Traditional selection methods in improving the breeds of fine-wool sheep of Kyrgyzstan

The article examines the historical, methodological and practical aspects of the traditional breeding of fine-wool sheep of Kyrgyzstan, starting from the first stages of the formation of the Kyrgyz fine-fleeced breed and ending with modern work to improve the breed types of the Kyrgyz mountain merino. Based on our own scientific research and analysis of the annual reports of the Kyrgyz Research Institute of Animal Husbandry and Pastures for 2015–2025. The data on the variability of the main economically useful traits are summarized, the directions of breeding progress are outlined, stable trends in wool and meat productivity, fertility and adaptability of animals are revealed. The analysis showed that the use of traditional breeding methods ensures a stable increase in the productivity of fine-wool sheep. The average wool shearing of breeding sheep increased by 8–12%, and that of female sheep by 6–9%. The wool tone has stabilized at the level of 22.1–23.3 microns. The young ewes showed an increase in body weight by an average of 15–18% (2015–2025), which indicates the formation of a strong meat-wool trend within the breed. The paper shows that the combination of traditional selection methods with modern elements of genetic assessment ensures a stable increase in productivity and preservation of adaptive properties of the breed in the foothill zones of Kyrgyzstan.