Introductory Crossing in Meat and Fat Sheep Breeading in the Northern Region of Kazakhstan

In the context of modern sheep breeding development, an important task is to increase meat productivity while preserving the gene pool of indigenous breeds. The purpose of the study was to investigate the growth, development, and exterior characteristics of young animals obtained from mating Edilbay rams with Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wooled ewes. The experiment was carried out at Shugyla LLP (North Kazakhstan region), where purebred Kazakh fat-tailed lambs and crossbreds from introductory crossing were compared. Live weight was recorded at birth, 4 and 6 months of age, body measurements were taken, and body indices were calculated. It was established that crossbreds surpassed their peers in live weight: at birth by 0.3–0.6 kg, and at 6 months by 4.9–3.9 kg. Purebred animals were characterized by a more elongated and massive body type, whereas crossbreds had a more compact body conformation, a better-developed chest, and a stronger skeleton. The results confirm the effectiveness of using Edilbay rams for introductory crossbreeding, which ensures an increase in meat productivity of sheep under the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan