MEAT PRODUCTIVITY OF ZHANIBEK INTRABREED TYPE HORSES OF THE KUSHUM BREED IN THE WEST KAZAKHSTAN REGION

Abstract

Horse breeding for meat production is an economically significant sector in Kazakhstan. Particularly, in the western region where the Kushum breed is widely used. The Zhanibek intra-breed type is valued for arid-climate adaptation and high meat productivity. This study compared meat productivity of 18-month-old horses from two breeding lines: Doskuren 83-85 and Zamantory 69-84. The experiment was conducted at the Alem farm in the West Kazakhstan. Two groups of 18-month-old colts were compared by breeding lineage: Group I (Doskuren 83-85) and Group II (Zamantory 69-84).  Control slaughter was performed following standard methodologies. Pre-sIaughter live weight, carcass weight, slaughter yield, morphological composition (muscle-fat, bone, and by-products), and carcass grade composition were assessed. Group II animal consistently outperformed Group I: pre-slaughter live weight was 352.0 kg versus 347.0 kg. And carcass weight was 200.9 kg versius 191.1 kg. Slaughter yield was higher in Group II (57.0% vs. 55.0%). Muscle-fat mass reached 166.7 kg in Group II compared to 152.3 kg in Group I; with a higher muscle-fat proportion (83.0% vs. 79.6%). Bone mass was lower in Group II (32.9 kg vs. 36.6 kg), indicating a more favorable meat-to-bone ratio. By-products: tongue, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver were heavier in Group II. Zamantory 69-84 offspring showed superior meat productivity, including higher weights and slaughter yields. The Zhanibek type»s adaptive and productive traits support its continued use in breeding.