Study of the specific features in the histological structure of the longissimus muscle dorsi in animals of the genus <i>Ovis</i>

Abstract

Relevance. Interspecific hybridization of domestic animals with wild related species is considered as one of the promising directions in animal husbandry in the framework of improving the quality and nutrient biodiversity of livestock products. The article shows the research results of the specific features in the histological structure of the longissimus muscle dorsi in animals of the genus Ovis with different genotypes.Methods. The object of research was sheep of the Romanov breed and interspecific hybrids of domestic sheep (Romanov breed) with argali. Histological studies of the longissimus dorsi muscle of purebred and hybrid animals at the age of 12 months were carried out in a comparative aspect. The thickness and area of muscle fibers, muscle bundles, the number of muscle fibers per unit cross-sectional areas were studied.Results. Differences in a number of morphometric parameters in the main structural units of the longissimus dorsi muscle in hybrid animals depending on the genotype were revealed. In hybrid animals, in comparison with purebred sheep, a decrease in the thickness and area of muscle fibers by 12% and 25% was found (p < 0.01). An increase in the number of muscle fibers per 1 mm2 of the cut and a decrease in the proportion of connective tissue in the structure of the longissimus dorsi muscle in interspecific hybrids were shown in comparison with those in sheep of the Romanov breed (p < 0.01). These biological features of hybrid animals should be taken into account when breeding, selecting and using them to obtain meat and meat products.