Effective genome editing tools (ZFNs, Talens and (CRISPR / Cas)) have shown their ability to revolutionize molecular biological research with the hopes of applied results promotion. CRISPR / Cas as an evolutionarily acquired immune system of bacteria and archaea that prevents the invasion of viruses or plasmids has been successfully adapted for editing the genome of eukaryotes. CRISPR / Cas systems are currently divided into three main types: I, II and III, of which type II has relatively simple components and is most often used for editing the genome. This technology has been successfully applied to rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep and large cattle with the development of a variety of applications. In particular, editing the genome in farm animals can help improve productive genetic properties, improve various products of animal origin, ensure resistance to disease or minimize harmful effects on the environment. It is important that editing the genome in livestock can be used to increase the frequency of favorable alleles with QTN with great effect. Gene drives or repressions can be used to increase the rate at which the edited alleles spread among livestock populations. Successful promotion of useful alleles in animal breeding programs requires the discovery of loci of quantitative traits through a set of large data sets on the contribution of these loci to the formation of phenotypic traits.

The main purpose of this article was to compare the modeling results of the process for genetic resources reproduction in the Black-and-White cattle population improved by Holstein breed in Moscow Region (Russia) using two principles: line breeding (5 lines) and intensive selection of sires without taking into account their line family. As information support for the research, the database of the regional information-selection center "Mospleminform" for animals under recording was used that has contained 62559 production data records for first-calving cows’ daughters of 293 bulls. To assess the bulls’ estimated breeding values (EBV) by mixed model equation for BLUP procedure that includes all basic parametric effects which "masks" the genetic effect of sires to the variability of standard phenotypic traits of their daughters was developed. The analysis showed that bulls from different lines did not reliably differ in the selection indices of breeding values by the production traits that indicates there are no reason to get the heterosis effect in cross-lines purebred animals. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the comparative principles of the selection in individuals for sire of bulls group, three the best animals with the high EBV for each line got into analysis and their results with the fifteen best animals without taking into account their line family in the population were compared. The bulls with the highest EBV in the studied population by the almost in the all-main production traits had a significant advantage in comparison with the average selection indices of the sires’ breeding value, selected as a line continuer. At the same time, under both principles of the breeding resources reproduction the animal’s selection by a specific trait leads to a non-optimal number of individuals in selection groups, which requires the elaboration of a system for integrated assessment of animals.

In the review are discussing perspectives and possibilities for the switchover from the traditional assessment of the meat-oriented poultry in Russia (class rating) to the determination of genetic value using BLUP methods and genomic selection. Taking into account the minimum of the environmental effects the equation of the mixed-type model to estimate the prediction of the poultry production traits were generalized. The selection effectiveness compared with the phenotype estimation by BLUP method is higher for reproduction features than for the body weight. Under the literature sources review, the directions of genomic analysis for increasing the accuracy estimates of broilers’ economically important traits as well as molecular genetic methods in poultry breeding are shown. The accuracy increasing on average for genomic evaluations depending on the parent lines of the chicken (paternal and maternal breeds) can be range from 8 to 23%. For economic traits with the low heritability, genomic prediction reveals a great difference in the accuracy of the estimates. For the successful elaboration into the poultry breeding practice genetic evaluations were determined a number of management steps on the breeding farm: the creation of a database for individual records in breeding nests (families); collection of basic and additional measurements, reflecting economically important traits; obtaining a sufficient number of offspring for an objective evaluation of cocks and chickens; ensuring the selection intensity in the breeding groups. The use of genomic selection methods will make it possible to intensify the process of early pre-selection of individuals by an increase in its rigidity. For this, it is necessary to get high homogeneity in the pure lines to obtain three- and four-way crosses with the genetic potential realization of ancestral forms (parents, grandparents) in them. Some of the steps for using genomic analysis tools in broiler breeding is proposed, which can also be tested on egg-laying chickens.

