FEATURES OF THE EXTERIOR OF KAZAKH FAT-RUMPED COARSE-WOOLED SHEEP OF VARIOUS SEX AND AGE GROUPS

Sheep industry is an important branch of animal husbandry in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh fat-rumped coarse-wooled breed was developed by Kazakh people. Animals of this breed are popular in almost all regions of the country. There is evidence that the presence of extra vertebrae in sheep can affect meat production by increasing carcass length and carcass weight. The main purpose of this research is a comprehensive study of the exterior parameters of the Kazakh fat-rumped coarse-wooled sheep in the three farms: “Tokan 1” farm in Zhetysu region, “Razakhun” and “Atai” farms in Jambul region. The comparative characterization of age and exterior features revealed some differences between 4 months old ewe lambs, ram lambs, and breeding ewes on these farms. In terms of body size measurements, ewe lambs and breeding ewes in all farms were characterized by harmonious physique and well expressed meat forms, they expressed high level of meat performance. It should be noted that the sheep of “Tokan 1” farm had a significantly wider and longer body, as evidenced by the thoracic and stretch indexes. It can be assumed that sheep from this farm may be more responsive to selection for a long body by the formation of additional vertebrae and ribs.