The identification of wildlife species belonging to the same genus is important for population genetics, for detection of hybrids in contact zones, as well as for forensics and for monitoring to create the conservation programs for genetic recourses. The most informative method in wildlife species is the cross-species amplification of DNA marker panels designed for domestic relatives. In this regard, the purpose of our work was to perform the identification of species of the genus Ovis based on microsatellite markers of the domestic sheep. The materials for our research included three groups of argali (n = 7, n = 6, n = 16), mouflon (n = 22); snow sheep, including the Yakut subspecies from several ranges (n = 17, n = 11, n = 21, n = 10), and the Chukchi subspecies (n = 3); domestic sheep (n = 35). Analysis of the NeighborNet revealed that snow sheep formed own remote cluster (D_N = 1.544 to 2.225, 1.685 to 2.424, 1.674 to 2.454 between snow sheep and mouflon domestic sheep and argali, respectively). The remaining species under the study formed two clusters: the first included groups of argali, and the second comprised of mouflons and domestic sheep. PCoA showed that the first principal coordinate clearly divided snow sheep from the remaining groups (Fst = 0.304, 0.333, 0.378 between snow sheep and domestic sheep, argali, mouflon, respectively). The second principal coordinate separated the Chukchi from the Yakut bighorns and groups of argali from domestic sheep and mouflon, respectively. To determine the individual belonging to the group, a cluster analysis was carried out in the STRUCTURE program. At K = 2, mouflons formed a shared cluster with domestic sheep, while snow sheep and argali included in the other cluster. At K = 3, snow sheep and argali formed own clusters. At K = 5, each specie had own cluster. The average membership criterions were Q_{3 / 5} = 0.976 ± 0.004 for domestic sheep, Q_{2/ 5} = 0.980 ± 0.004 for mouflons and and Q_{5 / 5} = 0.962 ± 0.011 for snow sheep. Regarding the argali group, its membership criterion was lower (Q_{1 / 5} = 0.747 ± 0.072). At K = 6, the Chukchi bighorns (Q_{4 / 6} = 0.991 ± 0.001) clearly separate from their Yakut relatives (Q_{6 / 6} = 0.947 ± 0.014). Thus, we demonstrated that the resolving power of ten microsatellite markers of domestic sheep is sufficient to identify wild representatives of the genus Ovis.

The article presents the results of genetic monitoring of allele pool of 8160 Thoroughbred horses on the following 17 loci of DNA microsatellites: VHL20, HTG4, AHT4, HMS7, HTG6, AHT5, HMS6, ASB23, ASB2, HTG10, HTG7, HMS3, HMS2, ASB17, LEX3, HMS1, CA425. All the horses in the study were divided into three groups according to the year of birth: 1 - horses foaled in 1987-1999, 2 - horses foaled in 2000-2009, 3 - 2010-2017 years of foaling. The periods correspond to the interval of generations change in horse breeding.100 alleles of STR loci were identified in tested horses that indicates a high genetic consolidation of the Thoroughbred breed. The number of alleles in the studied loci varied from 3 to 9 with variations in the mean value of Ae from 2.60 to 6.55 per locus. Comparative analysis of the genetic structure of Thoroughbred horses in different periods showed insignificant changes in the main genetic and population characteristics for three generations from 1987 to 2017: Na (5.71 - 5.82), Ae (3/41-3/51), Ho (0,674-0,686). The highest level of genetic diversity of Thoroughbred horses bred in Russia was in the late 1990s (1 period) when the largest number of broodmares was at studs and breeding farms. Increased imports of Thoroughbreds in the second period slightly increased the variability of rare alleles, but didn’t significantly change the genetic structure of the breed. The monitoring revealed a tendency of slight decrease in the genetic diversity in the native population of the Thoroughbred breed for all basic indices (Na , Ае, Но). Genetic disequilibrium (Fis=0,002) was found only in the 2^nd period and was explained by genetic drift. Sires and dams bred in Russia had typical for the breed set of alleles but were characterized by a bit lower variability of some STR loci. Monitoring of genetic and population parameters on the base of microsatellite loci adequately reflects the specificity of breeding process in populations and allows to control genetic plasticity especially important for purebred breeding.

