19

The fodder situation in the tract was again difficult
for cattle rearing. The sales of cattle at unremunerative
prices were much heavier than in normal years owing to the
dearth of fodder. Notwithstanding the difficulties, however,
the interest now being taken by the average Dhanni cattle
breeder is very much greater than formerly as the result of
the very ready sale for Dhanni bullocks of a good type to
zamindars in the Central Punjab districts. The work of the
scheme has very definitely raised the standard of the Dhanni
bullocks now available for sale from the tract.

                                II.—EQUINES.

Number of stallions. —
Table VIII.

37. At the close of the year under report there were
60 horse and pony stallions in the
non-selected districts of the Province,
as compared with 64 at the close of the
previous year. The number of donkey stallions was 81
against 82 last year.

During the year under report the following additions
and castings were made amongst horse and donkey stal-
lions :—

At the close of the year the sanctioned scale of the non-
selected districts (76 horses and 86 donkeys) was short by
16 horses and 5 donkey stallions. Steps are being taken to
make good the deficiency as soon as possible according as
suitable stallions are available.

Services of stallions.—
Table VIII.

38. The total number of mares covered by horse and
donkey stallions during the year under
report was 3,600 and 3,473 as compared
with 3,587 and 3,076, respectively, during
the previous year.

There is quite an appreciable reduction in many districts
in the number of pony mares now being maintained for
breeding purposes. The Department will, as circumstances
permit, maintain stallion power under the sanctioned strength
and in due course decide whether a permanent reduction
can be made.