Current Status and Dynamics of the Breznik Sheep Breed in Bulgaria

Tanya Ivanova

Abstract: The aim is to establish the current state and dynamics of the Breznik sheep breed in Bulgaria. Information from studbooks, pedigree certificates, primary breeding documentation of the controlled part of the population and the reports of the "Association for Breeding of the Breznik Sheep" for the period 2015-2023 were used. An analysis was made of the geographical distribution, the dynamics of the number of controlled animals for 9 year period, the possibilities for reproduction, the size and age structure of the herds. The organization "Association for Breeding of the Breznik Sheep" carries out selection and control, as the only breeding organization working with the Breznik sheep breed at the moment, which numbers 4136 sheep. This fact is a prerequisite for the organization of effective breeding work. The share of farms with flock between 100 and 150 animals is the largest. Controlled sheep are raised on 16 farms in 4 regions of the country, with an average of 259 sheep per farm. The number of young breeding animals is low and provides 16.2% reproduction of ewes and 15.7% of rams. This low percentage of reproduction implies a relatively low selection differential for the main productive traits, resp. less effect of selection. Therefore, it is advisable to leave a larger number of young animals for breeding, which will enable a more precise selection.

Keywords: breeding; Breznik sheep breed; condition of the breed

Citation: Ivanova, T. (2024). Current Status and Dynamics of the Breznik Sheep Breed in Bulgaria. Bulgarian Journal of Animal Husbandry, 61(2), 8-14 (Bg).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61308/XBIS3966

Date published: 2024-05-14