The aim of the studies was evaluation of the national Ayrshire breed sires having different genotypes of the DGAT1 gene using the Parent Average (pedigree) index (PA) and daughters milk records (BV). The study included 125 bulls with a parent average index and 72 bulls within herd evaluation. Analysis of the data showed that bulls with the AK genotype of the DGAT1 gene have a high genetic potential in terms of the percentage of milk fat content (p≤0.05). Within herds evaluation of bulls using milk (kg), fat (%) and protein (%) yields of their daughters (n = 16383) was carried out, and the average breeding value (BV) was determined based on these characteristics, taking into account the influence of the herd, season and year of calving (2012 - 2016 yy.). Daughters of bulls-carriers of the AA genotype of the DGAT1 gene had superiority over their contemporaries - daughters of bulls-carriers of the AK genotype on 1184 kg of milk in absolute value and in BV 246 kg at p ≤ 0.05, as well as in protein content, in absolute value by 0.10% and in BV by 0.04% with a significant difference (p≤0.02). Comparison of the coincidence of the estimates of PA and the within herd evaluation of the bulls carrying the AA genotype in DGAT1 gene showed no difference between these estimates. This can be regarded as their typicality, that is, similarity. In other words, in this group of bulls, it is possible according to the predicted productivity by PA expect the potential of not yet evaluated bulls. Genotyping of the Ayrshire breed bulls by the DGAT1 gene can be recommended as an additional marker during evaluation and predicting the productivity of their daughters.

The influence of integration and expression of recombinant genes on the growth and development in chicken embryos was studied. The subject of the study was embryos, which were obtained from transgenic chickens with tissue-specific expression of the integrated marker gene eGFP. For the tissue-specific expression of the integrated gene, the regulatory elements of the ovalbumin gene in combination with the promoter enhancers CMV (human cytomegalovirus) and Mo-MLV (leukemia virus of Moloney mice) were used. The embryos obtained from non-transgenic hens were used as a control. Weighed and linear indicators of growth and development in embryos on the 7th, 10th, 14th and 18th days of incubation were investigated. The influence of transgenesis on the intensity of growth and development in chicken embryos was established. Weight loss was observed in transgenic embryos compared to control. Differences between experimental groups by weight of embryos were the most significant in the second half of embryogenesis and reached 13% on day 14 of incubation, 17% on day 18 of incubation. A similar trend was observed in the linear indices of embryo development. A shorter body length than the control characterized transgenic embryos: these differences reached 4,1; 5,4; 8,3 and 7,8% on the 7th, 10th 14th and 18th days of incubation, respectively. The established differences in weight and linear indices between the experimental groups indicate the negative effect of integrated recombinant genes on the growth and development in chicken embryos. The most significant changes in the studied parameters were found in transgenic embryos with an integrated eGFP gene under the control of the ovalbumin gene promoter and the promoter-enhancer of the Mo-MLV gene.

One of the promising candidate genes determining the level of development of productive traits of pigs is the melanocortin - 4 receptor gene (MC4R). MC4R is a classic a-melanocytic hormone receptor (a-MCH) and takes a direct part in the metabolism of adipose tissue. In some swine populations, the single-nucleotide polymorphism of this gene is significantly associated with feed and meat qualities, in particular, with the thickness of spinal fat. The paper presents the results of a study of the gene polymorphism of melanocortin-MC4R receptor in purebred pigs of two breeds-Landras and Yorkshire of Danish selection. A significantly different polymorphism in this gene between the two rocks was revealed. In pigs of the Landras breed allele a prevails in the form of homozygous AA, in pigs of the Yorkshire breed allele a also prevails, but in the heterozygous state (AG). As for the other G allele, the frequency of Landrace minor (0,185) and this allele is found mostly in the form of heterozygotes AG (37,23 %). Pigs of the Yorkshire breed, the G allele, which is associated with lower thickness of subcutaneous fat, occurs much more frequently than in Landrace (0,395 against 0,185). The number of homozygous GG at Yorkshire much higher than that of Landrace (16,6 % vs 2,12 %). It is concluded that the higher frequency of allele of the MC4R gene in the Yorkshire hog population, compared to landrass animals, is connected, apparently, with heterogeneous origin of Yorkshire hogs or indicates a weak involvement of polymorphism of the MC4R gene in artificial selection.