To assess the genetic diversity of Holsteinized Black-and-White cattle in Leningrad Region, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used. For the analysis, six herds from Breeding plants with an average cows’ milk yield from 8,100 kg to 11,000 kg were selected. From each herd 45 - 85 cows were selected in random. The total number of cows was 373. All cows were genotyped by the ILLUMINA BovineSNP50 v.2 chip (Illumina Inc. USA) in Ireland (Weatherbys Co. UK). Editing of SNPs was performed according to the following criteria: minor alleles frequency of MAF < 0.01, share of errors in genotyping of SNPs less than 5%, reliability of matching of SNPs genotype to Hardy-Weinberg distribution (P < 0.0001). As a result of editing there are 41210 SNPs. To calculate between genetic diversity of the cows, EIGENSOFT program was used. The reliability of the obtained data was calculated by ANOVA. The reliability of the data for the three eigenvectors was as follows: the first vector (P <0.58), the second vector (P <3.3e-16), the third vector (P <5.9e-06). Therefore, the second and third eigenvectors can be used to estimate the data obtained. Pairwase between herds differences are maximal for herd 2 both for eigenvector 2 and 3. Highly significant pair of herds 3_6 for eigenvector 2 and 3_5 for eigenvector 3 were obtained. Thus, PCA method is effective in studying between herds genetic diversity of dairy cattle and can be recommended for use on other farm animals.

Fish belong to convenient objects of research, tk. they are not expensive in the content, they have transparent shells that allow easy analysis of developmental stages, produce a lot of fertilized eggs required for introduction of genes. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of the introduction of genetic constructs by microinjection on the viability of transgenic model embryos and larvae of fish with fluorescent reporter genes. Using a micromanipulator, two different gene constructs containing the reporter gene GFP were introduced, as a control, distilled water was microinjected. The advantage of these constructs is the intravital expression of the green fluorescent protein under UV irradiation and FITC filter application. Analysis of developmental stages, morphological changes in fish, and gene expression were studied on a Lumar 12 stereo microscope by Zeiss. Within a day, analysis of the early stages of fish development both in control and in experimental groups showed the presence of normal and abnormal forms of development. In addition, non-viable organisms have been identified in all embryo groups studied. Thus, it is the first day that is the main critical period of embryo survival. A total of 335 embryos were analyzed, among them in control 60, after the introduction of water 111, after the introduction of the pCX-EGFP construct 126 and 38 after the pCEEGPF. The different viability of embryos and larvae in control and using different genetic constructs is shown for the first time. The critical periods of life of the early stages of development in the experimental groups of fish were first revealed. Transgenic embryos and Danio rerio larvae were obtained with the mosaic nature of the expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP). It should be noted that the influence of gene modifications on the homeostasis and the life span of genetically modified organisms at the population, cellular, and molecular levels has not been sufficiently studied. Further research is needed on the development and life span of transgenic organisms.

The results of comparative analysis of the genetic structure are reported for the following breeds: Vladimir Heavy Draft (n=210), Russian Heavy Draft (n=60), Soviet Heavy Draft (n=51) and Persheron (n=38) on 17 DNA microsatellite including VHL20, HTG4, AHT4, HMS7, HTG6, AHT5, HMS6, ASB23, ASB2, HTG10, HTG7, HMS3, HMS2, ASB17, LEX3, HMS1, CA425. There were identified 139 alleles of STR loci in the tested horses. The largest range of alleles (Na = 121) was reported in Russian and Soviet Heavy Draft horses. The number of alleles in the studied loci varied from 3 to 12 with an average value from 6,12 to 7,12 per locus. A comparative analysis of Heavy Draft horse breeds according to the main genetic and population characteristics showed that the Soviet Heavy Draft horse breed is leading in terms of genetic diversity and have high polymorphism (Ae = 4,00) and degree of heterozygosity (He = 0,722). Interbreed inbreeding was found out in the small population of Persheron (Fis=0,074) which was the most different from the other breeds (Fst=0,080) in its genetic structure. The highest coefficient of genetic similarity (0.955) was established between Russian and Soviet Heavy Draft breeds, while the relationship between Vladimir and Soviet Heavy Draft breeds was minimal (0.716). The cluster analysis showed a certain genetic relationship between Heavy Draft breeds of the West European lines and the close similarity between the Soviet and Russian Heavy Draft breeds. Microsatellite profiles of Heavy Draft breeds and genetic distances between them rather adequately reflect their microevolution and specificity of the breeding process in populations.

