Meat Breeds Research Articles

Evaluation of Toxicity of Feed Additive for Highly Productive Animals

The study of new feed additives requires toxicological research to assess their safety for further use. This research presents the results of an acute toxicity study of the feed additive "Bodrivin," developed for highly productive animals of dairy, meat-dairy, and meat breeds. The aim is to prevent stress of various etiologies, enhance the nutritional value of the diet, especially during periods of energy deficiency, and consequently improve productivity and profitability in production. Non-linear laboratory rats were used for the experiment. The first experimental group received a single oral dose of the feed additive via syringe and atraumatic needle with a bulbous end at a dosage of 2000 mg/kg. After obtaining the results of the experiment over a 14-day period, a similar experiment was conducted on the second experimental group. At the conclusion of the experiment, no signs indicating toxic effects of the studied feed additive were observed in the animals, and the body weight of the experimental animals remained unchanged in both the first and second series of the experiment. The acute toxicity study of the feed additive "Bodrivin" indicated that the evaluated feed additive belongs to Class V of danger according to GOST 32644-2014.

Breeding Perspective and Analysis of Utility Parameters of the Suffolk Sheep Breed

Abstract Due to insufficient appreciation for the breeding of dairy sheep, breeds of sheep without market milk production have started to gain popularity in Slovakia. Particularly, meat breeds are coming to the forefront, with their breeding being less demanding and more efficient, reflected mainly in the daily weight gains of growing lambs. Study aimed to analyse the utility and reproductive parameters of breeding the meat breeds Suffolk, located in central Slovakia, in the Rimavská Sobota district. Analysis is supplemented by a detailed description of the breed standard and devotes attention to all the tasks carried out on the farm during the sheep farming year. It focuses mainly on a simple year-round grazing system without housing, utilizing only shelters for protection against adverse weather conditions. Analysed utility and reproductive parameters such as average daily gains, loin muscle thickness, backfat thickness, and fertility were compared and evaluated over the last seven years. Results indicate that the evaluated parameters are mainly influenced by the size of the flock, the number of ewes put to ram, the individual approach to each breeding ewe, and environmental factors. Number of offspring is mainly influenced by the nutrition of the dam in the last third of pregnancy. Despite the simplicity of the breeding system, monitored breeding can achieve above-average results with proper management and innovative approaches.

Selection of Sheep Meat Breeds in Florida

Selection of Sheep Meat Breeds in Florida

PIGS OF MEAT BREEDS IN UKRAINE AND THE NEED FOR THE REVIVAL OF PIG BREEDING

The article highlights the peculiarities of pork production in Ukraine, examines the productivity of domestic and foreign meat breeds of pigs in the dynamics of 2002–2022. It was found that the meat pork market in Ukraine developed intensively from 2002 to 2016, with a sharp reduction thereafter. The breeds of pigs in the meat direction of productivity include Durok, Landras, Pietrain, Poltavian Meat, Welsh, Ukrainian Meat and Red White-Beltid with some changes in the breed composition during 2002–2022. It was established that until 2005, the leaders in the meat pork production market were the Ukrainian and Poltavian Meat breeds, which were later supplanted by Landrace pigs. The population of the main sows of the investigated breeds was 7.8–9.3% of the total number of pigs, including 8.9% in 2022, which ensured the necessary reproduction of animals with some nuances regarding small populations. In 2022, the number of queens of the landrace breed will be 87.7–98.8% higher than the number of the rest of the studied breeds. Sows of meat breeds, which were bred in breeding farms during 2002–2022, are characterized by significant variability of multifertility, and the difference in the trait within one breed quite often exceeded the interbreed difference. The variability of the best indicators of the age of pigs reaching a live weight of 100 kg in the process of their cultivation in representatives of the Durok breed during the years 2002–2022 was 164–178 days, Landras 148–183 days, Pietrain 150–154 days, Poltavian Meat 179–198 days, Welsh 156–187 days, Ukrainian Meat 174–187 days and Red White-Beltid 181–207 days. The highest indicators of average daily gains were among pigs of the Durok breed, which varied between 658–810 g, Landras 612–860 g, Pietrain 520–890 g, Poltavian Meat 574–735 g, Welsh 344–628 g, Ukrainian butchers 435–768 g and Red White-Beltid 470–635 g. It has been proven that Durok pigs in the best breeding herds had lard thickness at the level of 13–16 mm, Landras 10–12 mm, Pietrain 7–9 mm, Poltavian Meat 21–23 mm, Welsh 12–16 mm, Ukrainian Meat 16–20 mm and Red White-Beltid 22–23 mm. On the example of the genealogical structure of pigs of the Landrace and Pietrain breeds, as well as the market for the sale of breeding offspring and semen, the conduct of purebred breeding in subjects of the breeding business in the pig industry of Ukraine is questioned. In order to revive Ukrainian pig farming and bring order to breeding pig breeding, it is recommended to take into account the requirements for the functioning of the pig breeding industry in the countries of the European Union.

