A study on some phenotypic characteristics of the Karabakh horse in comparison with the Kurdish and Arabian horses

In order to preserve genetic resources and revive local breeds within the country, some breed specifications of the Karabakh horse, an important local breed in Azarbaijan and Iran was studied. In the present study after obtaining information from horse owners and club managers of Karabakh horse, the phenotypic characteristics were completed through relevant measurements. 23 phenotype specifications were measured in 42 Karabakh horses, 32 Kurdish horses and 25 Arabian horses which included: face length, face width, ear length, ear width, height at withers, height at knee, height at arm, diameter of the cannon bone, chest heart girth width, back girth, height at croup, height at hock, neck length, back and loin length, croup length, tail length, body length, dorsal hoof height, lateral hoof height, pastern length, ratio of height to body length and weigh of the body. Overall significant differences were observed for most of the studied characteristics between the Karabakh, Kurdish and Arabian horses. In conclusion it could be mentioned that Karabakh horse is distinguished by specific phenotypic features such as low body weight, short height, broad- face, wide chest, long pastern, wide hoof and medium body length which makes it possible for it to be used in sports such as racing and polo and farming activities. Thus preservation of this heritage and valuable genetic resource in its natural farmlands together whit promotion of cultural aspects by relevant authorities is recommended.