Mikhelson L. Astrakhan and meat productivity of karakul sheep in the conditions of the steppe zone of the southern Ukraine

Test object: stud rams & Karakul sheep of black color type, fur sheep (offspring yearling sheep). Subject of scientific research: live weight, developmental & growth rate, market quality (mutton & fur), weight-for-age characteristics of skeletal system & inner organs, lines, hystomorphometric skin parameters, technological properties of fell, morphological & chemical composition of blood. Investigation methods: experimental, zoo-technical, zoo-chemical, hematological, histological, biometrical. Scientific development: for the first time under the conditions of the southern steppe zone of Ukraine the ewes grouping expediency by constitutional type was proved. This procedure is executed by Karakul sheep fur production. Separate offspring management by the conventional breeding method use was proved. The off-springs belong to the solid, sound, fine & rough constitution ewes. The off-springs were bred in the intensive agriculture zone. Sound & fine constitution off-springs are intended for fur production.Rough constitution off-springs are destined for mutton production. Significance of effect: solid constitution off-springs mating procures droppings output increase per 60,7%. The lambs belong to medium curl type. Fine constitution off-springs amount up to 58,8%. Rough constitution ewes mating increases slaughter yield per 51,8%. Annual efficiency amounts 3,8gr. per head by fur realization of sound, solid & fine constitution off-springs. Annual loss constitutes 0,5gr per head by fur realization of rough constitution off-springs. Investigation stuff was utilized by ‘Master plan of Karakul sheep breeding development’. This program was elaborated for Odessa area & it was envisaged up to 2010.