Пути реализации генетического потенциала пород и кроссов птицы на основе использования новых видов кормовых средств

Purpose. Work out ways to realize the genetic potential of breeds and crosses of poultry of meat and egg directions of productivity based on the use of new types of feed products, taking into account the analysis of the dynamics of the microbiome at the level of taxonomic types of microorganisms. Materials and Methods. Studies on the inclusion of prebiotic feed additive "Laktuvet" and mineral feed additive "Saponit" were conducted in the conditions of the SS "Svetly" of the CJSC "Agrofirma "Vostok" of the Volgograd Region on "Hysex Brown" cross laying hens. Scientific experiment on the effect of the additive "Quercetinolact" on the growth and development of meat chickens was conducted on broilers of "Ross-308" cross in the vivarium of VRIMMP. Zootechnical, clinical and biochemical research methods were used in the research work. Hematological studies were carried out in certified laboratory on automatic biochemical analyzers using an appropriate set of biochemical reagents. The obtained results were processed using software, calculating the mean value (M), standard errors of the mean (±SEM) and determining the reliability criterion of difference according to Student-Fisher. Results. Adding the prebiotic feed additive "Laktuvet" to the feed of laying hens in an amount of 0.5% in the diet structure contributed to an increase in the gross collection of eggs and the intensity of egg laying by 1.84 (85 eggs) and 1.74%, egg weight – by 1.17 g (1.86%; P≤0.001) due to an increase in the number of microorganisms by 22.9%. Among them, the number of bacteria of Actinobacteria, Lactobacillales and Ruminococcaceae groups increased by 9.0; 1.8 and 1.4 times compared to the control, respectively. Taking into account the data obtained, new feed additive “Quercetinolact” was tested in feeding broiler chickens of Ross-308 cross. Chickens that received Quercetinolact additive exceeded their counterparts in control group in live weight by 4.13 (P≤0.001); 5.19 (P≤0.001) and 5.48% (P≤0.001), which in absolute terms amounted to 108.1; 136.1 and 142.8 g. In terms of meat yield in live weight, the superiority amounted to 3.07; 3.65 and 3.82%, respectively, feed savings per 1 kg of gain 3.66; 6.10 and 6.71%. Mineral feed additive "Saponit" in feeding laying hens in the amount of 1 and 3 kg per ton of feed contributed to an increase in egg productivity by 1.58 and 2.37%, respectively, egg laying intensity – by 1.20 and 2.01%, and gross yield eggs – 90 (1.18%) and 150 pcs. (1.97%), egg weight – by 1.16 and 1.49%. Conclusion. The use of natural mineral complexes and prebiotic feed additives in the diets of chickens of egg and meat breeds and crosses in order to realize the genetic potential and taking into account the analysis of microbiome dynamics at the level of taxonomic types of microorganisms is advisable.

