Linear structure of horses of Zabaykalsky aborigenous breed

Abstract

The analysis results of the current state of promising male lines of Zabaikalsky horse breed are presented, a brief description of each line is given. Research material is data from the regional archival documents and summary sheets on the appraisal of horses of pedigree farms ofTrans-BaikalTerritory(2010–2018). The following parameters of horses were studied: type, conformation, adaptive qualities, live weight, measurements (height at withers, body length, chest girth, cannon girth). On the basis of the measurements, the indices of the body build were calculated – index of format and index of blockiness. The current linear structure of Zabaikalsky horse breed is represented by seven lines that have living successors. In the genealogy of the breed, the leading lines are Argali, Kagor, Chetky and Premiere. The most numerous Argali line accounts for 21.6% of the total structure. The line is characterized by the best indicators of height at withers and length of the body, which allows the horses of this line to effectively pasture in winter. The second place in terms of the number of descendants is occupied by the Chetky line (18.9%). These animals have a curl gene in their genotype. The Premier line, whose descendants are distinguished by their tall height (up to146 cm) and long body (up to152 cm), ranks third (15.3%). The Kagor line of the black-marked coat colour type ranks fourth in terms of the number (12.7%). The latter are compact, strong and solid in constitution, with good conformation. On the basis of Argali, Kagor, Chetky and Premier lines, the intra-breed type of Zabaikalsky horses is created, distinguished by a massive constitution and good adaptability to year-round grazing and keeping.