The haplotypes of the D-loop mtDNA complete sequence in 60 sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka Walbaum) specimens from the mainland part (the Anadyr River, the Pakhacha River, the Azabachye Lake, the Kamchatka River, the Vorovskaya River) and the island part (Iturup, Paramushir, Shumshu) of the areal were analyzed. After multiple alignment of the sequences, a part of 1025 bp mtDNA comprising the entire D-loop sequence was examined, the GC content of this fragment was 39.8%. Four polymorphic sites were identified (0.3% of all sites), 4 of them informative, all substitutions were transitions, and four indels were identified. Only one substitution was observed in the D-loop region before poly-T repeat, the remaining variable sites were located in the second half of the analyzed mtDNA fragment. For Sockeye Salmon, a low diversity of D-loop haplotypes is characteristic: in total, 4 haplotypes for substitution and 7 haplotypes with indels were identified. Two haplogroups were identified, differing in three substitutions. Two most common haplotypes A and B are distinguished, differing by 3 substitutions. Haplotypes A and B are present in both groups of populations, two more haplotypes are found among the mainland populations. On the Kuril Islands there are only A and B haplotypes. Taking into account the indeles, haplotypes A and B differ by 3 substitutions and 2 indeles and, taking into account the indeles, a haplotype which was found only in fishes of the Kurile Islands was revealed. Taking into account the indels, the index of the haplotypes diversity (Hd) increases to 0.75, the haplotypes diversity index in group of continental populations is higher than in the populations of the Kurile Islands. Thus, the D-loop of mitochondrial DNA of sockeye salmon possesses structural features: most variable sites are located at a site after poly-T repeat, and a large number of indeles are present with a low haplotypic diversity. With that, in the structure of the current genetic diversity of sockeye salmon there is traced a decrease in the population number and fragmentation of the sockeye salmon areal in the Late Pleistocene.

In autosexable breeds and populations of chicken the differences in fluff coloration between male and female day old chicks depend on the gene dose. In comparison to this in commercial crosses and strains those differences depend on different alleles. As a rule, such differences are highly variable and sexing accuracy is not sufficient enough to ensureefficient sex separation. There is possible to increase sexing accuracy by enhancing of expression of the genes, controlling fluff clarification. Their effect depends on the genetic environment. Our previous investigations revealed, that by selection of genes-modificators. There is possible to entrance difference in fluff melanization between day old males and femailes. in chicken Italian Partridge breed from the Bioresource collection of RRIFAGB there was found a trait of fluff clarification among day old chicks. The was suggested that is was described in the literature sex-linked gene "Li". Its dominant allele clarifies pheomelanine part of fluff pattern in day old chicks. To check this hypothesis there were carried several crossings between cocks and hens of the Italian Partridge breed. One group consisted of the parents, which had light fluff coloration in one day age. The another group consisted of the cocks, which had light fluff coloration while day old hens had standard fluff coloration. The carried out studies demonstrated that the trait found in the Italian Partridge breed, most likely was determinied by a sex-linked gene. Among the of the chicks with standard fluff coloration on the ratio hens: cocks was 2:1. The results of fluff coloration distribution among progeny of the parents with light fluff enable to suggest, that the gene controlling this trait is not completely dominant, because in case of complete dominance all progeny of light-fluffed parent would have light fluff, while in the second group fluff coloration ratio would be 1:1. Also one can assume, that the trait of fluff coloration is controlled not by only one gene and more light fluff coloration is a result of the additive effect. The investigations of the genetic basis this trait are important for its possible application in the autosexable breeds and populations.

Many factors influence the efficiency of livestock production, one of the most significant is the genetic potential of animals used in breeding. Most economically significant indicators such as meat production are polygenic and can be determined by many genes, one of the them is the myostatin gene (MSTN) influencing the meat production.In our research we studied the slaughter indexes of Hereford x black-and-white bulls depending on the genotypes of the myostatin gene (MSTN). Bulls with the MSTN^BB genotype had the higher the slaughter indexes than those of the MSTN^AA genotypes.They excelled animals with alternative genotypes by the mass of paired carcass on 26.1 kg or 9.4% (P <0.01), by carcass yield - on 3.6 %. (P <0.05), by slaughter weight - on 23.2 kg or 7.6% (P <0.05), by slaughter yield - on 3 %(P<0.05).Bulls with MSTN^AA genotype excelled animals with MSTN^AA genotypes: by the mass of paired carcass on 19.5 kg or 7% (P <0.05), by carcass yield on 2.9% (P> 0.05), by slaughter weight on 17.5 kg or 5.7% (P <0.05), by slaughter yield on 2.4%.(P> 0.05).Analysis of the morphological composition of half-carcasses of experimental animals showed that carcasses with a higher yield of meat were received from the bulls with a genotype MSTN^BB at the age of 16 months in comparison with the peers of the other experimental groups. Thus, in meat half-carcasses of the bulls with genotype of MSTN^BB genes, the content of the meat was higher by 12.7 kg or 11.1% (P <0.001), in half-carcasses of animals with genotype of MSTN^AB genes - by 8.1 kg or 7.1% (P> 0.05) than in peers of the first group. Bulls with genotype of MSTN^BB genes exceeded their peers with alternative genotypes by the coefficient of meat on 9.8% and 4.8% respectively.