Химический состав и качественные показатели говядины бычков мясных пород

Purpose. To study the effect of the genotype of bulls on the chemical composition and commodity-technological parameters of beef. Materials and Methods. The object of research is 18–month-old crossbred bulls, obtained as a result of industrial crossing of Kazakh white-headed cattle bulls with heifers of Kalmyk breed (group I), Kazakh white-headed bulls with heifers of Hereford breed (group II) and Kazakh white-headed bulls with heifers of Aberdeen-Angus breed (group III). Purebred bulls of the Kazakh white-headed breed were used as a control group. The slaughter qualities of the experimental animals were determined by control slaughter of three bulls from each group. Chemical analysis of beef samples was carried out according to the following methods and GOST standards: moisture content was determined by drying the sample to a constant mass at a temperature of 100-105°C according to GOST 9793-2016; protein content – by the amount of protein nitrogen by the Kjeldahl method according to GOST 25011-2017; fat content – according to GOST 23042-2015; ash content – according to GOST 31727-2012; amino acid composition was determined according to the method of measuring the mass fraction of amino acids by the CE method on the Kapel-105M system, the concentration of hydrogen ions (pH) was determined according to GOST R 51478-99. Results. It was found that the highest slaughter qualities were possessed by crossbred bulls of the III experimental group. The highest dry matter content was in the average sample of meat of bulls of the III experimental group – 35.13%, which is 0.63% more than in the control; the difference in fat content was 0.23% in favor of the control group. In terms of protein content, the largest amount was recorded in the meat of bulls of the III experimental group – 20.07%, which is higher than in the samples of the control, I and II experimental groups, respectively, by 0.60, 0.84 and 0.77%. The protein-quality index in the samples ranged from 6.30 to 6.48. The pH value of the meat varied slightly – from 5.60 to 5.77. Conclusion. The conducted research has allowed us to establish that the industrial crossing of the Kazakh white-headed cattle with different meat breeds contributes to an increase in productivity, quality indicators, and the beef produced. This is explained by good compatibility of crossed breeds and high breed qualities of studied breeds.

Comparative characteristics of the morpho-biophysical qualities of meat quail eggs

In 2023, more than 140 million units were produced in Russia. quail eggs, i.e., one egg per person per year. In this segment, the country is significantly inferior to many countries with developed poultry farming. But demand creates supply and in recent years the production of quail eggs has been intensively increasing, the share of which in the total balance of produced food eggs is 0.3% and is gradually growing. New breeds, crosses and lines of both egg and meat productivity are appearing. The purpose of the study was a comparative analysis of the morpho-biophysical qualities of eggs from the white Texas and Pharaoh meat breeds. However, there is practically very little information about the quality of eggs obtained from such breeds, despite the fact that the eggs are widely used both for incubation and in human nutrition. Therefore, the study of the morpho-biophysical qualities of quail eggs for meat production is not only relevant, but also of high practical importance. It was found that the weight of eggs of the Pharaoh breed was 8.5% higher compared to eggs of the white Texas breed, and the egg shape index was almost 3% lower. A comparison of the indicator characterizing the quality of protein in the studied breeds showed that the indicator of Hau units of Texas quail breed eggs was 88.74 and exceeded this indicator for Pharaoh eggs by 5.02%. In general, it should be said that the morpho-biophysical qualities of Texas white eggs were significantly different from those of the Pharaoh breed.