Timely detection and exclusion from the breeding process of animals with serious exterior defects can prevent the accumulation of unwanted genes in the herds and their distribution in the breed. Today, selection work to improve the constitution of cattle should be aimed at further improving the dairy type of cows, the quality of their limbs and udder shape. The object of our research was first-calves Holstein’s cows of Russian Black Pied breed of the Moscow region. Researches were carried out to assess the body type first-calving cows with a population of 36496 animals based on data from the Regional Information Breeding Centre of Moscow region «Mospleminform». The most common exterior defects of cows in the population under study are: the peaked rump (10,25%), the high-set tail (19,12%), the winging-out the front legs (8,11%), the soft pasterns (30,64%) and the oblique bottom of the udder (14,34%). A significant positive correlation was found between the dairy type and the animal's growth (r = 0,662), and the condition and strength of the body type (r = 0,634) (p ≤ 0,001). Herewith, correlation relationships between the exterior defects are also established with a high degree of certainty (p ≤ 0,001), so the «high-set tail» positively correlates with the «peaked rump» (r = 0,592) and the «weak waist» (r = 0,608), «pterygoid scapula» with a «humpback back» (r = 0,466), «weak waist» with a «soft back» (r = 0,400). When referring to the actual criterion of significance for the correlation coefficient, we obtain a reliable confirmation of the hypothesis about the existence of relationships between signs and defects. The obtained results of the features and defects of cow can be used for the purposes of selection, correcting the selection of bulls and qualitative improvement of the livestock of Russian Black Pied breed. This formulation of the problem requires the creation of an integrated multifunctional system that includes both the optimization of selection methods and the creation of paratypic conditions that favor the maximum manifestation of the genetic potential of animals.

In the collection of biological resources "Genetic collection of rare and endangered breeds of chickens" was carried out the crossing of four gene pool breeds and autosex population of experimental CS. Three groups of color, autosex hybrids of two breeds were obtained. The indices of the obtained hybrids and parental forms were evaluated by egg production for the first four months of egg laying, weight and biophysical qualities of eggs at the age of 38 weeks. It was revealed the superiority of two groups of hybrids, alexandrite buff-striped (♂ - population of experimental CS x ♀ - Pervomayskaya) and alexandrite chocolate (♂ - New-Hampshire x ♀ - Zagorskaya salmon) over parental forms by the number of eggs on average chicken. Alexandrite buff-striped hybrids surpassed the egg-laying mothers 16.4 eggs (30.0%), chickens paternal forms by 13.7 eggs (23.5%). Hybrids of chocolate alexandrite surpassed mothers in egg production by 13.6 eggs (24.1%) and paternal chickens by 15.3 eggs (27.0%). Alexandrite red hybrids (♂ - Poltava clay x ♀ - Pervomayskaya) showed lower results on this parameter in comparison with both initial rocks (-9.3% relative to the parent and -19.5% compared to the hens of the paternal form). Hybrids of alexandrite buff-striped and chocolate, surpassed parental forms in the ratio of yolk to albumen in the egg. The best index of albumen/yolk was observed in alexandrite chocolate chickens of paternal forms (New-Hampshire) 0.15 (6.7%) and mothers 0.02 (1%). Hybrids of alexandrite buff-striped surpassed both parental forms on the greatest number of the considered indications (three of seven). This is the number of eggs per average chicken, the ratio of albumen/yolk and egg density. Hybrids alexandrite chocolate was superior to both parental forms in two indications (number of eggs per hen and the average density of eggs), alexandrite red was only in one indication (the density of the egg). Other quality characteristics of the eggs of the hybrids had intermediate values between the paternal and maternal forms. Hybrids that showed egg heterosis during the studied period and the best albumen/yolk ratio in the egg are promised for small farms.

One of the effective ways to improve the domestic black and motley breed of cattle is to breed along the lines. In this case, within a single line, there is a certain variety of expressed signs and properties of animals. Formation of dairy herds of breeding farms occurs, in particular, under the influence of used bulls-producers. The aim of scientific research was to study the influence of the origin of black-motley breed cows on their milk production. Studies were conducted in a herd of black-and-motley cows of the Sverdlovsk region. The indicators of milk productivity of cows are analyzed depending on the origin (line, bull-producer). It was found that during the first lactation of the cow, the Vis Vidiala lines exceeded the animals of the second and third groups by milk yield, respectively: during the period of expansion - by 49.9 (1.7%) and 23.3 kg (0.8%), in 305 days lactation - by 251.3 (3.0%) and 216.0 kg (2.5%); by the amount of milk protein obtained - by 6.0 (2.3%) and 8.2 kg (3.1%) (P <0.001). The mass fraction of fat in the milk of Montvik Chiftein cows exceeded that of the groups of cows belonging to the Vis Idyla and Reflection Sovering lines, respectively by 0.07 and 0.09% (P <0.001). In the first lactation period, the descendants of the bull Freed 105331968 led the way in milk yield. Thus, the milk yield for lactation in this group of cows is higher by an average of 1271.4 kg (13.5%) (P <0.001), 305 days of lactation - by 742.8 kg (9.1%) (P <0.001). And also the descendants of Friedom were high in milk protein compared to the daughters of other bulls (an average of 42.02 kg or 17.6%) (P <0.001). Cows, whose father was the bull Lobby 101916210, took the leading positions in the mass fraction of fat and protein in milk for 305 days of lactation. The difference with the average indicators of all daughters evaluated in this case was (P <0.001): for fat - 0.12%, for protein - 0.09%. Within one line there are animals with different levels of productivity. This once again proves the need to select high-yielding cows, including depending on the bull-producer.

