Indicators of production use and yaks immunity of the Central Ciscaucasia

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to study the main production indicators and immunological status of the breeding stock of yaks of the Sarlyk breed living in the Central Ciscaucasia. The object of the investigation was the animals of LLC «Mountain-Alpine», LLC «Garant A», LLC «Selskie Dary», and LLC «Business Group», located in Chereksky district of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The breeding population of yaks in the region is more than 7,500 heads, of which 4,123 are yak-cows. The share of breeding sires is accounted of 217 heads, which is 2.9% more than the total yak population. Milk production of yak-cows is fluctuated on approximately the same level on farms and amount to 179-184 kg. For every 100 yak-cows in analyzed organizations were obtained at least 88 calves, and more than 98% of young animals were preserved for weaning. Species from all farms were distinguished by the optimal duration of the calving intervals, which made it possible to produce one calf per year from them within 12-13 months. More preferable values for the period between calving were observed among representatives from LLC Garant A (358 days) for all other things being equal. It was established that cows were eliminated from the herds at the age of 3.2-3.8 calving, and they were used longer by 0.4-0.6 calving in LLC «Selskie Dary» and LLC «Garant A» regardless of organizational affiliation. The most common reasons for attrition were injuries and diseases of the limbs. Yak -cows of all breeding reproducers were characterized by high humoral and cellular immunity.