One of the important aspects of the population and evolutionary genetics study of animals is their sex determination using DNA markers. As a candidate locus for sex determination in both wild and domestic animal species is the amelogenin gene, since the variants of this gene located on the X and Y chromosomes are polymorphic along the sequence. The aim of our research was the development of the universal test system for sex determination in species of the Bovidae family based was the development of the universal test system for sex determination in species of the Bovidae family based on the analysis of amelogenin gene polymorphism. The studied sample set consisted of 139 individuals of domestic and wild animal species belonging to the 8 different genus of the family Bovidae including Bos (n=4), Bison (n=16), Ovis (n=38), Capra (n=65), Rupicapra (n=10), Tragelaphus (n=2), Pseudois (n=2) and Hemitragus (n=2). Samples of animal tissue obtained from farms, the mountain hunters club, reserves and zoos were used as biological material. The literature sources, recommendations of the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) on markers for sex determination as well as amelogenin gene sequences deposited in the gene bank of the NCBI served as the basis for the test system development. The primers SE47 (forward: 5’-CAGCCAAACCTCCCTCTGC-3’) and SE48 (reverse: 5’-CCCGCTTGGCTTGTCTGTTGC-3 ’) were selected to amplify the amelogenin gene fragment, flanking the site with the Y-chromosome-specific deletion. To develop the test system, the possibilities of visual detection of amplicons by gel electrophoresis in agarose gel, as well as laser detection by capillary electrophoresis on an ABI3130xl DNA analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA) were taken into account. As a result, differences in fragment lengths for the X and Y chromosomes in males and females of all studied species were identified, visually determined by gel electrophoresis. The lengths of the fragments specific for the X chromosome, depending on the species of animals, were 264 or 280 bp, for the Y chromosome - 202 or 217 bp. Using the genetic analyzer ABI3130xl allowed the implementation of the automatic laser detection of the obtained amplicons, which makes it possible to integrate the developed test system into the multiplex microsatellite analysis systems.

The use of advances in biological and zootechnical sciences has led to a significant increase in animal productivity. It is possible to use DNA markers to detect and track the mechanisms of inheritance of polymorphic characters that contribute to genetic diversity. The aim of our study was to analyze the value of Parent Average (pedigree) index PA of the Ayrshire breeding bulls and the breeding value of the milk production of their daughters (BV) in connection with the different genotypes of the bulls for the β-LG gene. Of the six pedigree enterprises of the Russian Federation, 135 samples of Ayrshire cattle were obtained from the domestic gene pool. Using PCR-RFLP, animals were genotyped for the β-LG gene. The results showed that the most common genotypes are BB (0.578) and AB (0.348). The AA genotype is defined as rare and its frequency of occurrence was 0.074. The allele frequency was as follows: allele A, 0.248; allele B, 0.752. The index of expected heterozygosity (N) was 0.372, the indicator χ2 = 0.305 and does not exceed the critical value, which indicates that no genetic equilibrium shift is observed in this sample of animals. There were not found statistically significant differences for PA and indicators of intrastate assessment of bulls. According to the data of the correlation analysis, among the daughters of bulls - carriers of the BB genotype, more significant indicators of the negative correlation were determined by the bond yield - fat% (r = -0.297, with p˂0.05) and positive - fat% - protein% (r = 0.426, with p˂0.001). A positive correlation of milk yield with protein% was shown for all analyzed groups of animals, which indicates the priority of protein content in dairy breeding programs of northern European countries, the genetic resources of which are used to improve the domestic population of this breed.

Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes associated with growth rate in sheep is an important element for accelerating the breeding progress and, consequently, for increasing the production of mutton. The development and implementation of high-throughput SNP genotyping arrays revolutionized field of molecular genetic analysis and brought QTL mapping to a new level. The creation of specific resource populations to conduct genome wide associative studies (GWAS) increases level of accuracy and reduces the false positive degree. The aim of our work is a search for QTL and candidate genes associated with energy of growth of sheep, using genome wide associative studies (GWAS). We crossed fast-growing Katahdin ram with slow-growing (Romanov's ewes) to obtain F1. We established a data base of phenotypic traits including live weight at the age of 6, 42, 90, 180 and 270 days for F1 sheep. Parents and F1 individuals were genotyped with high-density DNA chip Ovine Infinium® HD SNP BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA). Genotypes were obtained using GenomeStudio 2 software. Quality filtering of SNPs was performed in PLINK v1.09. Multidimensional scaling (MDS analysis) was based on identity -by-state matrix (IBS). Neighbour Net graph was created using SplitsTree 4.14.5 software. To analyze genetic structure within the sheep family, the Admixture program was used. The Admixture and MDS results were consistent: studied animals were clearly distributed according to their origin, namely: F1 individuals were located between the ram and ewes. The Neighbor Net graph showed that most individuals were clustered rather as the mother and daughter than breed groups. The next stage of our work is the crossing of F1 animals to obtain a resource population with splitting traits.