The use of a limited number of outstanding bulls in breeding work, and application of artificial insemination and embryo transplantation provide an increase in the genetic potential of animals. But at the same time, there is an accumulation of a load of genetic defects in populations. This reduces the reproductive capacity of cows, the viability of newborns and young animals, resistance, the duration of economic use of animals, which negatively affects the profitability of production. In countries with developed dairy cattle breeding, national genetic monitoring programs have been implemented, in which the analysis for hidden mutations is an indispensable element. In Russia, this analysis is carried out selectively and at the regional level. At present, a new genetic defect is added to the number of rather well-studied lethal mutations (CVM, BY, DUMPS, etc.) - the Holstein cattle cholesterol deficiency syndrome (HCD). In our study, we analyzed the frequency of occurrence of a genetic defect in HCD in a sample of cows of Holsteinized black-and-white breed (n = 97). In pedigree animals there were bulls - carriers of HCD. We carried out a comparative evaluation of the reproductive qualities of cows, depending on the status of HCD. The following indicators were taken into account: the age of the first insemination, the age of the first calving, the number of inseminations before the fertilization, the open-days. The analysis showed that 11.3% of the tested cows carry a mutant allele in their genotype. There were no significant differences in the analyzed parameters between groups of cows, depending on the status of HCD. However, screening of Holstein cattle populations to identify HCD carriers is necessary. This will allow a competent selection in the farms and exclude the possibility of the birth of non-viable calves.

Difficulties in developing an effective technology for vitrification of female gametes are connection with the features of the structure of oocytes, the sensitivity of cellular compartments to the action of ultralow temperatures, the toxicity of cryoprotectants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of pre-treatment (before vitrification) of Bos Taurus oocytes with fluid of follicles (FF) d ≤3 mm on mitochondrial activity (MA) in thawed oocytes. MA was evaluated in: native oocytes; native oocytes treated with FF; devitrified oocytes; devitrified oocytes treated with FF (120 min, 37 ° C). The oocyte-cumulus complexes were vitrified in accordance with the method described by us earlier (Kuzmina T. Et al., Gen. & Breed. of Anim., 2014, № 4, p. 15-19). The devitrified oocytes were cultured in TC-199 medium with 20% fetal bovine serum, 50 ng / ml bovine prolactin (Sigma) together with 1x10⁶cells / ml of granulosa for 24 hours at 38.5 ° C in 5% CO₂ and 90% of humidity. Mitochondria were visualized with Mito Tracker Orange CMTMRos (MTOCMTMRos, Sigma). Indicators of MA were expressed in the levels fluorescence intensity of MTOCMTMRos (IFMTOCMTMRos, μA) and were estimated in the stages of diplotene, metaphase -I and II. Before cultivation the level of MA was significantly higher in native oocytes than in devitrified oocytes (337 ± 17.4 μA and 319 ± 16.8 μA vs. 87 ± 9.2 μA and 171 ± 14.5 μA, P <0.01). The level of MA have increased in metaphase I and II stages in devitrified oocytes at pre-treated oocytes with FF (131 ± 10.9 μA vs. 201 ± 8.7 μA and 109 ± 9.9 μA vs. 151 ± 12.8 μA, P <0.01). There were no differences in the level of MA in metaphase I and II stages native oocytes and oocytes that have pre-treatment by FF. The obtained results supplement data concerning to the functioning of cellular compartments (mitochondria) in female animals gametes at the influence of ultralow temperatures.

