Abstract
<jats:p>In this scientific study, the macroscopic morphology of the heart of the Kazakh semi-coarse wool fat-tailed sheep and the “Velikan” breed rabbit was comprehensively analyzed in a comparative manner. The structure of the heart in animals is one of the key morphological indicators that determine their physiological characteristics, the efficiency of the circulatory system, and their ability to adapt to environmental conditions. From this perspective, the investigation of heart structure across different animal species and breeds represents an important and relevant area in veterinary anatomy and comparative morphology. The research was carried out at the “Agrotechnopark” Scientific Center and the laboratories of the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Shakarim University. During the study, a комплекс of anatomical-topographical and morphometric methods was employed to assess the external shape of the heart, its anatomical position, overall mass, wall thickness, the volume of the cardiac chambers, and the structural features of the valvular apparatus. Furthermore, the obtained data were processed using comparative analysis methods, which made it possible to identify and systematize species-specific morphological differences. The results demonstrated that the heart of the Kazakh semi-coarse wool fat-tailed sheep is characterized by a well-developed muscular structure. In particular, it was established that the wall of the left ventricle is approximately three times thicker than that of the right ventricle. This feature can be explained by the increased functional load on the systemic circulation and the relatively large body size of the sheep. In contrast, the heart of the “Velikan” breed rabbit is positioned more anteriorly within the thoracic cavity, has a compact and oval shape, and is distinguished by a high rate of contraction. This is associated with the elevated metabolic rate, active locomotion, and intensive energy metabolism characteristic of rabbits. In conclusion, the findings of this study confirm that heart morphology is directly dependent on the species and breed characteristics of animals. The obtained scientific data contribute to a deeper understanding of adaptive mechanisms in veterinary anatomy, morphology, and physiology. Moreover, these results provide a scientific basis for comparative studies of the cardiovascular system in farm animals and can be effectively applied in veterinary practice.</jats:p>