The purpose of this paper is to present some of the methods currently available for the detection of major genes based on population data. These methods are concerned, primarily, with quantitative traits because their application to discrete and threshold traits is not always possible (e.g. tests of deviations from normality). As mentioned, only some methods for identification of the genes with large effects are presented. Directions of methodological investigations and their effects are shown. In the first part of this paper, existing statistical methods (adopted for major gene identifaction) are described. In the second part, methods of human genetics modified for animal genetics (Major Gene Index - MGI) are presented. Finally, the method generally accepted currently as the most accurate (segregation analysis) is characterized. Some disadvantages connected with the application of this method are also described.