This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of milk from Kazakh mares kept under free-grazing conditions on natural pasture without supplementary feeding. Fifty Kazakh mares were aged 3 to 13 years, kept in herds, and categorized by age, number of foalings, and lactation stage for statistical analysis. Milk samples were collected, chilled, and analyzed on the same day using a Milkoscan FT2. The composition of fat, protein, lactose, total solids, casein, and other components was examined. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, PCA, CDA, and Pearson correlation analysis, were performed using JMP 17 Pro to assess the effects of lactation stage, mare age, and foaling number and to identify key relationships. The results showed that milk composition was significantly influenced by these factors. Milk from the late-lactation stage contained higher protein, lactose, and total nutrients, while milk from the early-lactation stage had a higher sugar content and acidity. Older mares and those with higher foalings produced milk with higher concentrations of glucose and galactose, while younger mares and those with fewer foalings produced milk with higher fat. A key aspect of this experiment was that all mares grazed exclusively on natural pastures without supplementation, allowing for an objective assessment of their inherent productive potential. These findings deepen the understanding of mare milk composition dynamics in Kazakh breed horses under extensive management, supporting its potential for organic dairy production.

The purpose of the study was to determine the milk productivity and chemical composition of the milk of mares of the Kazakh breed of the jabe type (KJ) and the Novoaltay-Kazakh crossbreeds of the 1st generation (NA x KJ) in the conditions of herd keeping. To determine the milk productivity of mares, 2 experimental groups were formed with a total of 30 mares, 15 individuals were selected in each group. The studied animals were formed according to the principle of pairs of analogues in the context of full-age groups from 5 to 11 years. Kazakh horses of the jabe type in the group of experimental mares in milk have an average live weight of 433.5 kg, and are significantly inferior to the Novoaltay-Kazakh crosses (515.3 kg). The body measurements were 142.0-149.0-174.9-18.2 cm in Kazakh horses of the jabe type, and 150.1-157.1-186.7-20.02 cm, respectively, in Novoaltay-Kazakh crossbreeds. According to the results of studies, the milkiness of mares of the Novoaltay-Kazakh crosses for 105 days of lactation averaged 1932 liters or higher by 25.2% (487.2 liters) than the milkiness of mares of the Kazakh breed of the jabe type. As a result of studies on the composition of milk of mares of different genotypes, it was found that in mares of Kazakh jabe, on average, protein and fat indicators compared to Novoaltay-Kazakh crossbreeds were higher by 0.07% and 0.05%. In the course of determining the live weight of mares among the experimental groups, it was found that the Novoaltay-Kazakh crossbreeds, on average, had a higher live weight of 515.3 kg or higher compared to the Kazakh jabe by 81.8 kg (15.8%). Thus, the studies have proved the prospects of using stallions of the Novoaltay breed to increase the milkiness of local Kazakh horses of the jabe type in herd and pasture conditions.

The examination of maternal qualities in the ethology of cows and their young offspring, derived from the study on adaptability and productivity of second and third-generation Aberdeen Angus cattle imported to Kazakhstan from Canadian and European selection, is presented in this paper. The findings indicate that Canadian heifers, belonging to the second generation, displayed extended feeding behavior throughout the day, dedicating 33.2 minutes or 2.2% more time to feeding compared to their European counterparts (P < 0.001). Similar disparities between groups were observed in the duration of the ruminant process. Moreover, Canadian heifers consumed water for an additional 2 minutes or 0.6%, which can be attributed to their higher daily feed intake. The calving process of Aberdeen Angus cows generally proceeded smoothly, demonstrating a well-developed maternal instinct towards their offspring. Notably, calves born from Canadian cows exhibited greater agility and achieved the ability to stand on their feet in a shorter time, with an average duration of 41.0 ± 1.60 minutes, which was 11.7% faster than European calves. Additionally, Canadian calves displayed a shorter time to locate their mother's breast, with an average duration of 68.0 ± 7.70 minutes.