An analysis of the exteriors of modern Ayrshire cows of different breeding has been carried out. Shows the relationships between linear and the traditional (measurement) build. The results of studies on the characteristics of the exterior of Ayrshire first calving cows in the dynamics of the years are shown by the example of breeding factory "Novoladozhsky". In a comparative aspect in APC "Belostok" studied the exterior of cows Leningrad, Vologda regions, the Republic of Karelia and imports from Denmark and Finland. Exterior measurements of ayrshire first calving cows studied during the period 2008 - 2016 in BF "Novoladozhsky" in general increased by a particular amount in comparison with the original data. Height at the shoulder increased by 2 cm, chest girth by 6 cm, body length by 2 cm. The comparison of the exterior showed that Danish cows exceeded the number of examples of domestic and Finnish animals. Similar measures of the exterior had the Leningrad and Karelian cows, and Vologda differed from them longer and more voluminous body. Revealed highly significant correlation coefficients between characteristics of linear and traditional exterior rated. Revealed some heterogeneity type of Ayrshire herd. The improvement of some exterior features of cows was due to the use of imported sperm, which at the same time resulted in the unevenness of herds by type.

Intensification of dairy cattle breeding has an impact on the requirements for the development and health of animals. Studies of domestic and foreign scientists found that the intensity of the development of heifers of dairy breeds affects the level of their productivity. Animals with poor development, as well as overfed during cultivation, have low milk production. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal parameters of development of cows of the 1st calving of black-and-white breed in the early age periods, allowing to obtain high milk production. Studies were carried out on 455 cows of the 1st calving of the black-and-white breed of breeding farms of the Vologda region. Indicators of live weight of cows in the early age periods of growth and milk yield in 1st lactation used data valuation software system "Seleks". In the studied sample of animals for all age periods the variability of live weight CV = 8,03 % - 9,44 % and average daily gain CV = 11,8% - 28,6% is noted. The maximum relative growth rate is observed in the period from birth to 6 months-364.6%. In subsequent periods, the growth rate of heifers slows down significantly: from 6 to 10 months, this figure is 54.2%, from 10 to 12 months 17%. It is established that milk yield from 9000 kg of milk and above is received from cows which at cultivation developed more intensively and had average daily gains in the period from birth to 6 months not below 600 grams, from 6 to 12 months - 800-950 grams, from 12 to 18 months over 900 grams. The average daily weight gain of highly productive cows in the early age periods is higher than that of cows with milk yield less than 8000 kg per 16 g, 73 g and 61 g of milk. It is also noted that the development of highly productive cows is uniform. In highly productive cows, the difference between the average daily weight gain by age was 9-21 g. the results Of the studies can be used by specialists of agricultural organizations in the cultivation of breeding young animals, in order to obtain highly productive animals.

During the last 60 years all over the world dramatically decreased the genetic diversity of the numerous meat-egg and egg-meat chicken breeds. The reason of this phenomenon - active development of the commercial poultry production systems and use of newly bred crosses, created on the base of 3-4 line crossing both in egg breeds (White Leghorn or Red Rhode Island) and meat breeds (White Cornish and White Plymouth Rock). In the last decades there became actual a tend of preservation of the rare and vanishing breeds by means of their use in breeding of chicken populations for “organic” and other specialized segments of the market. This paper describes the results of the 5-year-long research work aimed to create a meat-type cross for farmers and small-scale producers with increased energy content in eggs of maternal form BSG 23 (92,5-92,8 Kcal in an egg and 178,5-17Kcal in в 100g of egg mass) and higher protein content (23-24%) in broiler meat after growing up to 56-63 days. To create 3 specialized lines of this cross there were used 3 chicken breeds, which are kept in the “Genetic collection of rare and vanishing chicken breeds” of the Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding (VNIIGRZh): SG 3- Sussex with a dominant gene, controlling “white” color of broiler meat; SG 2 - Brahma (pale feathered population) with marker “gold” gene; KG 1- Cornish. The hybrid broilers of this cross have a good adaptability both to floor and cage keeping and to specialized terms of feeding. The lines SG 3 and BG 2and maternal form BSG 23 can be fed by ordinary feed diets for egg and egg-meat chicken breed. The cross VNIIGRZH FB 1 displays not only good output of breast and leg meat- 35-37%, but also high nutritional value of this meat- 23-24% of protein in the breast muscles.

