PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF KHAKASS HORSES

Abstract

Results are given from a study of allele pool of local Khakass horse as to 8 polymorphic blood systems and 17 DNA microsatellite loci. There was revealed a distinctive genetic structure of horse population, including private allele CA425P. There were established genetic differences between horse stocks at the three basic farms, where two lines of breeding having distinct exterior and constitution differences were found out. This is indicative of rather high genetic diversity in Khakass horse population, and of great opportunities for breeding work. A level of genetic affinity with other horse breeds was determined. There was carried out a comparative analysis of the exterior between Khakass reproducers and elite Buryat horses as well as a model of desired type of Khakass horse. The animals of the investigated group exceeded live weight requirements, established for elite Buryat horses, by 56.0 kg (11.3%) in males, and by 76.35 (15.7%) kg in females, but yielded to a model of desired type in live weight by 54.0 kg (9.8%) and 33.65 kg (6.9%), respectively. The variation coefficient for this trait was high in both cases: 5.54, and 6.96%.