharodi which has continued under the supervision of this Department during
the year, at the close of which the herd consisted of 5 stock bulls, 150 cows, 86
heifers, 30 heifer calves, 6 three years old bulls, 10 two years old bulls, 18 year-
ling bulls and 22 bull calves. Seven stock bulls were sold. 47 bull
calves and 48 heifer calves were dropped; a very good percentage. The
farm as a bull breeding one is reported to be just beginning to get into thorough
working order and in future years a steady and increasing supply of stock bulls
will be available for issue, but at present the demand is greater than the
supply.
173. The bull breeding farms and depôts in Bengal are situated at Pusa,
Siripur and Kalimpong. At Pusa there are only 49 cows, 1 bull and 55 young
stock. Three bulls were sent into the districts. The animals bred are report-
ed to be disappointing in shape, and deficient in bone and substance notwith-
standing that the cows and bull are good and the grazing and feeding in general
are all that could be desired. It seems very probable that Pusa is no more
suitable for cattle breeding than it has proved to be for horse breeding and rear-
ing. The rejections from the young stock are many. The herd is under the
management of the Imperial Agriculturist. The Inspector General of
Agriculture has decided not to keep the herd after next year. Proposals with
regard to the transfer of the herd to the Bengal Government are under consi-
deration.
174. Siripur Farm.—There are 42 desi cows and 1 stud bull besides young
stock. Four bulls are ready for issue and there are 9 selected two-year old stock
and 56 calves. Four bulls have been let loose in the dehat in the neighbour-
hood of the farm and are reported to be doing useful work. The results are
reported to be satisfactory and are due to the interest taken in the farm by the
Superintendent Mr. M. Mackenzie.
175. Kalimpong.—This farm was started in January 1908 under the man-
agement of the St. Andrew's Colonial Homes, with 28 cows and 2 bulls of the
Siri breed purchased in Bhutan. These animals being of hill breed and very
susceptible to Rinderpest suffered severely from an outbreak of that disease
and at the end of the year only 18 cows remained. Efforts are being made to
obtain more cows.
176. In the Central Provinces.—Much attention has been given to cattle
breeding by the new Superintendent. The Telankheri farm he does not ap-
prove of, as the site is not a good one for a cattle farm, the land producing poor
grazing and the cattle, being stunted in consequence; moreover the stock is more
than the land can carry. It may be considered advisable to change the site of
this farm. There are only 46 cows present and a total stock of 166 head.
177. Powarkhera.—This farm is reported to be making good progress and
the quality and condition of the Malwi herd is good. There are only 21 cows
and the total stock numbers 51 head.
178. Kindri.—In the Mandla district is very satisfactory and the stock
could be safely increased.
179. Nimkhera.—In the Ellichpur district is not being carried on as origi-
nally intended but there is every reason to think that this condition will be
altered and improved. New cattle of the Khamgaon breed will be purchased
by the Superintendent.
180. It may be remarked that none of these farms are under the control of
the Provincial Superintendent of this Department. The Agricultural Depart-
ment has, the Superintendent considers, signally failed; as the graduates while
capable of looking after the farming are totally incapable of taking charge of