Studies in Ancient Hindu Polity (Based on the Arthashastra of Kautilya), Vol. I c6.32

c6.32

The same quantities of the above commodities less by one-quarter formed the food of mules, cows and asses; and twice the above quantities were given to buffaloes and camels. The quantities fixed above, however, could be varied to suit the needs of particular occasions. For example, the rations allowed to oxen kept to work were proportioned to the length of time they were worked, and in the case of cows that were milked, an increase was made in the amount of food.¹ The main items of food were of course water and straw, which were always given in plenty to all cattle,² while whey (उदश्वित्) was given to pigs and dogs.³