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Measurements of cattle (bulls, bullocks and cows) in the BIHAR, subdivision of PATNA district.

BREED.

Sex.

Age.

Colour.

Height
behind
the
hump.

Length
of body
from
behind
hump
to root
of tail.

Girth at
chest.

Girth of
forearm.

Girth of
shank.

REMARKS.

Indigenous.

Imported.

Cross-bred.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Yrs.

Ft.

In.

Ft.

In.

Ft.

In.

In.

In.

Bull ... ... ...

...

...

Male ...

5

Red ... ...

4

3

3

0

5

4

7

7

Bullock ... ...

...

...

Do. ...

8

Blackish ... ...

4

0

3

2

5

0

7

7

Cow ... ... ...

...

...

Female

4

White ... ...

3

8

3

0

5

0

6

6

                                     BIHAR SUBDIVISION—PATNA DISTRICT.

  Information in connection with proposals for improving the breed of cattle in Bengal.

Serial
number.

Questions.

Answers.

1

2

3

1

What is the total land area of the subdivision (cultivated, grazing, and
sterile, separately, if practicable) ?

793 square miles (cultivated, grazing, &c., cannot be given separately).

2

Is any land available on a Government estate or otherwise, and if so, on
what estate, which is suited for cattle-breeding ?

Hill and jungle land available in Government estate Ghora Katora (Girick)
where cattle-breeding may be tried.

3

How are cattle fed, whether stall-fed or grazed, or both ; and whether any
any grain, &c., is allowed ?

Cattle are grazed and stall-fed, both. No grain, &c., allowed as a rule.
Plough cattle and cattle for loading and driving are given sattu or grain.

4

Is grazing scarce or plentiful ? ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Neither scarce nor plentiful. Barely sufficient.

5

Is there any scarcity of drinking water for cattle ? ... ... ... ...

Scarcity of drinking water for cattle felt only in the hot weather.

6

Are the cattle sheltered during the winter and rains ? ... ...

Yes.

7

Number of bulls in proportion to cows, and sufficient or not ? ... ...

Proportion not known. Number of bulls in sufficient compared to number
of cows

8

Do the calves have all the cows' milk ; if not, how much ? ... ... ...

No. Quantity not fixed. Depends on the nature of the owner,

9

At what age are calves weaned, and how are they fed after weaning ? ...

At the age of 9 months. Grazed and stall-fed after weaning.

10

At what age are bull-calves gelded, and when do they begin work ? ...

When they attain two teeth (front) after loss of milk teeth. Say when 2
years old. Begin work at the age of 2½ years.

11

Is fodder stored for cattle, and if so, what does it comprise ? ... ...

Yes. Paddy, straw, and katua (straw of wheat, grain, &c).

12

Average yield of milk, and how long after calving do the cows continue to
give milk ?

1 ½ seers. Seven months or so.

13

Average price of local bulls, cows, and bullocks ... ... ... ...

Bulls, not usually sold, say Rs. 16, cows, Rs. 14, and bullocks, Rs. 20.

14

Ditto of imported ditto ... ... ... ... ...

Depends on size and quality.

15

Whence do the imported cattle come, and for what purpose are they
imported ?

From Sonepur fair in Saran, Kant Barakpur fair in Shahabad, Falgu and
Deokund fairs in Gaya. Bulls are not imported. Cows for milk, bullocks
for plough carts and loading ( pac bullocks).

16

Is there any special system of cattle management in your subdivision ? ...

No.

17

What is the average height of the best bulls behind hump ? ... ... ...

4 feet 6 inches.

18

What is the average height of the worst bulls behind hump ? ... ...

3 feet 6 inches.

19

What is the average height of cows ? ... ... ... ... ... ...

3 feet 6 inches.

20

Are Brahmini bulls let loose ? ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Yes.

21

Are there too many Brahmini bulls ? ... ... ... ... ... ...

No,