This article highlights the problem of creation of the specialized chicken breeds- producers of embryos with unique properties for production of the domestic viral embryonic vaccines for animal and human medicine. This natter is particularly actual nowadays to solve the problem of import replacement. There are presented materials, concerning the efficiency of breeding of the Russian White breed, kept in the “Genetic collection of rare and vanishing chicken breeds” of the Russian Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding in order to increase output of raw liquids for production vaccines (extraembrionic liquids- i.e. allantoic and amniotic liquids). There was found, that besides quality the parameters of hatching eggs and circumstances of incubation, the outcome of vaccine raw materials depends on genetic factors too. The coefficient of heritability of the allantoic-amniotic liquid output volumes (ml/g of egg mass) in mother hens was 0,25, while in father cocks- 0,19. There was concluded, that the breeding program for improvement of the output of extraembryonic liquids must include evaluation and selection for this trait both cocks and hens. The hens should be evaluated not only by their own embryos and cocks not only by embryos of their mothers, but also by occurrence in sisters both of hens and cocks the birds with high (not less than 0,200 mlg egg mass and not less than 10 ml per embryo at the age of 12,5 days of incubation) yield of the allantoic-amniotic liquid. These measures enable to increase within three selection generations the occurrence of hens with desirable output of extraembryonic liquids in their progeny embryos up to 44,8%. As a result this will sufficiently increase the volumes of valuable raw extraembryonic liquids for vaccine production from a chicken flock.

To keep genetic diversity and to decrease inbreeding pressure during preservation and breeding of small scale gene pool breeds there is feasible artificial insemination. There is needed to use not only the cocks, most valuable by their reproduction properties but each bird as a bearer of the marker traits of a breed. Because at the group keeping the impact of each cock is not equal, there occurs a narrowing of the genetic polymorphism. Current paper presents the results of investigations, carried out in the bioresource collection “Genetic collection of rare and vanishing chicken breed” of the Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding with use of 16 chicken breeds in age of 56-58 weeks of life. During the investigation the cocks, selected according their exterior parameters, were taken from the floor group pens (where they were kept with hens at natural mating) and divided into two groups according body weight: 1^st- 3 kg and more, 2^nd-less than 3 kg. Cocks of each group demonstrated different reaction on the stress, determined by change of the keeping conditions, and duration of releasing from the stress. This resulted in differentiation of the quality of their native sperm (activity, concentration), During the evaluation of the cocks by their reaction on massage, there were found unstable reactions and big variation in sperm volume and quality depending on cocks’ breed and body weight. As the final result the variation coefficient in the 1^st group was 4,7%, that significantly lower, than Cv in the 2^nd group - 43,7%. The gained results confirm negative influence of the stress on sperm quality- i.e. its activity and concentration. The gained results can be useful for the gene pool farms, which keep their flocks at natural mating and planning to start artificial insemination of hens.

In Russian industrial system, sheep breeding is an important branch of productive livestock husbandry, which supplies the industry with valuable raw materials. The increase in sheep production is possible not only due to the increase in the productivity of animals. The results of scientific research and practice show that in improving the breeding and productive qualities of animals an important role should be assigned to the sires. Sheep are fertile animals, a relatively short period of their pregnancy provides them with high reproductive capacity. Despite the fact that their reproductive qualities are good, nevertheless, the issues of improving the quality of sperm production of sires remain relevant. This article presents the results of studies aimed at correcting the quality of sperm production obtained from sheep of Romanov breed and ram of catadin breed by feeding an additive based on humic acids “Humapol”. In the ration feed powder additive based on humic acids "Humapol" were added. The additive was fed at a dose of 10 g / head three times a week for one month. The ejaculates, obtained using an artificial vagina, were examined twice a week for two months using standard methods for assessing the quality of sperm. The study assessed: density and activity using the crushed drop method, concentration using the chamber method using the Gorjaev's count chamber, intensity of the redox sperm processes using the Shergin’s method with methylene blue, the percentage of alive spermatozoa was determined using the Morozov’s method using eosin solution. According to the research, there was a persistent increase in sperm concentration. There was also an increase in activity, an increase in the level of respiration. The results indicate a positive correction of semen quality.