THE USE OF IMMUNOGENIC MARKERS IN THE SELECTION OF SHEEP OF ZABAIKALSKAYA BREED

The article presents the results of immunogenic certification of fine-fleece sheep of Zabaikalskaya breed of the Khangil type, bred by a sophisticated reproductive cross-breeding method with Australian and Manych Merino breeds. The animals are adapted to a year-round grazing in harsh climatic conditions. The study was carried out in the pedigree plant of Trans-Baikal Territory. The immunogenic certification of animals was carried out in the laboratory of the immunogenic appraisal by six systems of blood groups including 14 antigenic factors. The blood group characteristics of the young were determined depending on their origin. Progeny of Zabaikalskaya stud ram breed of Khangil type is characterized by the highest frequency of occurrence of antigenic factors Aa, Bd, Bi, Bg, Cb, Ma, Mb, R. Given this, the progeny that was bred revealed similarities in the antigenic factors Bd, Bi, Ca, Cb, Ma and R, whereas the discrepancy was established for the antigens Aa, Ab, Bb, Be, Bg, Mb and O. The degree of the genetic similarity and genetic distance between animals within the breed amounted to 0.920 and 0.083 respectively. It is probable that high incidence of antigens Ma, Aa and Bd with the sheep of Zabaikalskaya breed of Khangil type corresponds to their mutton-wool production type. The work demonstrates necessity of the use of genetic markers in the breeding process and in the objective assessment of the degree of genetic similarity and genetic distance between animals of different origin within one breed.