An increase in the level of homozygosity in cattle breeds causes an increasing negative influence of LoF mutations (LoF-function disruption). The aim of the work was the development of a molecular genetic test system for the diagnosis of LoF mutation in the TMEM95 gene, known as BMS (Bovine male subfertility), that is, the subfertility of bulls, associated with complete infertility or inferiority of sperm development. During the research, a series of reference samples (n = 50) with known BMS genotypes was created. Routine studies were carried out using PCR-RFLP analysis. As a result of the genotyping of 180 cows and 110 breeding bulls, 16 hidden mutation carriers (5.5%), including 11 cows and 5 bulls, were identified. Taking into account the relatively high incidence of BMS, the proposed test system can be recommended for mass screening of Simmental and related breeds in Russia in order to control the spread and elimination of hidden carriers of this genetic disease.

Effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on modifications of metaphase-II (M-II) chromosomes in aged bovine oocytes and their developmental competence after in vitro fertilization was investigated in the present work. To this, the matured in vitro (for 20 h) cumulus-enclosed oocytes (GEOs) cultured for additional 24 or 12 h in the absence (Control) and in presence of EGF (1-500 ng/ml) and then used respectively for cytogenetic analysis or for in vitro fertilization. In the Control the rate of GEOs with destructive modifications of M-II chromosomes was 58.3 ± 3.2 %. EGF did not affect on the frequency of abnormal chromosome modifications at concentrations of 1-50 ng/ml and increased this frequency at the concentration 500 ng/ml. After the 12 h prolonged culture the cleavage rate of fertilized oocytes did not differ between groups, varying from71.5 to 76.5%. Meanwhile the addition of EGF at concentration of 10 ng/ml to the aging medium led to an increase in the yield of blastocysts from 9.7 ± 1.1 % (Control) to 18.2 ± 1.5 % (p<0.01). The data suggest that EGF is able to improve the competence for development of in vitro ageing bovine oocytes and that this effect of EGF is not related to the modeling of chromosome quality.

The determination of haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes and their relationships with the indices of the homeostasis of the organism is of great theoretical and practical importance, since it makes it possible to conduct effective monitoring of the health status of cattle, to establish their economic value and prospects for use. The possibility of unambiguous determination of protein phenotypes, their constancy throughout life, independence from environmental conditions, and inheritance in strict accordance with the Mendelian distribution became the basis for their use as genetically determined markers of susceptibility to certain pathologies. We established the Hp phenotypes of newborn calves of Holstein red-motley breed and its content in blood serum at 1, 7, 14 and 28 days after birth. The analysis of leukograms in the specified time frame was performed. The relationships between haptoglobin phenotype and indices of variation in the leukocytes of various types were analyzed. The content of Hp in the serum of calves in the first month of life ranged from 1.9 to 3.9 g/l. Changes in the studied index for 28 days were not identified. The most common Hp phenotype in red-motley Holstein calves is Hp1-1. The leukogram of the peripheral blood of animals was characterized by severe neutropenia and lymphocytosis, the number of other types of leukocytes did not go beyond the age norm. No statistically significant differences in leukocyte formulas in calves with phenotypes Hp1-1 and Hp1-2 were found. Homozygous phenotype Hp1-1 is associated with relative instability of leukogram during the 1st month of life; phenotype Hp2-1 - with greater stability of leukogram indicators. Thus, calves with the Hp2-1 phenotype should demonstrate an immune response within the standard reaction rate. In calves with the Hp1-1 phenotype, reaction that is inadequate to the strength and nature of the impact may be formed; therefore, they require an individual approach and careful observation during the neonatal period.

