IMPROVEMENT OF STUD LINES IN THE KOSTANAY HORSE BREED

Abstract

The article presents the results of extensive longstanding research aimed at improving the qualities of the Kostanay horse breed. It has been established that horses of different genotypes exhibit unique lineages traced to exceptional ancestors, founders of the breed’s leading stud lines, and display well-developed breeding traits. Since its certification in 1951, the Kostanay breed has undergone continuous enhancement through line breeding, a method involving a series of zootechnical measures. This approach focuses on improving, consolidating, and further developing breeding traits within the breed while utilizing selected stallions from the current population as candidates to continue the lineage of leading lines.

The analysis showed that representatives of different lines did not significantly differ in values of breeding value by productivity characteristics. Modern leading stallions of the Kostanay breed demonstrate advantages in nearly all key productivity traits compared to the average breeding value of non-line breeders, making them strong candidates for continuing existing lines. Based on an evaluation of the offspring quality of stallions Preferans 5 (born in 2009) and Nauryztoi 9 (born in 2006), two new lines have been established. Representatives of these lines exhibit exceptional breeding and athletic qualities, surpassing their non-line counterparts, which highlights the overall progress and development of the Kostanay breed.

The primary method for improving Kostanay horses through purebred breeding is line breeding, which involves a set of zootechnical measures aimed at enhancing, consolidating, and further developing breeding traits within the breed.