Meat and fat qualities of pigs of different breeds

Objective. Study of meat and fat qualities of pigs of different genotypes. The research was conducted on young large white and Poltava meat breeds. Methods. General scientific, interdisciplinary, analytical, zootechnical, physical and chemical. During the fattening period, such indicators as live weight gain and feed consumption per unit of gain, the age of reaching live weight of 100 kg are taken into account. The content of meat, fat and bones in the carcasses, as well as the chemical composition and physical properties of the meat were determined. Results. Observations showed that the average daily increase in the live weight of animals of large white breed during fattening was 690 g, the payment of fodder was 4.22 fodder. unit Young animals reached a live weight of 100 kg in 182 days. Animals of the Poltava meat breed, respectively, 720 g of average daily gain, 3.95 feed. unit and the time to reach a live weight of 100 kg - 170 days. Pigs of the Poltava meat breed surpassed the young of the large white breed in terms of carcass length (by 6.3 cm, or 7.2 %), the weight of the rear third of the half carcass (by 0.75 kg, or 6.6 %) and had thinner (by 5 mm, or 15 %) spigot, evenly distributed along the entire length of the half-carcass. This, in turn, led to a higher yield of the most nutritionally valuable parts ofpork (bone, loin, brisket). The meat of animals of the Poltava meat breed was a little more tender, since it took 35 % less effort to cut its standard sample than the meat of pigs of the large white breed. The meat of pigs of a large white breed was characterized by less boiling and more intensive coloring. The most pronounced were interbreed differences in the chemical composition of pork dishes prepared in different ways. Boiled large white pork contained more moisture (by 3.65 %) and fat (by 4.15 %), but less protein (by 1.1 %). The same pattern was observed in the chemical composition of fried pork. Conclusions. The obtained research results allow us to state that the fleshiness of pig carcasses is a breed, hereditarily determined trait that can be improved by breeding methods. Feeding and housing conditions also affect the productive qualities of pigs, however, their different genotypes react differently and to different degrees to the influence of environmental factors. Keywords: breed, live weight, pork, half carcass length, meat quality, tenderness, chemical composition.

Phenotypic Identification, Genetic Characterization, and Selective Signal Detection of Huitang Duck.

The Huitang duck (HT), a long-domesticated elite local breed from Hunan Province, China, with excellent meat quality, has not had its population genetic structure and genomic selective sweeps extensively studied to date. This study measured the phenotypic characteristics of HT and conducted comparative analysis between HT and 16 different duck breeds, including wild, indigenous, and meat breeds, to characterize its population structure and genetic potential. The results revealed that HT is a dual-purpose indigenous breed with a genetic background closely related to the Youxian sheldrake and Linwu ducks. In the selective sweep analysis between HT and Linwu ducks, genes such as PLCG2, FN1, and IGF2BP2, which are associated with muscle growth and development, were identified near the 27 selection signals. The comparison between HT and Jinding ducks revealed 68 selective signals that contained important genes associated with ovarian development (GRIK4, MAP3K8, and TGIF1) and egg-laying behaviors (ERBB4). Selective sweep analysis between HT and Youxian sheldrake ducks found 93 selective regions covering genes related to both meat (IGF1R and IGFBP5) and egg-production (FOXO3 and ITPR1) traits. Our study may provide novel knowledge for exploring the population structure and genetic potential of HT, offering a theoretical basis for its breeding strategies in the future.

111 First Kiko Buck Performance Test in Mississippi

Abstract Kiko is a meat breed of goats originating from New Zealand, they are recognized for their hardiness and parasite resistance. There is a lack of information on economically important traits for this breed in the US, particularly in the Southeast. The Kiko buck performance test allows producers to make educated breeding decisions through impartial data. These tests have occurred in the United States for years; however, this is the first buck test performed on commercial farm grazing conditions in Mississippi (MS). A goat that performs well in a test in another state may not perform well in high temperatures, humidity, ground moisture, and availability of parasites in MS. The objective of the test was to collect data on the performance of weaned Kiko bucks grazing under commercial farm conditions in south MS from July to October of 2023 (IACUC-23-138). Forty-five farmers from 14 different states (KY, OK, FL, NC, MS, AL, IN, IL, GA, TN, AR, VA, MO, and WV) consigned 88 Kiko bucks. Every 2 wk measurements were taken on the goats including body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA, and fecal count of nematode eggs (FEC expressed as eggs per gram of feces – EPG), also at the start and end of the test loin eye area (LEA) was measured through ultrasound. Forage samples were collected for quality analysis, the average values starting the test were 13% CP and 47.4 TDN. Upon arrival, the bucks were dewormed using a combination of drugs, and after 2 wk of confinement went out with only grazing to start the 10 wk of test. During the test bucks were dewormed using the following parameters: >2,500 EPG and FAMACHA 4 or 5 or BCS < 1.5, any goat falling in these criteria was not considered for the final ranking. Bucks were separated into two groups: those born on or before February 8th, 2023 (group 1-G1, n = 44) and those born after (group 2-G2 n = 34). Ratios of the average daily gain (ADG), nematode FEC, and the ratio of LEA/BW were used in the final index. As all values are considered of equal economic importance, they all contributed the same to the final index. For G1 ADG, FEC, LEA/BW was 60 g/d (SD 20), 832.75 EPG (SD = 504.32), and 0.88 cm²/kg (SD = 0.20), respectively. For G2 ADG, FEC, and LEA/BW was 50 g/d (SD = 40), 907.86 EPG (SD = 492.61), and 0.81 cm²/kg (SD = 0.19), respectively. Bucks were ranked by highest index value in the group, for G1 the 1st place buck was from MS with ADG, FEC, LEA/BW of 90 g/d, 175 EPG, and 1.41 cm²/kg, respectively. For G2 the 1st place buck was from IN with ADG, FEC, and LEA/BW of 140 g/d, 116.67 EPG, and 1.00 cm²/kg, respectively.

