Characteristics of nucleus stallions of Stavropol stud farm thoroughbred

Thoroughbred of horses is one of the most numerous breeds in the world. For the beginning of 2020 some 1025 horses were registered in the Stavropol region, including 401 heads or 39.1% of thoroughbreds. In the course of historical development several genetic lines of world significance of this breed have been developed. In the course of evolution a permanent change of structure of population can be noticed: genetic influence of dominant line tends to increase, new branches have been emerging. Therefore, monitoring of these processes is rather essential in order to ensure effective selection. The article provides brief characteristics of thoroughbred stallions used as breeding nucleus at Stavropol stud farm. Zootechnical documents of the stud farm, as well as the summaries of results of body conformation of breeding horses, animal passports, registries of breeding stallions, state stud books on thoroughbred horses, and data from the information system HORSES-3 were used as reference material. Breeding stallions used in the farm, in particular Galakhad, Stict and Dark Star are representatives of three lines: of Tagor, Northern Dancer and Nazrulla. Stallion Gallakhad is the representative of the most successful line of Tagor developed in Russia. Breeding stallions of nuclear stock are characterized according to the line structure and distinctiveness of selection characters, namely withers height, chest and pastern girth, and correspond to standards of the breed. The average values of measurements are 171.0 - 191.3 - 20.7 cm. An average stallions is 13 years old. Therefore, breeding according to lines practiced in selection process gives certain breed constancy, while providing for more genetic plasticity that allows to manage the evolution of the breed, adjusting it to ever-changing requirements and tastes.