The article explores the anatomical features of vital functional systems and organs, the thyroid and parathyroid glands in particular, which exert a profound and versatile influence on many physiological processes. The thyroid gland controls the basic physiological functions of the body by affecting metabolism and energy, takes an active part in adaptive reactions of the organism to the changing conditions of the external and internal environment of the body. The role of parathyroid glands in the body is very high, especially in wild animals that are constantly susceptible to changing climatic and environmental conditions. Individual animals of wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Siberian roe deer (Capreolus Pygargus Pall), musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were studied for anatomical and topographic features of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. A total of 125 wild animals, 25 animals of each species, were examined. Hunting for wild animals was carried out independently by the authors of the article and post-graduate students from Department of Biology and Hunting, Nature Management Faculty of Far Eastern State Agrarian University during hunting seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. The hunting was done under the licenses and permits, issued by Amur Regional Society of Hunters and Fishers and Amur OPS (branches: Zeya and Selemdzhinsky). Animals were studied in several age groups. A set of generally accepted morphological and mathematical methods was used in carrying out the research. While studying topography features of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus Pall), musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), fox (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), the variability of the location of the gland on the trachea has been revealed. It was also found that the glands are paired and vary in forms while studying the location of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid gland external blood supply sources are the same as with the thyroid gland.

The changes of hematological parameters of blood of sports horses in chronic and acute pathologies of bone-joint and tendon-ligamentous devices against the background of participation of horses in competitions, tests, training and the use of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drug phenylbutazone. The evaluation of the symptomatic method of treatment using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is given. The hematological blood analysis of all horses involved in the experiment, which were divided into two groups: control and experimental. Horses of the experimental group had a history of diseases of the musculoskeletal system confirmed by radiography and ultrasonography, they also used the drug phenylbutazone, according to the recommended farm "Center for sports training" Novosibirsk, the scheme. The horses of the control group also had pathology of extremities, but did not receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and passed only a course of physiotherapy. The results indicate significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Based on our research it is established that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs leads to a decrease in the overall resistance of the body of a sports horse, which further affects the sports results and the occurrence of relapses of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, for the treatment of limb pathologies in sports horses, we recommend the use of etiotropic therapy. Taking into account the marked changes in hematological parameters in the control group of horses, we do not recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for more than 3 days for the treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and the use of etiotropic therapy. Given the significant changes in hematological parameters, limb diseases in sports horses cannot be considered as a local process, it concerns the body as a whole.

The aim of this work was to study the metabolism of dairy cows with a varying degree of uterine contractility on 20-30days post partum. Metabolic status was evaluated twice: at the end of the first and second month of lactation. Total protein, glucose, triglycerides (TG), activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were determined in blood serum. The obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA (software SigmaPlot 12,5). The animals were divided into two groups. First group (GI): the uterus is in the pelvic cavity (n=8). Second group (GII): the uterus is in abdominal cavity (n=6). The uterus was measured by rectal examination. TG concentration was higher in GI than in GII (0.114 ± 0.015 mmol /L and 0.070 ± 0.011 mmol/L, p˂0.05 respectively) at the end of the first month of lactation. Total protein concentration was higher in GI (76.7 ± 1.1 g/L and 71.5 ± 2.0 g/L, p˂0.05) at the end of the second month of lactation. There were also different dynamic changes of biochemical parameters. ALT activity increased from 18.6 ± 2.1 u/L to 26.4 ± 2.3 u / L (p˂0.05), AST activity decreased from 96.6 ± 4.4 u/L to 83.2 ± 1.7 u/L (p˂0.05) in GI on the second month of lactation when compared to the first month. Only TG concentration changed in GII at the end of the second month of lactation (from 0.070 ± 0.011 mmol / L to 0.108 ± 0.007 mmol/L, p˂0.05). The 100-day yield of the current lactation were higher in GI (4342 ± 155 kg vs. 3808 ± 118 kg, p˂0.05). The study shows that a good postpartum uterine contractility can be combined with a high milk yield and depends on the features of homeorhetic mechanisms of the animal in early lactation.

