Economic and Biological Characteristics of Ram Lambs Created by Crossbreeding Edilbay Ewes with Dorper Rams

This research is important due to the need to increase efficiency in sheep production across the southern regions of Russia in order to improve food security and meat quality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of crosses between Edilbay ewes and Dorper rams on productive and biochemical parameters of the sheep youngstock in the southern regions of Russia. The animals used in the experiment are divided into three groups: purebred Edilbay rams (the control group), crossbred youngstock with equal proportions of blood (1/2 Edilbay × 1/2 Dorper, the first group), and crossbred youngstock with a higher proportion of Dorper blood (1/4 Edilbay × 3/4 Dorper, the second group). The youngstock in the second group differ in that they have the highest liveweight and improved biochemical characteristics. The liveweight of ram lambs in this group is 10.3% higher (p < 0.05) than that in the control animals. The crude protein content in the blood of the second group of lambs comprises 110.89 ± 10.86 g/L, which exceeds the parameter value for the control animals (105.68 ± 5.33 g/L) by 4.9% (p < 0.05). The serum calcium level in the second group of animals is 84.3% (p < 0.001) higher than that in the first group of animals, which indicates increased mineral metabolism. Therefore, crossbreeding Edilbay ewes with Dorper rams helps improve the productive and physiological parameters of the youngstock due to the significant heterosis effect, especially in the crossbred animals.