Abstract
The article presents a production-based assessment of how breed characteristics and feeding system influence mare milk productivity and the economic efficiency of kumis production. The relevance of the study is related to the need to select genotypes and management technologies that ensure stable milk yield, acceptable milk quality, normal foal development and competitive production costs. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in 2025 at the kumis complex of Astana-Onim JSC in the Burabay district of Akmola region. Three analogous groups of primiparous four-year-old mares were formed, with 20 animals in each group: Russian heavy draft mares under stall housing, crossbred Kazakh jabe × riding mares under stall housing, and similar crossbred mares kept under year-round pasture conditions. Mechanical milking was carried out five times a day from April to September. Milk yield, fat content, foal live weight, feed conversion and economic indicators were recorded. Results. Russian heavy draft mares showed the highest milk productivity: lactation yield reached 1,856 kg, average daily yield was 8.22 L, and milk fat content was 1.76%. Their foals had the highest live weight at birth and at six months. Feed conversion was 1.36 feed units per 1 kg of milk compared with 1.57 in stall-kept crossbreds. Discussion and Conclusions. The results indicate that the Russian heavy draft breed is promising for increasing milk yield and quality, while pasture management reduces the cost of kumis. Future research should focus on combining productive genotypes with flexible seasonal feeding strategies.