Crossbreeding horses: what is it and types of procedures, basic rules

Breeding unique breeds of horses has long been considered a worthy occupation. Crossbreeding different breeds of horses gave breeders the opportunity to get unique animals. The painstaking work continues today - real experts are not used to resting on their laurels. The results of their activities are not visible to the general public, but true connoisseurs of horses pay tribute to the masters of their craft.

What is horse crossing

Crossbreeding horses is called the mating of representatives of different breeds to improve certain qualities As a result of manipulations, more hardy animals with good heredity are obtained.According to the observations of scientists, the descendants acquire the hereditary characteristics of the parents most adapted to the environment. The rational use of this feature allows you to achieve offspring endowed with desirable qualities.

The effect of heterosis is observed in such hybrids. The term means that foals have useful acquired qualities. In this way, unsightly, undersized horses are improved. Small horses are often found on farms. In order to correct the shortcomings, animals are crossed with representatives of factory breeds.

The resulting offspring are provided with quality nutrition and good living conditions. Only under these conditions can we hope for the success of the event.

Disregarding the recommendations can lead to unexpected results: the desired qualities will not appear in foals, but the existing virtues will be completely lost. Thus, the "improved" horse will be much worse than the local, "non-improved" animals.

Types of crossing

There are 5 types of horse crossing. The choice of method depends on the purpose of the important event.

1. Absorptive look. Crossing is used when it is necessary to radically change some qualities of the breed. In some cases, the absorption method is used to develop a new branch based on an existing horse breed. Crossbreeding is carried out with the participation of stallions of an improving breed.
2. Reproductive view. This complex type of crossbreeding is used to develop a new breed. To obtain the result, horses of 2 or more breeds are mated. Depending on the number of breeds used, reproductive crossing is called simple or complex. This winding path led to the appearance of magnificent breeds of horses - the Budennovskaya horse and the Orlov trotter.
3. Introductory view. A common crossbreeding procedure designed to improve the initial qualities of an animal by adding fresh blood.Thus, the individual qualities of the horse are improved. There are no fundamental changes. Such manipulations are carried out in a planned manner in work with representatives of half-breed breeds (trakehner, budennovskaya, russian riding).
4. Industrial look. Crossing is carried out in rare cases. The procedure is not intended for breeding horses. Crossbreeds are endowed with athletic or productive qualities. Both representatives of local breeds and imported stallions of trotting and heavy draft types are used for crossing.
5. Variable view. Used to breed universal animals. The procedure is carried out with alternate use of 2-3 breeds of stallions.

In some cases, much more representatives of different breeds are used. The resulting hybrids receive new qualities and may well surpass their ancestors in terms of endurance, growth and productivity.

Basic rules for holding

The horses are prepared in advance for the mating season. Stallions-producers are transferred to the regime of enhanced nutrition. Sprouted oats or carrots must be added to the daily diet. For older stallions, supplements of animal origin are needed, in the form of chicken eggs or skimmed milk. If possible, it is recommended to pamper horses with yellow millet dessert.

In general, the amount of feed consumed is significantly increased, and concentrated feed should be at least 60% of the total mass. Stallions must be provided with physical activity in the form of daily exercise. Before the mating, the stallion must be unchained. For mares no special preparation is required.

During the preparatory period, horses are given juicy, roughage, with a minimum content of concentrates. He althy, large mares are allowed to cross. Individuals younger than 3 years are not allowed to mate.The procedure is carried out during estrus (hunting). The duration of the period for possible mating is from 3 to 7 days.

Further care

After a successful pregnancy, mares need special attention and care. These animals are at risk of abortion. The main reason for abortion is an outbreak of an infectious disease. Horse owners are afraid of such dangers as rhinopneumonia, influenza or paratyphoid.

In order to avoid danger, horses are given preventive vaccinations. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness in the places where horses are kept. Poor quality food is a big danger. Poisoning can easily cause a sudden termination of pregnancy.

Fatal outcome leads horses to drink cold water. Often the trouble occurs in winter. At this time of the year, the temperature of drinking water should not fall below 8 degrees.Mares are carefully protected from injuries and falls. In preparation for childbirth, the "apartments" of the horse are carefully cleaned and covered with an impressive layer of fresh straw. At the time of the approach of childbirth, the amount of food for the animal is reduced.

Helpful tips

Crossbreeding horse breeds is not an easy task, requiring deep knowledge and skill. Experienced breeders advise:

1. It is desirable to mate animals in the early morning. This is because mares ovulate at night.
2. It is not recommended to allow mating mares at the age of 1.5 years. This threatens the young animal with a delay in development and growth. The offspring obtained from such a mare loses to foals born from full-aged parents. Restrictions also apply to young stallions.

In order to avoid unwanted contacts, it is better to isolate young mares and stallions from each other.

How hybrid horses are used today

In the 21st century, humanity does not feel the need to use horses as public transport. In developed countries, hybrid horses participate in circus performances, sports competitions and recreational riding.

Representatives of a hybrid horse species - mules - participated in cloning experiments. In some areas, animals are used as a source of meat and milk. For residents of remote corners of the planet, horses and mules are faithful helpers in the household.

Recommended