Characteristics of Tuvan horses

Abstract

Methods. The article presents the results of research on comparative zootechnical assessment of the exterior of stallions and mares of native Tuvan breed bred in different natural and climatic regions of Tuva. Herds of Tuvan horses were examined in the Erzya, Tes-Khem, Ovyur, Tere-Khol and Bai-taigin kozhuuns. A total of 1,445 heads were selected for the study, including 93 breeding stallions and 1,352 mares aged 4 years and older. Results. As a result of the comparative analysis of the external characteristics of the stallions and mares, it was revealed that the Tuvan breed horses have characteristic features of the type and exterior that make it quite easy to visually identify them. For the local Tuvan horse, the following features of the exterior are characteristic: a relatively light, simple (somewhat rough) head with a straight profile; compact, sharp ears; a neck of medium length or long, muscular, fat ridge in stallions is expressed medium or below average; a long straight back, deep chest; usually well-developed, muscular rounded croup; limbs of medium length or short, moderately bony, usually of correct structure; hooves strong, medium size, hoof horn strong. Strong build. Tuvan horses are characterized by long and thick bangs, mane and tail, brushes are expressed slightly. It was also found that native Tuvan horses differ significantly in some zootechnical indicators, especially when comparing the live weight, measurement and chest girth index between horses of the Tere-Khol district with other regions of Tuva. Tere-Khol stallions and mares not only have the largest live weight, but also broad-bodied and bony, which is very important for the northern regions of Tuva.