CATTLE SDRVEY OF THE AMB1TSAR DISTRICT. 7 



production. In the poorer parts of the district the people have to put up 

 with inferior animals that are not up to the work. It is a noteworthy fact 

 that buffaloes are being used much more in ploughs by the poorer 

 cultivators every year and this is due to the high price of bollocks. 



14. Owing to the lack of grazing grounds the condition of cattle 

 Condition of cattle breeding is unsatisfactory. It is true that there 



breeding. are sfc jj] considerable grazing facilities in the ' Bet ' 



lands but the grass is very poor iu quality and the conditions very 

 unhealthy for cattle. As far as possible cultivators should be encouraged 

 to breed their own bullocks and sufficient grazing areas should be pro- 

 vided for them whenever practicable. Since grazing facilities have 

 disappeared buffaloes have to a great extent taken the place of cows for 

 milk and ghi production as they accommodate themselves better to a 

 stall-fed existence and pay better under these conditions. The importance of 

 breeding bullocks has been overlooked as ib has been possible to buy them. 

 There is a growing tendency, however, to take more care of the male 

 calves with a view to their making useful bullocks. The advantages to be 

 gained by obtaining the services of a good bull for their cows are quite 

 appreciated by the inhabitants of the Manjha at least and they frequently 

 take their cows considerable distances for service. This increased interest 

 in breeding is a very healthy sign. 



15. The problem of the satisfactory supply of bulls is a very difficult 

 Supply of Balls. one ' Ownerless bulls are no longer treated with 

 StatementNo.il. { ^ Q re8 p ec t they were but are regarded as a 



tax on local resources as no doubt they are. Dedicated bulls are generally 

 very bad specimens and though they may be tolerated they are rarely 

 serviceable animals. Government bulls nut being dedicated may be 

 popular or unpopular according hs their services are regarded. 



Statement II shows the number and distribution by tahsils of bulls 

 used exclusively for breeding in the district. It should be recognised that 

 many of the cows are served by the young males that are found in every 

 village herd and have not yet been castrated and put to work. 



For the last 20 years or more Hissar balls have been spasmodically 

 distributed in the district by the local authorities but no proper record 



