The problem of preserving and using the gene pool of the Yakut cattle

A review of the researches aimed at studying the issues of breeding, preservation and protection of the gene pool of the Yakut cattle over the past decades was conducted The dynamics of the population of the Yakut cattle in Yakutia was analyzed on the basis of comparison of statistical indicators and the current situation of the population size was shown. Based on the analysis of historical statistics data, it was shown that the population of the Yakut cattle had sharply decreased from 530 thousand in the early XX century to 1828 heads at the present time being on the verge of extinction. The issues of studying biological characteristics and productivity of Yakut cattle in extreme conditions of Yakutia were considered. Comparative results of the research on the main body indices and the data on morphological features of internal organs were presented; these data indicate high adaptive capacity of the Yakut cattle to harsh conditions of the North due to effective use of feed. The experiments conducted to identify meat and dairy productivity, the research on nutritional value and quality of meat of the Yakut cattle showed the possibilities of its genetic potential. Despite low productivity indicators, the Yakut cattle had such valuable qualities as fat content, meat marbling, unpretentiousness and resistance to extreme climatic conditions. Based on the results of scientific research, the conclusions were made about the feasibility of using specific features of the Yakut cattle in breeding. Many research results currently obtained using molecular genetic methods and technologies require further analysis and can be successfully applied in the use of genetic resources of the Yakut cattle. To solve the problem of preserving the gene pool of native breeds, it is necessary to conduct comprehensive work at the state level in economic, biological, scientific, cultural and historical areas.