Background/Objectives: Understanding the genetic basis of growth and fat deposition is crucial for improving beef productivity in Kalmyk cattle, a breed well adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of Kazakhstan. The present study aimed to determine the effects of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRTC2 and ELOVL6 genes on intramuscular fat content and to evaluate their associations with growth and meat quality traits in 18-month-old Kalmyk heifers raised under different environmental conditions. Methods: A total of 400 clinically healthy Kalmyk heifers (200 from LLP “Qazaq Asyldary” and 200 from LLP “Agrofirma Turikpen”) were examined. All animals originated from closed breeding herds, and only unrelated individuals without common ancestors to the third generation were included. Zootechnical measurements— live weight, withers height, chest depth, chest girth, and body length—were performed twice by a trained specialist. Backfat thickness and musculus longissimus dorsi depth were measured postmortem. Blood samples were collected for genomic DNA extraction using the GeneJET purification kit, and DNA quality was assessed by Nanodrop, Qubit, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Target fragments of CRTC2 and ELOVL6 were amplified (150–200 bp) and sequenced on an ABI 3500 system. SNP identification, allele frequencies, and genotyping were performed by alignment to the Bos taurus ARS-UCD1.2 reference genome. Statistical analyses were conducted in RStudio using linear and mixed models with “farm” as a random effect. Results: Only one informative polymorphism, g.133528A>G in ELOVL6, was detected. Three genotypes (AA, AG, GG) were observed, with the heterozygous AG genotype showing significantly higher live weight, greater body length, and improved linear measurements compared to AA and GG. No significant associations were detected with backfat thickness or muscle depth. The g.133528A>G polymorphism in ELOVL6 positively influences growth traits without increasing fatness, aligning with the naturally lean phenotype of Kalmyk cattle. Conclusions: The AG genotype may serve as a promising marker for selecting faster-growing animals in marker-assisted breeding programs.

Для увеличения производства продукции коневодства при круглогодовом пастбищном содержании в условиях степной зоны Бескарагайского района, Абайской области, широко практикуется разведение лошадей бескарагайского заводского типа, и двух заводских линий – Шойынкара и Байторы. Эти лошади превосходят местные аналоги по мясной продуктивности, а также по приспособленности и выживаемости. Кобылы бескарагайского заводского типа отличаются высокой плодовитостью (90–95 жеребят на 100 маток), молочностью (1726–1570 л за 105 дней лактации) и высокими показателями мясной продуктивности. Совершенствование породы ведется методом чистопородного разведения с использованием линейных жеребцов-производителей и кобыл. Генетический потенциал бескарагайского типа достигает 500 кг у кобыл и 540 кг у жеребцов. При убое взрослых кобыл масса туши достигает 260 кг при убойном выходе 55,6%, у 2,5-летних жеребчиков – 224,4 кг при убойном выходе 55,9%. Основными репродукторами высококлассных и высокопродуктивных лошадей являются СПК «Ерназар», к/х «Мукинов», к/х «Төбет батыр» (Абайская область, Бескарагайский район), совершенствование лошадей данных хозяйств ведется с использованием линейных жеребцов, адаптированных к круглогодовому пастбищному содержанию. Вновь созданный бескарагайский заводской мясной тип (патент № 1031 от 30.12 2022г.), и заводские линии Шойынкара 71-81, (патент №1030 от 30.12.2022г.) и Байторы 25-83, (патент № 1032 от 09.09.2019 г.). Все патенты на селекционное достижение имеют официальный статус Республики Казахстан, и представляют собой значительную племенную ценность. В ходе многолетней селекционно-племенной работы (1980 – 2024 гг.), у животных наблюдается значительный рост живой массы и промеров, что подтверждает эффективность проводимой селекционно-племенной работы. Линейное разведение способствует повышению продуктивности животных, закреплению достигнутых результатов в потомстве, что ставит бескарагайский заводской тип мясного направления, одним из перспективных типов развития продуктивного табунного коневодства Казахстана.

The horse has played a pivotal role in the cultural, social, and economic development of Turkic societies, and in this context, Türkiye and Kazakhstan are regarded as two of the most significant centers of equine culture. Both nations share a nomadic heritage and a long standing tradition of relying on horses for transportation, warfare, and subsistence. Nevertheless, their breeding objectives, management practices, and socioeconomic priorities have gradually diverged over time due to differences in geography, climate, and historical trajectories. In Türkiye, horse breeding historically emphasized performance, conformation, and aesthetic qualities, particularly for cavalry, ceremonial use, and later, sport and racing purposes. Modern programs focus on the development of purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses. Despite a decline in overall horse numbers, traditional equestrian sports such as javelin and pacing continue to preserve cultural identity and strengthen the symbolic significance of horses in Turkish society. In contrast, Kazakhstan maintains a more extensive, multipurpose system rooted in the nomadic tabun management approach. Kazakh horses have evolved under year-round herd grazing, developing exceptional resilience, endurance, and adaptability to extreme continental climates. They serve as sources of milk (kumis), meat (kazy), and transportation, making them central to rural economies. Modern breeding has refined specialized lines, including Kushum, Mugalzhar, Adai, and Zhabe, which demonstrate superior productivity, environmental adaptation, and athletic performance. This comparative review examines historical development, breeding practices, biological traits, and socio economic roles of horses in Türkiye and Kazakhstan. Highlighting contrasts between controlled and herd-based systems, it provides insights for conservation, genetic improvement, and sustainable equine management while emphasizing the horse’s enduring role as a cultural, ecological, and economic asset.