Еволюційні зміни сірої української породи

The article presents the macro- and micro-evolutionary changes of the Gray Ukrainian breed over the past 100 years, which can be used in breeding and selection to preserve the existing gene pool population and in its further use, and can be useful in the breeding process not only in Ukraine, but also in other countries. At the same time, animals and even families that were weak, sickly and did not meet the requirements of the program of its development and preservation were ranked off and not used in breeding. Compared to similar animals that left the herd, it was possible to improve some external indicators in the historical aspect: body length, hips width, and chest girth, which influenced the cattle live weight. The important fact is that it is characterized by high reproductive properties (yield of calves is 97–98 per 100 cows, which is not found in any specialized meat breed in the world) and excellent maternal qualities. At the same time, a strong constitution, resistance to diseases, small fetus size and good adaptation to a dry hot climate, pasture-free maintenance and ecological fodder and technological conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine were preserved. During the extended period of raising animals, the gray Ukrainian breed is not inferior to the classic meat breeds of the world in terms of fattening quality (30-month-old bulls on fattening more than 1000 g/day) and slaughter performance — the slaughter yield has increased to 60%. Beef is rated at 4.5 points on a 5-point scale in terms of culinary and taste qualities, it has the meat marbling which attracts the processor company and the consumer. The skin of animals is highly valued: already at the age of one year, the skin of bulls is marked as heavy (over 25 kg), which allows to use it for the high-quality products manufacture. Due to the set of economically useful characteristics, gray Ukrainian cattle are classified as meat and contribute to the establishment of state meat cattle breeding.

Dietary inclusion of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite improved reproductive performance but did not affect intestinal permeability in two chicken meat breeder lines

Gastrointestinal dysbiosis is a disturbance in mucosal homeostasis, producing low-grade chronic intestinal inflammation and impaired intestinal barrier function. It is induced by several factors, including nutrition and stress, which are both significant factors when considering current broiler breeder practices. A great grandparent (GGP) chicken meat line was identified displaying clinical signs characteristic of potential dysbiosis, including wet droppings and litter, in addition to reduced reproductive performance when compared to a consistently high performing line. This study aimed to determine whether the reduced reproductive performance observed in these hens was a result of dysbiosis and whether dietary supplementation with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) fermentation product would alleviate clinical signs. Dietary inclusion of SC did not influence intestinal permeability, WBC differentials, or corticosterone concentration in either the wet litter (WL) or high-performing (HP) breeder lines. Compared to hens from the HP line, WL line hens had a significant increase in intestinal permeability at 26 wk (onset of lay). WL hen heterophil counts were increased markedly at week 26 before declining. At weeks 26, 32, and 37 there were also significant increases in monocytes. Higher plasma corticosterone was also observed in WL hens at 37 wk. No significant differences in heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratios or feather corticosterone were observed between lines. Dietary inclusion of SC supplementation to breeder diets had some benefit in regards to reducing hen mortality, improving egg production and hatchability but only in the WL line. Results from this study did not indicate that hens from the wet litter line were experiencing gut dysbiosis. Chronic intestinal inflammation may be a possible reason for the increase in intestinal permeability. These results do indicate that both breeder lines may be exhibiting physiological stress. Future investigation into the physiology and behavior around point of lay is required to find novel strategies to alleviate this stress and in turn, potentially improve welfare and production outcomes.