The article gives an overview achievements in immunogenetics and their application in medicine and livestock practices. The data on the various functions of blood group antigens, mechanisms of their formation, the importance of blood groups in the medical and agricultural practices, their connection with the hosts-tively-useful sings of animals and disease resistance. The purpose of the study-summarize the achievements of immunogenetics and identify opportunities for their further use in the practice of animal breeding. For a long time, erythrocytes were considered as inert cells-containers filled with hemoglobin and intended only for the delivery of oxygen to the tissues of the body. However, the studies led to a deeper understanding of the functions of the blood groups in the body and the mechanisms of their formation. The functions of the erythrocyte are not limited only to the delivery of oxygen to the tissues of the body, its outer shell carries a huge number of molecules, the set of which is genetically predetermined and they perform a variety of functions in the body. Moreover, the set of such molecules in different people and animals varies due to the great genetic diversity, both human population and animal populations. The ones that define blood groups are called antigens of blood groups. Most often, such antigens are present only on red blood cells, but there are those that are found on lymphocytes and even in non-rove tissue: liver, kidney, heart, sperm and even in body fluids, and their role in the body is unclarified. A number of these protein antigens serve as transmembrane transporters (for example, the Diego system in human body), transferring water molecules, HCO3 anions, urea, etc. through the erythrocyte membrane. The other part of blood group antigens located on lymphocytes and in a soluble form in body fluids perform protective functions in the body. Some antigens (in humans - the Cromer system, in cattle - EAN-system, in pigs - AO system) serve as receptors for physiological substances, as well as for pathogenic microflora. Many antigens of blood groups perform structural functions in the body (in humans, the antigens of the MHS system). Another series of antigens is molecules of intercellular interactions. In addition, the antigens of a number of blood group loci, together with a complex of genes of other protein loci, participate in the formation of economically-useful signs and the stability or predisposition of an organism to diseases. It is the set of different functions that the antigens of blood groups perform in the body that explain their striking diversity in humans - among different peoples, in animals - among different species, breeds and populations.

The main goal of the breeding work is the creation of animals suitable for intensive exploitation on mechanized farms and complexes. For livestock specialist, the study of the constitution makes it possible to understand how animals develop, to determine their advantages and disadvantages. Studying of constitutional features helps to predict their economic and breeding values. As a result of our research, a database about the exterior of Holstein-Kholmogory cattle offspring was collected. The obtained figures allow doing a conclusion that the age-related changes in the exterior of offspring in the studied farm occur in accordance with general biological regularities. It was found that the most intensive changes in the body during the period of growth of heifers from 6 to 24 months of age occur in the chest (girth, width and depth of the chest), in the slanting length of the trunk and in the pelvic bones (width between hooks, thurls and pin bones), width of the loin. On average, the measurement - the chest girth to the age of 24 months increased by 47%, the depth of the chest - by 39%, the width of the chest - by 51%, the height measurements increased approximately by 23%, the slanting length of the trunk - by 37%, the width between hooks, thurls, pin bones, width of the loin - by 35-89%, from the corresponding measurements of the calves at 6 months of age. The study of stature indices changes shows a stable decrease in long-legs, pelvic-chest, wide-forehead index. The overgrowth index almost does not change. The meat index first increases, but then decreases to 24 months, which is probably explained by the physiological processes associated with the need to supply nutrients to the fetus. The indices of stretch, blockiness, massiveness and chest are actively growing.

The results of a study of the capacity of the environment of the north of Central Siberia in relation to the Taimyr population of wild reindeer are presented. The hypothesis assumed that the ecological niche of the Taimyr deer has a finite volume, at which point the population will experience a restriction of resources, after which its population will return to its original state. The basis of the assessment was the dynamics of the population size, revealed in its 20 aerial surveys during in 1966-2014. In the statistical treatment of these population size indices, the range of variation (R) between the maximum and minimum values of the variability of a number of the examined trait was 373000 animals (625,0 - 252,0). The level of the average pre-N population, with a statistical error (± 22,3), is for this population in the range from 421,5 to 555,3 thousand, that is, at least 421,5 and not more than 555,3 thousand individuals. The average numbers of the population on the basis of aerial survey data is 488,4 thousands reindeers. The values of the number of a multiyear number of different sex and age groups (n = 76) showed that the most variable group in the demographic structure of the Taimyr population is 1-2 years old animals (coefficient of variation 40,9%). At the same group, the greatest difference between the limits - 170 thousand (Lim_{young growth} = 30,3 ÷ 203,3) was revealed. Less than the other groups, the number of adult females in the Taimyr deer during monitoring was 15,6%. However, the magnitude of the fluctuation of the trait in this parameter as the mean square deviation indicates that the number of adult males is characterized by the smallest dispersion near its mean value. Fluctuations in the number of sex-age groups of reindeer are explained by the relationships in the system «population-environment», as well as the intensive impact of anthropogenic factors in the space of the area of animals, which are reflected in the population characteristic. The capacity of the medium (K) is determined by the logistic equation of Verhulst-Pirl. The data demonstrate: with the existing elimination factors and «environmental resistance», the maximum possible stationary population of this commercial population in this sector of the circumpolar range of the species is no more than 630 thousand wild reindeer. The maximum Malthusian parameter r for the Taimyr wild reindeer population is marked at 1,34 per year^-1.

