Abstract
The article analyzes current status and regional distribution of fat-tailed sheep in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Domestic sheep breeds of the meat-fat productivity type are considered, including Kazakh coarse-wooled fat-tailed, Edilbay, Degeres, Kazakh semi-coarse-wooled fat-tailed, Kazakh karakul fat-tailed, Saryarka, Ordabasy and Baisary breeds. Population size, intra-breed structure, geographical distribution and breeding characteristics in different natural and climatic zones of the country were analyzed. Fat-tailed sheep breeding was found to be one of the strategically important branches of animal husbandry in Kazakhstan, ensuring efficient utilization of pasture resources in arid and semi-arid areas. The indigenous Kazakh coarse-wooled fat-tailed breed is the most widespread, accounting for more than 63% of the total pedigree sheep population. The highest concentration of fat-tailed breeds is observed in the southern, western and central regions of the republic. Fat-tailed sheep are characterized by high adaptability, endurance under extreme environmental conditions, early maturity and efficient pasture utilization. Their important role in the conservation of genetic resources, food security and sustainable transhumant livestock production is emphasized. The results of the study can be used in the development of breeding programs, improvement of breed zoning systems, and strategies for rational utilization of the fat-tailed sheep gene pool.