ECONOMICALLY USEFUL SIGNS OF SHEEP USED IN INTRODUCTORY CROSSING IN THE REPUBLIC OF TUVA CONDITIONS

The wool of Tuvan short-fat-tailed sheep is coarse, mainly used for the production of felt; for wider use in production, it is necessary to improve its quality properties, therefore work to improve the quality of wool of Tuvan sheep is quite relevant. The most effective method of increasing the wool productivity of Tuvan short-fat-tailed sheep is crossing. The purpose of research is to carry out individual selection of ewes and select sires for them and conduct introductory crossing of Tuvan short-fat-tailed ewes with Gorno-Altai breed sires. For the experiment, stud rams of the Gorno-Altai and Tuvan short-fat-tail breeds and ewes of the Tuvan short-fat-tail breed were selected. In the process of work, their main productive qualities were studied, and measurements of the animals’ physique were taken. The breeding ram of the Gorno-Altai breed was characterized by a well-defined type of animal of the meat and wool direction of productivity in terms of live weight and exterior-constitutional characteristics. Its live weight was 67.8 kg, wool clipping was 3.1 kg, which was higher than that of the Tuvan short-fat tail sire by 14.7 and 72.2 %. The breeding ram of the Gorno-Altai breed was distinguished by greater altitudinal and latitudinal measurements. It exceeded the local manufacturer in height at the withers by 9 cm, height at the rump – by 10, oblique length of the body – by 7, depth of the chest – by 3.5, width at the shoulder – by 3, and girth of the chest – by 2 cm, respectively. The ewes used in the experiment weighed on average 49.6 kg, with a wool clip of 1.5 kg.