Abstract
Abstract One of the main methods for developing competitive sheep breeding is the crossing of meat-and-fat sheep and their crossbreds with highly productive meat-and-wool stud rams. Breeds created by domestic selection, such as Kazakh fine-wool, Kazakh Arkhar-Merino, Meat Merino , Kazakh meat-and-wool, Tsigai, Degeres, Akzhaik and Kazakh early-maturing meat sheep, are widely used in Kazakhstan. This study was carried out to preserve the high adaptive properties of Kazakh fat-tailed semi-coarse-wool sheep, which are typical for year-round pasture management in the extreme natural and climatic conditions of the Abai Region in northeastern Kazakhstan. We assessed selected exterior and productivity traits of Kazakh fat-tailed semi-coarse-wool ewes and highly productive stud rams. The research focused on improving selection and breeding work in sheep farming and creating new highly productive flocks adapted to local natural and economic conditions. The results can serve as a scientific basis for practical recommendations for various types of farms, as well as for the development of import-substituting and export-oriented sheep production.