THE OX. 



297 



Spare oxett. — It is advisable to have two spare oxen with each span, Spare 

 to replace the sick or lame. A sick or lame ox should be removed from oxen, 

 the span at once, as he does not represent any draught power, is in fact 

 " a passenger," and has to be dragged along by the others. 



Time required for grazing. — Oxen should be allowed to graze at Time 

 least six hours a day ; this, unless the grass is good and plentiful, is required 

 insufficient. When practicable, oxen should be grazed an hour before gj-^^ine 

 starting in the morning ; this would enable them to ruminate (chew the ^' 

 cud) en route. 



In India the draught ox is worked in pairs, yoked to small carts. In India. 

 They are rarely harnessed in teams of more than four, and that is 

 exceptional, and as the roads are hard and good, they have to be 

 shod. They are employed in Government service, for drawing siege 

 guns and as draught and pack transport. Siege train bullocks are 

 specially large, powerful specimens bred for the purpose, and for this 

 work they are eminently suited, as they stand fire well. 



Selectio7i and age. — In India bullocks purchased by Government are Selection 

 required to attain a certain standard of measurement, as under : — and age. 



The hump should be firm and plump, the back level, and the whole 

 body muscular. 



Malformation of the hoofs and turning out the toes excessively are 

 causes of rejection. 



With working oxen, lameness from sprains and bony enlargements 

 of the hock are to be looked for. 