Pure-breeding and two-breed crossbreeding of pigs of different ecogenesis under industrial technology conditions in Western Siberia

Currently, in Western Siberia zoned breeds of animals are used for industrial crossbreeding such as Large White, Landrace, etc. These breeds as well as their crosses will continue to make up the main share in pig breeding in the region. Recently, the import of meat breeds in order to improve fattening and pork traits of pigs have been used. For example, at the end of the 20th century pigs of Estonian bacon breed, boars of German Landrace and Kahib breeds of Hungarian breeding were brought to the Novosibirsk region. The purpose of the research was to analyze pure-breeding and two-breed crossbreeding of pigs of diff erent ecogenesis under industrial technology conditions in Western Siberia. A comparative assessment of the reproductive and productive traits of Large White breed sows was carried out during pure-breeding and crossbreeding with boars of meat breeds such as Estonian bacon, Kahib and Landrace. In order to carry out the research, 4 groups of animals were formed, which were under the same feeding and housing conditions. In the animal breeding area, soil, water and feed were monitored for the content of heavy metals, and no excess of the MAC was found. The main indicators characterizing reproductive traits and traits of productivity have been studied. With pure-breeding (♂ Large White × ♀ Large White), the prolifi cacy of sows were 10,7 piglets, and the litter weight was 168,5 kg. Under the conditions of Western Siberia, with the two-breed crossbreeding of Large White breed sows with Estonian Bacon, Kahib and Landrace boars the weight of hybrids at 2 months of age in all cases was in the range of 180–186,4 kg and statistically significantly exceeded purebred Large White breed herdmates (p < 0,001). Thus, differences in the growth rates of crossbred and purebred young animals depended on the combination of breeds chosen for industrial crossbreeding.

Exploring the Sheep MAST4 Gene Variants and Their Associations with Litter Size.

The economic efficiency of sheep breeding can be improved by enhancing sheep productivity. A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) unveiled the potential impact of the MAST4 gene on prolificacy traits in Australian White sheep (AUW)). Herein, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from 26 different sheep breeds worldwide (n = 1507), including diverse meat, wool, milk, or dual-purpose sheep breed types from China, Europe, and Africa, were used. Moreover, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping of the MAST4 gene polymorphisms in (n = 566) Australian white sheep (AUW) was performed. The 3 identified polymorphisms were not homogeneously distributed across the 26 examined sheep breeds. Findings revealed prevalent polymorphisms (P3-ins-29 bp and P6-del-21 bp) with varying frequencies (0.02 to 0.97) across 26 breeds, while P5-del-24 bp was presented in 24 out of 26 breeds. Interestingly, the frequency of the P3-ins-29 bp variant was markedly higher in Chinese meat or dual-purpose sheep breeds, while the other two variants also showed moderate frequencies in meat breeds. Notably, association analysis indicated that all InDels were associated with AUW sheep litter size (p < 0.05). These results suggest that these InDels within the MAST4 gene could be useful in marker-assisted selection in sheep breeding.

