Heterogenic population of the follicular oocytes of bovine ovaries has been divided into 5 groups on the basis of morphological characteristics. Chromatin structure, frequency of degenerative changes and the ability to maturation in vitro of different oocyte groups have been studied. The correlation of morphological characteristics of native oocytes and their ability to mature in vitro have been shown. The bovine follicular oocyte classification allows to pick out more homogeneous oocyte groups in comparison with the population as a whole and the oocyte group which is the best for maturation in vitro.