The northern domestic reindeer herding of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is concentrated in 21 uluses (regions) from 35 uluses and forms the basis of the way of life, economy, culture, employment of the indigenous small in number peoples of the North and creates the socio-economic appearance of northern settlements. Reindeer herding also serves as a locomotive for the development of hunting, fishing, arts and crafts, gathering of wild plants and the consolidating beginning of the northern peoples. According to the specifics of the industry, reindeer herding in the process of the annual production cycle covers huge territories and performs an important state function to ensure employment of the population of the North and the development of huge empty areas of the country. The transition to market relations in the 90s, accompanied by a sharp weakening of state regulation, had a painful effect on the social situation in the northern regions. The standard of living of the indigenous peoples of the North occupying reindeer herding has especially sharply decreased.Reindeer husbandry is the only branch of the northern economy in which only representatives of the indigenous peoples of the Far North are engaged. Only in it the indigenous population does not encounter competition from the new settlers ("alien" people). These peoples have cultural traditions most closely associated with reindeer husbandry, their way of life and economy depend on reindeer husbandry. Domestic reindeer gives them the opportunity to live in harmony with the harsh nature of the Far North. The article provides information on the state of domestic reindeer breeding of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the period 1986-2017, the results of analysis and assessment of the potential for the development of domestic reindeer breeding in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), scientifically sound proposals aimed at achieving a system of strategic goals and objectives of long- economic development of northern domestic reindeer herding of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

The influence of the full value of feeding high-yielding lactating cows with loose content and feeding their feed mixture at the height of lactation on the biochemical parameters of blood was studied. To increase milk production in our country it is necessary to increase the productivity of cows. This process is inextricably linked with the strengthening of the fodder base of dairy cattle breeding, which is facilitated by increasing the yield of fodder crops, improving the quality of the main feed of its own production: hay, haylage, silage. Introduction of advanced technologies and methods of their preparation, storage, ensuring the production of feed of high biological value, reducing nutrient losses. It was found that high-yielding cows in the midst of lactation with loose content and robotic milking in their complete mixtures should include voluminous feed in the optimal amount, such as hay and silage. This will improve the nutritional value of animals, maintain biochemical parameters of their blood at a good level, and hence get them high milk productivity. The nutritional value of dairy cows can be controlled by blood counts. At imbalance of a diet of highly productive cows in the middle of lactation biochemical indicators of their blood decreases in comparison with norm.

The authors studied the effect of the tethered and loose housing of highly productive lactating cows during the period of milking on the status of their blood. In recent years, loose housing of dairy cattle, as well as robotic milking of cows, has been increasingly introduced in our country. All this requires a more objective assessment from a zootechnical point of view. It is known from scientific sources that the feeding, maintenance, and technology of milking animals have a powerful effect upon blood indicators, the productivity and quality of cows' milk. This served as a more objective approach to the assessment of biochemical blood parameters of highly productive cows during the period of feeding, depending on their housing scheme. It has been ascertained that blood status of high-yielding cows with a tethered content is somewhat higher as compared with the loose-housing, which indicates a more complete normalized feeding of animals on a leash. It should be noted that with a tethered housing, unlike a loose-housing, each cow receives its normalized and balanced diet for all nutrients, mineral and biologically active substances, which positively affects the milk production and blood biochemical parameters, and hence the health of the cows during the period of milk yield increase.

Preserving the sperm of honeybee drones in combination with instrumental insemination of queen bees is an effective strategy for the conservation of species and their genetic diversity. The method of low-temperature freezing of sperm drones solves the problem of preserving the genetic resources of honeybee and is necessary for selection and genetic research. In practical beekeeping, there is a need to develop a technology for the drone semen of preserving at positive temperatures without cryopreservation, with the aim of year-round artificial insemination of queen bees. But today, honeybee is the only object for which these methods are at the stage of experimental development. This article presents the results of studies on the short-term storage at positive temperatures of honeybee drones of the sperm. A comparative assessment of diluted sperm in nutrient medium and undiluted using antimicrobial agents is given of the methods of storage. Control and experimental samples of the sperm were examined after 30 and 60 days of storage using methods for assessing the drone semen quality and physiological parameters of artificially inseminated honeybee queens. The study evaluated: the number of spermatozoa entering the spermatheca of queen bee by counting the Goryaev camera, the viability of spermatozoa by the methods of supravital staining of trypan blue and fluorescence microscopy using DNA dyes Hoechst, PI. According to the results of studies, in the sample with Metrogyl dent after 60 days of storage at 24-26 0C were found 73% of viable spermatozoa. After cooling at 3 ° C for 60 days, the native spermatozoa samples without a means of bacterial contamination had a viability of 95%. The drones semen saving for 2 months in a protein-free environment Insect-XPRESSTM (pH 6.1) of the possibility.

