ANIMAL INDUSTRY 419 



rash, because the native adaptabihty is practically obliterated. 



The rest of Africa south of the Sahara presents rather different 

 problems in the improvement of cattle. Work in the British terri- 

 tories has been summarized by Darling (1934) and Professor R. G. 

 Wood (1934), who reach the general conclusion that results up to 

 date indicate that the introduction of Bos taurus from Europe, 

 either to develop pure-bred herds or to grade up the native races 

 of cattle, does not hold out as great hope in the colonial territories 

 as it does in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia, though there 

 are exceptions to this rule in some of the highland areas of Eastern 

 Africa. That attention should be concentrated on the general 

 improvement of the enormous herds of native-owned stock is 

 generally accepted, but opinions differ as to whether this improve- 

 ment will be best attained by selecting pure strains of individual 

 breeds, by crossing breeds to produce offspring retaining the good 

 qualities of each, or in certain cases by introducing foreign blood. 



As a first step in improvement, the introduction of Zebu bulls, 

 particularly the Afrikander of South Africa, has been advocated. 

 Smith (1937) differs from this opinion and recommends the use of 

 second-cross bulls from British bulls, in order to introduce some 

 of the characteristics of the better breed, whilst preserving the 

 hardiness of the local breed. In general, and contrary to widely 

 held opinions he opposes the use of grade bulls for fear of possible 

 atavistic reversions. Where very highly graded stock cannot be 

 maintained under normal ranching conditions, he recommends 

 the introduction of selected heifers from less advanced herds, 

 rather than grade bulls. He also stresses the advantages of main- 

 taining carefully selected herds of indigenous animals as part of a 

 general breeding policy. 



The possibility of improving native stock at once raises the prob- 

 lem of overgrazing. The difficulties created by the native attitudes 

 to cattle, which have been mentioned in connection with soil 

 erosion (Chapter V), present complex sociological problems. The 

 most obvious and simple measure of improvement is the castration 

 of inferior bulls, to ensure increased use of the better animals. This 

 has been done in Uganda and elsewhere, but as soon as activity 

 by the veterinary staff is slackened, the native reverts to his old 

 ways of unselective breeding. Even in the castration of inferior 



