The problem of genetic safety of agricultural animals populations

The author discusses the biological consequences of large-scale breeding of cattle and the causes of the decrease of genetic diversity and «vitality» of population genofond, including the populations having unique resistance to diseases and unfavorable conditions of the environment, the high longevity and the retention of progeny. The system was suggested for maintenance of the optimal level of genetic diversity within the limits of a breed based on directional selection on productivity and stabilizing selection on the vitality determinants of genotypes.