History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c27.s3.t5.5

v1.c27.s3.t5.5

The criteria detailed for selection of bulls for breeding purposes can be grouped to indicate vigour, health, body conformation and freedom from congenital defects/infections as shown in *Table 6*. It may be noticed that these empirical criteria are valid even in the present day context when claim is made to have comprehensive understanding of the selection attributes. Information is also available about the particulars of the time of the service and the ratio of the males to the females to be maintained in the herd of cows and buffaloes. Inclusion of four bulls in every herd of ten cows or buffaloes had been recommended. In the case of cows the colour of pigment of skin was considered to be the index of nutritive value of milk. The milk of black cows was considered to be the most nutritive, of the red next to it, and that of white to be the least.