DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/64/204-210
Growth and Exterior Characteristics of F₂-Generation Hybrid Female Buffaloes
Mehri Khalilova1* 
, Zeynab Huseynova1 , Saadat Aliyeva1 ,
Mehriban Hasanava1 , Nargiz Eminbayli1 , and Elza Mustafayeva1
Abstract. The article presents the results of a study on the growth and development characteristics, age-related dynamics of live weight, and main exterior measurements of F₂-generation hybrid female buffaloes. The aim of the study was to determine changes in live weight and body measurements of hybrid female buffaloes at different age periods. The study was conducted on F₂-generation hybrid female buffaloes obtained through artificial insemination in private farms located in the Sheki-Zagatala region. Feeding and housing conditions of the animals were organized in accordance with zooveterinary requirements. It was determined that the live weight of the two studied hybrid females was 28 and 32 kg, respectively, at birth, 77 and 86 kg at three months of age, and 82 and 90 kg at six months of age. With increasing age, a consistent increase was observed in the main exterior measurements, including withers height, back length, rump width, chest depth, oblique body length, chest width, heart girth, and cannon bone circumference. The obtained results characterize the individual growth and development characteristics of F₂-generation hybrid female buffaloes and can be used to evaluate their growth and exterior traits in breeding and selection work.
Keywords. F₂ generation, hybrid female buffaloes, live weight, growth, development, exterior, body measurements, age dynamics, breeding and selection work, buffalo breeding