Эффективность производства говядины при чистопородном разведении французских мясных пород скота

Abstract. The purpose is to study the efficiency of beef production from specialized meat breeds of cattle of French origin in comparison with the Hereford breed. Methods. Zootechnical, statistical and economic methods were used. Results. As a result of the conducted scientific and economic experience, the indicators of weight growth and meat productivity of cattle of the Charolais, Salers, Aubrac, Limousin breeds were studied in comparison with the Hereford cattle breed. Scientific novelty consists in the fact that for the first time in the conditions of Western Siberia, a comparative study of the indicators of weight growth from birth to 18 months of age and meat productivity of French beef cattle breeds with the Hereford breed was carried out. The conducted research has established the advantage in live weight and growth intensity of French beef cattle breeds. The largest live weight at 18 months was in Charolais bulls – 569.4 kg, which is more than in group I bulls by 53 kg (10.2 %) (p ≤ 0.001). In second place in terms of live weight were the bulls of the Obrak breed – 552.4 kg, which is significantly more than the peers of group I by 35.7 kg (10.3 %) (p ≤ 0.001. With intensive cultivation, the highest growth energy was demonstrated by bulls of French meat breeds 903.8–966.1. When slaughtered at the age of 15 and 18 months, heavy animal carcasses were obtained. Carcasses of French bull calves at slaughter at 15 months had a larger mass by 10.6–23.5 kg. By 18 months, the mass of paired carcasses increased to 286.6–318.5 kg. Economic analysis of the research results shows that in the production of beef from Charolais cattle, the profitability level is 66.5 %, Hereford breed – 60.6 %, Salers and Aubrac – 62.3, Limousin – 56.4 %.

Characteristic of allele pool of sheep of the southern meat breed using microsatellite markers

Purpose: to characterize the allele pool of sheep of the southern beef breed using microsatellites.Materials and methods. The biomaterial was ear’s plucks from 80 sheep of the southern meat breed, selected from the Ladozhsky Breeding Plant. 20 East Friesian sheep, 33 Dorset sheep and 63 Romanov sheep were used for comparison. Nine microsatellite loci (INRA005, SPS113, INRA23, MAF65, McM527, OarCP49, HSC, OarAE129, MAF214) were selected as DNA markers. Microsatellite variability was analyzed using the ABI3130x1 Genetic Analyzer. The results were processed in the GenAIEx 6.503 program, with the help of which the main indicators characterizing the state of the allele pool and genetic diversity were calculated.Results. Analysis of the population genetic parameters of sheep of the southern meat breed showed that the average number of alleles per locus (Na) and the effective number of alleles per locus (Ne) exceed the sample average by 1,72 and 0,58 alleles, respectively. The expected heterozygosity (He) was 0,766, while the observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0,741. The coefficient of inbreeding (Fis) was 0,03. The analysis of the principal components, carried out for the studied breeds in the planes of the first and third principal components, did not fundamentally change the nature of the spatial clustering of the studied groups of sheep. Analysis of the principal coordinates, performed on the basis of calculation of pairwise Fst values, showed that the southern meat breed is located in the upper left quadrant and is isolated from other breeds. The values of the Fst indicator indicate that there is moderate genetic differentiation between the southern meat and dorset breeds (Fst=0,116), and significant genetic differentiation between the southern meat and romanov breeds (Fst=0,161).Conclusion. An analysis of the population genetic parameters of sheep of the southern meat breed, in comparison with the east friesian, dorset and romanov breeds, showed that, in general, in terms of the total number of alleles per locus and the number of effective alleles per locus, it is characterized by a high level of genetic diversity. The presence of a tendency towards a deficiency of heterozygotes is probably explained by the limited population, represented by the only relict gene pool in Russia.

Породный состав и пространственное размещение мясного скотоводства в России

The intensity of substitution of dairy cattle by beef cattle for the most regions of Russia mainly depended on the achieved productivity level of dairy cattle breeds. The higher the level of intensification at dairy cattle breeding, the lower the meat potential of the industry, because of decreasing of cows’ reproduction ability and the duration of theirs economic use. The problem of beef supply the country’s population is aggravated by the lack of expanded reproduction at the most numerous livestock populations of dairy productivity. In 2022, the natural decline (the excess of retired cows over the number of reared and calved heifers) of Holstein breed (51.3% of cattle livestock at Russia) was - 2.4%. Over the last year, beef production per capita at dairy cattle decreased by 4.6% and amounted to only 9.3 kg and 1.8 kg at beef cattle. Beef consumption reached 12.7 kg per person per year, taking into account the export-import balance, with a rational consumption rate of 20 kg. In order to meet the paid demand for beef and, as a result, to solve the problem of import substitution for this type of meat, it is necessary to increase the number of specialized meat breeds of cattle by 2.1 times, that is, by more than 1.2 million cows. For the fully providing with domestic beef to the population of our country according to nutrition standards, the livestock should increase by 6.7 times (with the existing meat productivity). The results of the latest bonification of beef cattle in Russia demonstrates that this aim will be impossible in the next decade with using only the internal resources of the country.