The article summarizes the current data on the influence of various stress factors on the reproductive qualities of mares presented in the literature. The hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, thyroid and somatotropic systems along with the sympathoadrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal element of the endocrine regulation play an important role in adapting to various stressful environmental conditions during the realization of the reproductive function of mares, direction of their using, health status, quality of feeding. In most cases, catecholamines are formed under short-term stress - the sympathoadrenal system is activated. Elevated glucocorticoid levels are observed with prolonged stress exposure. Among them, cortisol plays a leading role in the horse's body. The overall effect of stress hormones (catecholamines and glucocorticoids) on the reproductive qualities of mares is a violation of the secretion and sensitivity to gonadotropic and steroid hormones, changes in the regulation of physiological processes that are fundamental to steroidogenesis, development and growth of follicles and ovulation. Considered several physiological mechanisms leading to a similar result. Attention is focused on the need to study the relatively recently discovered substances - kisspeptin and gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone. Updated the need to develop and using tests for the evaluation and selection of horses for stress resistance. The review is divided into three components: 1 - short description of the effect of the activation of the sympathoadrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical systems; 2 - the direct and indirect effect of stress hormones on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system; 3 - thyroid and somatotropic components of stress induction. Biochemical aspects are partly affected, because of the vastness of the issue under study.

The degree of stress sensitivity in crossbred pigs (Yorkshire * Landrace) was established using the “crisis-weaning” method in terms of industrial technology. In assessing the stress sensitivity of piglets during the period of the so-called “crisis-weaning”, which lasts 10-14 days, a number of biological features were used, which served as the basis for the formation of experimental groups. One part of the piglets painlessly transfers the critical period of weaning from the mother, not more than the net does not reduce the average daily weight gain. The other part, on the contrary, reacts with a decrease in the growth energy, while the third part takes an intermediate position. Stress-resistant animals react weaker to technological stimuli and show higher rates of productivity both in fattening and in reproductive qualities. By early maturity, they surpass their stress-sensitive peers by 9.2%, and by average daily growth by 5.1%. According to reproductive qualities, stress-resistant sows surpass stress-sensitive ones by multiplicity by 5.4%, by weight of one pig per 2 months by 1.8%, by preservation - by 7.3%.

The article presents studies to determine the breeding value of 100 highly productive cows, taking into account the linear affiliation for 2017, which is a reserve for increasing the productivity of cows of black-and-white breed in the Vologda region. As a result of long - term selection and breeding work, 100 highly productive cows with milk yield of 14164 kg were obtained, which exceeds the average productivity of cows of the black-and-white breed of the Vologda region by 6480 kg, which is 7684 kg of milk for 2017. The research showed that of 100 high-producing cows - 71 head received from 29 sires of domestic breeding and only 29 recordists from 16 sires foreign selection. On average, one bull-producer of foreign selection received 1.8 highly productive cows, domestic selection - 2.4. The leading line of Reflection Sovering 198998 by the number of cows-record - 50 heads out of the 100 best highly productive was revealed. It should be noted that the average record milk yield of daughters of domestic selection of 14188 kg of milk is on the same level with foreign selection - 14103 kg of milk. The best cows are the main breeding material for the production of high-value bulls of domestic selection.

During 18 years a study to determine the role of, the character and the degree of protected natural area's (PNA) influence upon Siberian roe deer population had been carried out on the territory of two Far Eastern regions - the Republic of Buryatia and Amur region. It included all PNAs located there. Two model PNAs were determined based on the degree of their importance for Siberian roe deer - Altacheysky Nature Reserve on the territory of the Republic of Buryatia and Orlovsky Nature Reserve in Amur region. Animal population counting and observance routes were laid across the model PNA territories for different seasons of the year as well as adjacent hunting grounds were explored. The analysis of population number, character and intensity of species seasonal migrations from the territory of reserves to the hunting grounds and back has been carried out. The role and influence of PNAs on the species population conservation, wintering, reproduction and migration intensity of the studied species were determined.