Preservation of genetic potential of Stavropol sheep breed for Povolzhye drey steppe zone
In conditions of Povolzhye steppe zone development of productive qualities of Stavropol breed sheep was conducted by meat merino sheep. Experimental research was carried out in ZAO «Novaya Zhizn» in Novouzensky district of Saratov region, located in semi desert zone, bordering upon South-West Khazakhstan. The research aim was the increase and maintenance of genetic potential of Stavropol breed sheep of Povolzhye population. Working procedure is based on guidelines of the All-Union Academy of Agricultural sciences, All Union research institute of sheep and goat breeding. The study materials were Stavropol pure breed sheep and 1/8 -thoroughbred cross breed with Australian meat merino herdmates. As the result of stepped breeding of local Stavropol ewe with half bred by Australian meat merino rambreeder of Stavropol breed animals of 1/2,1/4,1/8 -blood were obtained, which then one- shear tupped by breeding «inter se». It is proved that in applying such selective method 1/8-blood by Australian meat merino sheep were characterized with higher body weight, better wool quality in contrast to Stavropol purebreed herdmates. So, in 1/8-blood by Australian meat merino of hybrid ewe during breeding «inter se» live body at birth was higher than at pure breed herdmates for 5,56 %, during ablactation -at the age of 4 months - for 6,38 % (difference isn't accurate). According to sharing of wool in grease, superiority of ewe of hybrid origin over pure breed was 5,6 % (Р>0,99), but in terms of washed fiber it increases to 8,3 % (Р>0,999). So, in dry steppe zone of Povolzhye new improved, according to its productive qualities, genotype of Stavropol breed sheep is created with retention of genetic resource that is essential economic factor for the modern maintenance of fine-wool sheep breeding field.