Productive Traits of Young Sheep Sired by Rams of Different Genetic Origins Under the Conditions of Northern Kazakhstanannotation

The study aimed to compare productive performance of young sheep obtained from rams of four genetic groups (pure Edilbay; Edilbay×Hampshire; Edilbay×Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool; pure Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool) under the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. Over two production seasons, live weight at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, average daily gain, and slaughter and fat-tail traits at 12 months were evaluated. Economic efficiency was assessed by feed conversion per kg gain, cost price, and profit increase. One-way ANOVA (p<0.05) was used. Edilbay×Hampshire crosses significantly outperformed pure Edilbay in 12-month live weight (88.0±1.1 vs. 74.0±1.3 kg) and dressing percentage (54.5% vs. 50.7%), showing better feed conversion (6.0 vs. 6.8 feed units/kg). Edilbay×Kazakh crosses provided a balanced profile (79.5±1.2 kg with acceptable fat-tail traits), whereas pure Kazakh fat-tailed lambs grew slower but retained adaptability. Results align with recent genomic and crossbreeding evidence for improving meat traits in Kazakh fat-tailed breeds.