Use of biotechnological methods for accelerated improvement of Kalmyk cattle

Background. The reduction in the number of some domestic breeds raises concerns among livestock experts. One of the reasons for the reduction in the number of livestock is the lack of purebred bulls, which are able to preserve the breed. Kalmyk breed of cattle is the only ancient aboriginal domestic breed of meat direction. It is kept on year-round pasture keeping, thus on productivity indicators it is not inferior to foreign breeds of meat direction. In this connection preservation and improvement of the gene pool of this breed is important. Kalmyk cattle breed is one of the few indigenous Russian breeds that still possesses unique genetics.

Currently, the breed needs to be restored and protected. In order to increase the number and improve the breed qualities of Kalmyk animals, selection is necessary, which should be based on reliable information about the origin of animals and identification of candidate genes marking productive and reproductive qualities. Restoration and improvement of breed qualities of Kalmyk cattle is possible only under the condition of accelerated reproduction of purebred genotyped stock with the use of biotechnological methods in reproduction. The analysis of complex evaluation of animals showed the variability of live weight of bulls-producers and cows in different periods of growth, from 20, 22 kg at birth to 320, 380 kg at 15 months. Evaluation of the genetic structure of the Kalmyk population for meat productivity genes CAPN1, TG5, GH, revealed a high level of homozygous individuals with desirable genotypes, more than 40%. The average level of heterozygous individuals is 30%. The results obtained on the genetic structure of Kalmyk cattle in the Republic of Kalmykia demonstrate a moderate level of genetic diversity and suggest the possibility of restoring a “pure” gene pool. The selected schemes of hormonal polyovulation for the arid breed revealed a high percentage of fertilization (81%) and 92.3% of donor cows responding with superovulation. On average, 8.8% of embryos were obtained per donor, and 5.5% of them were suitable. Thus, the results of research work on the use of biotechnological methods in reproduction of indigenous breeds confirm the fact of successful approbation and further utilization of genetic potential of highly valuable animals.

Purpose. The aim of the research is to study the way of using biotechnological methods for accelerated improvement of Kalmyk cattle breed.

Materials and methods. As part of the research work conducted at Kalmyk University on the use of biotechnological methods in indigenous animal husbandry, the Kalmyk breed of cattle bred in breeding farms of the Republic of Kalmykia served as an object of research. Animals were annually evaluated for purebredity in a complex way. We have processed and analyzed the data on animals: primary accounting on productivity indicators, genealogical affiliation (data of 33,135 heads, year of birth 2014-2023 were studied). When analyzing the complex evaluation, we relied on the methodology of evaluating the breeding value of beef cattle, approved by the Eurasian Economic Commission, for further implementation of the evaluation of the breeding value of the Kalmyk breed.

Results. Identification of candidate genes associated with qualitative and quantitative indicators of meat were investigated in breeding farms of the Republic of Kalmykia. Population analysis was carried out in steers of Kalmykian breed at the age of 8 months. 1626 heads were studied and live weight of young animals was evaluated. The data on genotypes associated with live weight are shown in the diagram.

Conclusion. Experimental studies conducted on the experimental herd on the use of biotechnological methods in the reproduction of indigenous breeds have shown the fundamental possibility of using reproductive biotechnology in the reproduction of Kalmyk meat breed. During the research work more than 150 pieced with Kalmyk cattle embryos were received and frozen.