Evaluation of Productive Qualities of Sheep of Askani Fine-Wool Breed

Abstract

An important problem of modern breeding is the selection process, the basis of which is based on a comprehensive assessment of the breeding gene pool, which will make it possible to increase the genetic potential of the sheep of the Askanian fine-wool breed. The development of the sheep breeding industry in Ukraine largely depends on the genetic potential of breeding resources, which are used in the selection of pairs for mating. Thanks to such approaches, it is possible to quickly achieve higher breeding rates of progress on the main traits of productivity. Therefore, the intensification of sheep breeding not only increases the role of breeding, but also requires the improvement of breeding methods, while the traditional practice of sheep breeding should accumulate breeding methods based on a comprehensive assessment of the genetic potential. The hereditary potential significantly affects the productive performance of sheep only after 4-5 generations with the targeted use of the best rams descended from highly productive queens. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the productive qualities of Askanian fine-wool sheep and identify the best sires, the use of which will ensure an increase in wool productivity by increasing the genetic potential, which will make it possible to obtain the next generation of animals more productive than the previous one.The results of the research give grounds to assert that the main indicators of wool productivity, as well as indicators of the live weight of sheep of different sex and age groups of the Askanian fine-fleeced breed, depend on the origin, that is, the ram-producer and indicate sufficient opportunities regarding the hereditary potential of this herd, which will make it possible to maintain compliance with the breed type and realize their genetic features. At the same time, the analysis of the obtained research results allows for a comprehensive assessment and identification of the best rams, providing an opportunity to increase productivity, improve the quality of wool and reduce the cost of sheep products