Some Genetic and Selection Characteristics of Bozakh Sheep Breed in the Western Region of Azerbaijan

Sheep breeding is one of the oldest and most profitable branches of animal husbandry.The state pays special attention and care to the development of sheep breeding in our country.Because, unlike other animals raised in agriculture, sheep have the characteristics of producing more types of products.Sheep produce mutton and dairy products that are well absorbed by the human body.Mutton differs from the meat of other animals in its high calorie content and low cholesterol content in its fat.Sheep wool is considered superior as a raw material source for the wool processing industry and for human health due to its beneficial properties and cannot be replaced by any textile fiber.In Azerbaijan, gene pools of a large number of valuable sheep breeds have been created through folk selection to meet people's needs for food products.Examples of these breeds include: Absheron, Mil-Karabakh, Balbas, Bozakh, Godek, Jaro, Shirvan, Lezgi, Azerbaijan Mountain Merino, Mazek, Garadolag, etc.The article studies some genetic and selection characteristics of Bozax sheep bred in the western region of Azerbaijan.Bozax sheep are bred for meat-milk-wool production.Depending on the direction, the weight and yield of the animal change.These animals are local, distinguished by their high productivity.Currently, in the conditions of a market economy, pedigree Bozakh sheep are also bred in sheep farms and private farms of our country.