Breeding unique breeds of horses has long been considered a worthy occupation. Crossbreeding different breeds of horses gave breeders the opportunity to obtain unique animals. The painstaking work continues today - true specialists are not accustomed to resting on their laurels. The results of their activities are not visible to the general public, but true horse connoisseurs pay tribute to the masters of their craft.
What is horse crossing
Horse crossbreeding is 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, descendants acquire the hereditary characteristics of the parents most adapted to the environmental conditions. Rational use of this feature allows you to achieve offspring endowed with desirable qualities.
Such crosses exhibit a heterosis effect. 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 shortcomings, animals are crossed with representatives of factory breeds.
The resulting offspring are provided with high-quality nutrition and good living conditions. Only if these conditions are met can we hope for the success of the event.
Neglect of the recommendations can lead to unexpected results: the desired qualities will not appear in foals, but the existing advantages will be completely lost. Thus, the “improved” horse will turn out to 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.
- Absorbing look. Crossbreeding 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.
- Reproductive species. This complex type of crossbreeding is used to develop a new breed. To obtain the result, horses of 2 or several breeds are mated.Depending on the number of breeds used, reproductive crossbreeding is called simple or complex. This winding path led to the appearance of magnificent breeds of horses - the Budennovsk horse and the Oryol trotter.
- Introductory view. A common crossbreeding procedure designed to improve the original qualities of an animal by adding fresh blood. In this way, the individual qualities of the horse are improved. There are no fundamental changes. Such manipulations are carried out as planned when working with representatives of half-bred breeds (Trakehner, Budennovskaya, Russian riding).
- 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. For crossing, both representatives of local breeds and imported stallions of trotting and draft types are used.
- Variable view. Used for breeding universal animals. The procedure is carried out using alternately 2-3 breeds of stallions.
In some cases, many more representatives of different breeds are used. The resulting crossbreeds acquire new qualities and may well surpass their ancestors in terms of endurance, growth and productivity.
Basic rules
Horses are prepared in advance for the mating period. Stud stallions are put on a high-feed regimen. Be sure to add sprouted oats or carrots to your daily diet. For older stallions, supplements of animal origin are required, in the form of chicken eggs or skimmed milk. If possible, it is recommended to pamper horses with a dessert made from yellow millet.
In general, the volume of feed consumed is significantly increased, and concentrated feed should make up at least 60% of the total weight.Stallions must be provided with physical activity in the form of daily exercise. Before mating, the stallion must be unshackled. No special preparation is required for mares.
During the preparatory period, horses are given juicy, roughage feed, with a minimum content of concentrates. Healthy, large mares are allowed for crossing. Individuals under 3 years of age are not allowed to mate. The procedure is carried out during the period of estrus (hunting). The duration of the period for possible mating is from 3 to 7 days.
Further care
After successful pregnancy, mares need special attention and care. These animals are at risk of abortion. The main reason for termination of pregnancy is an outbreak of an infectious disease. Horse owners are afraid of such dangers as rhinopneumonia, influenza or paratyphoid fever.
In order to avoid danger, horses are given preventive vaccinations. In addition, it is necessary to ensure cleanliness in the areas where horses are kept. Poor quality feed poses a great danger. Poisoning can easily cause sudden termination of pregnancy.
Giving horses cold water leads to fatal consequences. Trouble often occurs in winter. At this time of year, the temperature of drinking water should not fall below 8 degrees. Mares are carefully protected from injury and falls. In preparation for childbirth, the horse’s “apartment” is thoroughly cleaned and covered with an impressive layer of fresh straw. As birth approaches, the animal's feed volume is reduced.
Useful tips
Crossing horse breeds is not an easy task, requiring deep knowledge and skill. Experienced breeders advise:
- It is advisable to carry out mating of animals in the early morning.This is explained by the fact that the process of ovulation in mares occurs at night.
- It is not recommended to allow mares at the age of 1.5 years to mate. This threatens the young animal with delayed development and growth. The offspring obtained from such a mare are inferior to foals born from full-aged parents. The 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 are hybrid horse species used today?
In the 21st century, humanity does not feel the need to use horses as public transport. In developed countries, hybrid types of horses participate in circus performances, sports competitions and recreational horseback riding.
Representatives of a hybrid species of horses - 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.
