AUSTRALIA 



43 



The Zebu-Shorthorn Cross. 



' ' One pei'iiianeiit remedy, however, now seems to be suggested 

 as the result of the experiments referred to, i.e., the infusion of 

 Zebu blood into ordinary cattle subject to infection. The atten- 

 tion of a landed proprietor near Bone having some years ago 

 been drawn to the fact that a couple of Zebus he possessed and 

 their crosses were always in good condition, whilst the cattle 

 around suffered greatly or died from the attacks of cattle ticks, 

 led to a careful investigation being made, with the result that 

 it was found that Zebus and their crosses are not so susceptible 

 to the attacks of cattle ticks, and although the micro-parasites 

 of the blood may occasionally be seen on microscopical 

 examination, no ill-eff'ects follow. 



"The secretion from the sebaceous glands of their skin has 

 a peculiar odour, which seems repugnant to insect life. The 

 hide, though it may be as thin as in European breeds of cattle, 

 appears to be much tougher; the hair is quite short, and does not 

 provide favourable shelter for the development of ticks. 



" 'Young bulls," says Lieut. -Col. Gunn, 'sell from SO to 150 

 rupees (about £6 to £12. Possibly they would cost a little more 

 now),. Several fine animals have been exported to South 

 America. During 1906, buyers came from Brazil, and about 

 200 young cattle were taken awav to that distant country, Avhere 

 the breed has become very popular.' 