INDUSTRIAL CROSSBREEDING AS EFFICIENT SHEEP FARMING PRODUCTION

The article examines the materials of industrial crossbreeding in sheep farming using ewes of the Dnipropetrovsk inbred type of the Prydniprovska meat breed (DT Pm) and breeding rams of the Merinolandschaf breed (Ml) and its effect on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of meat productivity. The level of productivity of breeding rams indicates their compliance with the meat type. Their body weight is in the range of 105.4-112.1 kg; shearing of wool initially – 5.4-6.2 kg, with the output of washed wool – 59.5-61.0%, respectively, from Prydniprovska meat breed and Merinolandschaf breed. Coefficient of woolliness is 30.4-33.9 g/kg. The level of reproductive capacity of ewes indicates that fertilization is in the range of 96.0-97.0%. Fertility of ewes of the second group in industrial crossbreeding was 168.1%, which is 23% more than of the first one. 163 lambs were obtained from the ewes of the second group, which is 20.7% more than in purebred breeding. The preservation of lambs before weaning was 97.0%. When crossing, the effect of heterosis is manifested, which is evidenced by the difference in body weight, when crossbred lambs dominate at birth by 9.5%, at the age of 4 months – by 13.3%, at the age of 8 months – by 14.9% compared to purebred peers. Carcass weight of crossbred lambs was 22.6 kg against 18.9 kg of purebred peers. According to the main slaughter parameters, crossbred lambs outperformed purebred lambs, while the slaughter weight of crossbreds was higher by 19.7%, with a slaughter yield of 51%, which is a good indicator for this characteristic for meat-type sheep within production focus. As a result of a comprehensive comparative analysis of meatiness indicators of lambs of different origins, an advantage in terms of desired components was found in crossbreds. The introduction of new genetic lines through industrial crossbreeding can contribute to the conservation and expansion of genetic potential among sheep populations, which is important for adaptation to changing conditions.

Problems and prospects of the functioning of agricultural chains in the meat breeding of Ukraine

Problems and prospects of the functioning of agricultural chains in the meat breeding of Ukraine

THE DYNAMICS OF ALBANIA'S MEAT SECTOR: TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS

Albania's agricultural sector is transitioning from subsistence-based farming to a vibrant commercial industry, significantly contributing 21.3% to the nation's GDP. Within this evolving landscape, animal husbandry, especially the meat industry, has emerged as a cornerstone for both farm revenue and market supply. Nonetheless, the sector faces numerous challenges. This paper offers an in-depth examination of Albania's meat production industry through a rigorous methodological framework involving a blend of primary and secondary data analysis. The results emphasize the critical need for significant enhancements across various facets of primary production. Priorities should include improved feed and forage practices, the introduction of specialized meat breeds for cattle and small ruminants, and the adoption of advanced animal husbandry methods. Additionally, it is essential to address meat hygiene standards, animal health controls, meat safety, quality controls, and the efficiency of slaughtering systems. Furthermore, the country currently depends on net imports for several agricultural goods, including meat, as it strives to comply with EU standards. This dependence underscores the urgent need to enhance both competitiveness and food quality within the meat sector. In summary, this research sheds light on both the challenges and potential within Albania’s meat production sector. However, readers should consider the study's limitations to fully grasp the potential constraints and biases, along with the evolving nature of the industry beyond the scope of this analysis.