The article presents data about small scale gene pool chicken breeds- Moscow and Uzbek Game, which are kept and preserved in the biological collection “Genetic collection of rare and vanishing chicken breeds” of the All-Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding. There were used modern approaches of evaluation of the genetic variability and origin of Moscow and Uzbek Game breeds, their historical background and distribution in Russia. The results of testing of the inherited microsatellite DNA polymorphism display the degree of the divergence between modern and ancient chicken breeds of game-type origin. There were analyzed chicken DNA to check mononucleotide replacements in miostatine gene in order to define the frequency of presence of various genotypes and alleles. The gained results suggest, that the investigated breeds have genetic similarity. There was presented a definite description of the traits of Moscow Game breed according to the standard of 1914 and current standard: body shape and position; tail shape; detailed description of head’s exterior, including comb, beard, cheeks, head’s rear, face coloration, beak shape and coloration, etc. There were mentioned most common faults in body shape, head exterior, improper feather coloration and presented comparison of descriptions of Uzbek Game breed, currently common in some regions of Uzbekistan and modern population, kept in the biological collection of the Institute. The authors have outlined directions of the work, aimed to improve the chicken head exterior as the main trait for concourse judgment and drawn attention to the general problem of gene pool preservation as a source of genetic diversity and subject of cultural heritage.

The results of a study on the development of a method for selecting cows and bulls for resistance to mastitis by the number of somatic cells (NSC) in milk are presented. During the work, 8452 individual samples of milk from the Ayrshire cows were examined. The statistical-biometric parameters of the NSC in Ayirshire are determined. The average absolute NSC (ANSC) in milk of cows is low (189.8 thousand/cm³).However, it has a very high variability (289.1%) with a huge limit (from 2.0 to 9999.0 thousand/cm³). The frequency of cows’ distribution on this feature is characterized by a large positive asymmetry, the arithmetic mean ( Х ) is much larger than the median (Me), which in turn is larger than the mode (Mo). It does not meet the criteria for normal distribution and excludes the possibility of using this indicator in animal selection. The transformation of ANSC into scores based on the binary logarithm made it possible to obtain a distribution of cows close to normal, to ensure the homogeneity of its variance in different samples (lactation, among the cows of the herd, among the daughters of bulls, etc.). Therefore, scoring the number of somatic cells is suitable for classifying animals and developing criteria for evaluation and selection for resistance to mastitis. The procedure for selecting, processing and using information on somatic cells for breeding purposes is presented. A scale for estimating bulls and cows on the number of somatic cells in milk was developed and examples of the scale use are given. Bulls (according to daughters) and cows with an score of 3.9 or less are certified as highly resistant and can be used without restrictions; 4.0-4.9 points - a normal level of resistance and small restrictions in use; 5.0-5.9 points - resistance below the average level and use in the commodity group of the herd; 6.0 points or more - low resistance, in which cows and bulls are subject to culling.

