Analysis of some exterior features and reproductive qualities of Tuva horses of various natural and climatic zones of the Republic of Tuva

Abstract

The research goal was to analyze exterior and reproductive performance indices of horses bred under varying natural and climatic conditions of Tuva. The research targets were 16 breeding stallions and 120 mares, five years of age and older, from two locations: the Kara-Sug Agricultural Production Cooperative (SPK Kara-Sug) in the Kyzyl District (central zone) and horse-breeding farms in Mongun-Tayginskiy District (western mountainous zone) of the Republic of Tuva. The external conformation features of the horses were evaluated through visual appraisal of body conformation, principal measurements, calculation of body condition indices, and determination of live weight. Reproductive performance indices included: conception rates, successful foaling rates, number of mares bred and conceived, number of foals produced, and foal survival rate at 30 days of age. Comparative analysis of key exterior parameters in horses bred in different natural and climatic zones of the Republic of Tuva revealed significant differences between groups in several traits depending on the breeding zone. These differences included height at withers, chest girth, conformation index, compactness index, and live weight. Both groups exhibited relatively high reproductive performance. However, the conception rate in mares from the central steppe zone (Group I) was significantly higher (6.6%) than in Group II (P ≤ 0.001). Group I also showed a 2.1-fold lower incidence of infertility (6.2% vs. 12.6%), while abortion rates averaged 10% in both groups. Stallions from the central steppe zone served an average of 3.4 more mares per stallion (by 6.5% more) compared to those from the western zone (P ≤ 0.001). Stallions in both groups demonstrated high fertility and reproductive potential. However, the highest conception rate (89.7%), successful foaling rate (87.3%), and live foal production rate (87.0%) were observed in stallions from the central steppe zone (Group I). This superior performance is attributed to the greater adaptation of these stallions to herd mating and year-round pasture-based management typical of the steppe zone of the Republic of Tuva.