Мясная продуктивность кушумской породы лошадей ТОО «Байсерке-Агро»

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of the breeding qualities, growth characteristics and meat productivity of Kushum horses under the conditions of Baiserke-Agro LLP, Almaty Region. The aim of the study was to assess the development and meat productivity of the animals under purebred breeding and pasture management. The studied population included 390 horses: 10 breeding stallions, 160 mares and 220 young animals. Body measurements were taken in accordance with the instructions for the appraisal of local horse breeds, and live weight was determined by weighing. Meat productivity was assessed by control slaughter of colts aged 18 and 30 months after autumn fattening; carcass weight, slaughter yield and morphological composition were determined. Adult animals were found to exceed the first-class standard requirements for the main body measurements and live weight. The average live weight of stallions was 542.6 kg, and that of mares was 482.5 kg. The live weight of colts at 1.5 and 2.5 years of age reached 360.7 and 440.8 kg, respectively, and that of fillies reached 332.4 and 408.1 kg. Thirty-month-old colts had a greater carcass weight, whereas eighteen-month-old colts had a higher slaughter yield and flesh content. The slaughter yield was 51.6 and 53.3%, respectively, and the proportion of flesh was 80.2 and 82.5%. There were 4.1 and 4.7 kg of flesh per kilogram of bone, respectively. The results characterize the productive potential of Kushum horses and the prospects for breeding them for horse meat production under year-round pasture management. The identified age-related differences should be taken into account when planning the rearing and sale of young animals for meat.