Qualitative indicators of domestic reindeer meat at slaughter at the age of 6, 18 months and adult animals were studied. It is established that the mass of 6-month-old deer is almost 2 times inferior to adults, at the age of 18, this difference is reduced to 28.3 %. Slaughter yield varies slightly. With age in reindeer by 20-27 % increases the coefficient of meatiness, 14-34 % - the cross-sectional area of the longest muscle of the back, for 17-46 % of the diameter of muscular fibers. With age, due to the increase in fat content, increases the energy value of venison by 8-13%. In almost all investigated indicators, besides the output, adult deer had a significant advantage before the young. A comparative evaluation of the amino acid composition of deer meat showed that 6-month animals yield 18-month content of lysine (42.0 %), histidine (25.0 %), arginine (34.0 %), methionine (50.0 %), isoleucine (36.0 %) with a significant degree of difference (p ≤ 0.001). Young venison is superior to adult deer meat in content of almost all essential amino acids except arginine (the difference is unreliable). The sum of essential amino acids meat 18 month reindeer is superior to meat from adults and 6 month old animals, respectively, 36.3 % and 17.8 %; the sum of the nonessential amino acids superiority was 62.5 % and 10.2 %. The amino acid index was 1.03 at the age of 6 months, 1.10 at the age of 18 months, and 1.19 in adult deer. The content of hydroxyproline with age in deer decreases more than twice. As a result, the protein quality index of 18-month males and females exceeds protein quality indicator 6-month by 41 %, and 18 %. Organoleptic characteristics of meat and broth in 6-month-old calves were evaluated by experts as the lowest. The taste quality of cooked meat from 18-month-old rabbits was the highest, and the quality of the broth is higher in adult reindeer. The total score of the reindeer at slaughter at the age of 18 months was equal to adult males. Economic efficiency of slaughter deer at 6 months of age exceeds the slaughter efficiency of adults in two times.

The article presents the main features, tasks and content of the breeding work in the Northern reindeer herding of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Implementation and consolidation of economic and useful features in the genotype of animals serves as the basis for selection improvement of deer, increase their productivity, increase production and reduce its cost. Unfortunately, in commodity farms purposeful work on improvement of quality of a livestock of deer isn't carried out. On the contrary, some of the techniques of content, such as the use of pregnant female for transport operations, castration is the largest choirs for training as a transport animal, the conduct of the rut of young males led to the deterioration of the breed qualities of animals. To incomplete implementation of the genotype of the deer results and the lack of food in reindeer herding as a result of unsustainable use of pastures and rejection of them under the industrial development in the Arctic area. The task of breeding reindeer husbandry - production of pedigree cattle with better valuable economically useful traits, is able to convey the outstanding qualities of the offspring to increase animal productivity in commodity herds. The pedigree and gene pool farms, in addition to events of mass breeding, is of deer, appraisal, assignment of calves to mothers, estimation of animal origin and offspring, making families vazhenki high productivity. Importance is attached to receiving and cultivation of breeding young growth. For this purpose, the system of evaluation of males and females by the quality of offspring and evaluation of juveniles by origin should be introduced in breeding. Males should be further evaluated for the quality of seed products. Questions of zootechnical accounting and individual tagging of animals are actual in breeding reindeer breeding. There is a direct link between the effectiveness of breeding with feeding and maintenance (grazing). The genotype of the animal can fully be realized only in conditions of full feeding. The significance of this factor in the Northern reindeer breeding is determining the main phenotypic indicators of both individual animals and the population averages. Effective measures to revive the system of selection and breeding work will help to preserve the unique gene pool of native breeds of reindeer, adapted to the extreme conditions of the region, to improve the breed-productive qualities of animals.

The displacement of abomasum is disease characterized by a change in the position of authority and a breach of its functionality. Studies linking certain areas of the genome of cattle with the manifestation of this pathology continue to be carried out until the results are quite contradictory. The goal of this research was to study the effect of polymorphism FN298674: g. 90 T → C the MLN gene (gene motilin) bulls of Holstein breed on the frequency of occurrence of displacement of abomasum in their offspring. We have designed a test system for DNA testing of mutation. The test system is based on AC-PCR (allele specific polymerase chain reaction). Genotyping by MLN locus (the gene of the hormone motilin) of a sample of bulls (n=34) of Holstein breed (World Wide Sires) was carried out. There were no significant differences between the observed and expected distribution of genotypes. Each of the 34 genotyped bulls was evaluated by the quality of the offspring (estimated December 2017, the number of daughters - 17718, the number of herds - 6048), with the definition of the risk index of displacement of the stench in daughters. The range of index values in genotyped bulls varied in the range of values from 96 to 109. The study did not reveal a reliable relationship between the risk index of displacement of the stench in daughters and the father's MLN genotype, which may indicate the absence of such a relationship. The obtained data require follow-up studies.