Abstract
In Kazakhstan, sheep farming remains an important sector, providing both food and raw materials for industry. In the context of declining wool value, the development of meat production has become particularly relevant, making the selection of suitable breeds essential for improving productivity. The aim of the study was to assess imported fine-wool rams from Australia and the Kyrgyz Republic when used for crossbreeding with Kazakh Fine-Wool ewes under the foothill conditions of the Akbulak farm in Almaty region. Three groups of ewes, each consisting of 150 head, were formed, using 3 Australian Meat Merino (AMM) rams, 3 Kyrgyz Mountain Merino (KMM) rams and 3 Kazakh Fine-Wool (KF) rams. Both purebreeding and industrial crossbreeding methods were applied, enabling accelerated modification of hereditary and physiological characteristics. The results showed that the experimental rams exhibited a strong constitution, high live weight and excellent wool yield. Clinical indicators in all groups remained within physiological norms, with no significant intergroup differences. Haematological parameters were maintained at an optimal level and varied seasonally, reflecting the intensity of oxidative-reduction processes. The highest fertility was recorded in Group I (KF × KF) at 121.0%, which exceeded Groups II (AMM × KF) and III (KMM × KF) by 1.65% and 3.30%, respectively. Lamb survival to weaning in Group I reached 97.3%, surpassing that of contemporaries by 1.4% and 1.7%. The practical value of the research lies in demonstrating that the use of AMM and KMM rams in Kazakh Fine-Wool flocks can improve wool fineness, enhance the histomorphological structure of the skin-fleece system, increase ewe fertility and lamb survival, and contribute to higher mutton production in the foothill regions of south-eastern Kazakhstan