Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a strategically important crop for Russia, providing food security and foreign exchange earnings. One of the factors that reduce crop yields is the damage of plants by various types of pathogens. Barley smut is one of the most dangerous diseases of this crop and is widespread in almost all agricultural regions of Russia, especially in the Volga region, Siberia and Central region. To create new cultivars of barley and bring high-quality seeds to the market, the integration of molecular genetics into classical breeding is a key step. It is necessary to search for and map new genes for resistance to biotic factors and to screen existing genetic collections and breeding material extensively. The paper analyzes scientific publications by Russian and foreign researchers devoted to the use of molecular-genetic methods in the creation of barley cultivars resistant to loose (Ustilago nuda), covered (Ustilago hordei) and false loose (black) (Ustilago avenae (Pers.) Rostr.) smut mainly over the past 15 years. The possibilities and experience of using various PCR markers in marker-assisted breeding (MAS breeding) of disease-resistant cultivars are shown. A list of currently known genes, donor varieties, and DNA markers linked to genes and loci of barley resistance to loose, covered, and false loose (black) smut is presented. The prospects that open up with the introduction of molecular methods for modern breeding for barley resistance to head diseases are formulated.

The aim of the review is to generalize and analyze current data on the incidence of actinobacillus pleuropneumonia in pigs for their further use in the design of immunobiological preparations and a system of veterinary and sanitary measures. The review presents the history and taxonomy of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae bacteria, etiology, pathogenesis, mecha-nisms of virulence, pathogenicity factors, and preventive measures. Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia is a significant current infection in pig breeding. The level of its spread remains quite high throughout the world. This fact is due to the asymptomat-ic carriage of the pathogen of more than half of the livestock in various enterprises, easy transmission of the infection, and its antigenic variability, including virulence factors. Despite the large number of developed and implemented immunobiological drugs against actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, foreign and domestic scientists continue to look for approaches in the control and diagnosis of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and the development of new technological solutions for the eradication of the pathogen, which will contribute to the growth of pig production. An important omission is the lack of a national and inter-state program for the control and prevention of actinobacillus pleuropneumonia. Limited data on the spread and resistance to antibacterial drugs hinder the development of evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies. Data on the antibiotic sen-sitivity of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae may vary depending on the geographical location of the serotype and over time.

The aim of the study is to evaluate experimentally the predictive effectiveness of the “the degree of phenotypic dominance (Hp) in F1 “parameter for identifying the hybrid populations of spring soft wheat that are most promising for selecting trans-gressive forms based on the “number of grains per ear” and "1000 grain weight" productivity traits. The study of hybrid populations by 64 cross combinations, along with the parental forms, was conducted under field conditions in 2018–2023 across four consecutive generations. The relationship between the index of the degree of phenotypic dominance (Hp) in F1 and the average level of traits in subsequent generations (F2–F4), as well as the percentage relation to the best parent, was determined. It has been established that the Hp indicator based on the "number of grains per ear" has a limited predictive ability (R2 = 23.9 %; r = 0.489, significant at p<0.01). High heterosis in F1 (Hp = +1.0...+44.3) only in half of the cases determined the high potential of the trait in subsequent generations, however, extremely low Hp values (Hp<-10.0) can serve as an indicator of the futility of the combination. For the "1000 grain weight" trait, no linear relationship was found between the level of dominance in F1 and the value of the trait in older generations (R2= 0.85 %; r = 0.092). Genotypes exceeding the best parental form in F2–F4, as a rule, inherited the trait in F1 by the type of intermediate inheritance or moderate overdominance (both positive and negative). The high stability and repeatability of the mass of 1000 grains indicate a strong genetic conditioning of the trait and makes it possible to directly select for grain size in early generations, starting from F2. A comparative analysis of hybrid populations created in different areas of breeding (drought resistance, immunity, productivity) revealed that the max-imum yield of promising material in F2–F4 (up to 61 % of combinations exceeding the best yield standard) is provided by com-binations with a moderate level of phenotypic dominance in both productivity components. As a breeding strategy, it is proposed to increase the volume and intensity of selections from the best combinations to more effectively search for transgressive forms with an optimal combination of additive genetic complexes.

Modern companies engaged in the production of original potato seeds (Solánum tuberósum L.) strive to use advanced methods of accelerated propagation of improved material, including the principles of aerohydroponics, where plants are grown in the air with regular spraying of the roots with a moisture-air mixture of nutrients. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of foliar treatments with sulfur- and silicon-containing preparations on the quantitative yield of minitubers under aerohydroponic conditions. The experiment was conducted in 2024, and minitubers of the ‘Amethyst’, ‘Severnoe siyanie’, ‘Red Scarlett’, and ‘Surpriz’ cultivars were grown using the AGM-60 aeroponic systems in a greenhouse with natural lighting. Two-fold foliar treatment with sulfur- and silicon-containing preparations had a positive anti-stress effect to the action of high daytime temperatures, which affected, first of all, the multiplication coefficient of tubers, which increased by 5.9–11.8 pieces/bush (38–53 %) on average for all cultivars, while the number of tubers larger than 15 mm increased significantly in the ‘Red Scarlett’ and ‘Surpriz’ cultivars. The cost of one minituber averaged 4.17–9.38 RUB/unit in control variants and 3.02–6.59 RUB/unit in variants of the experiment with the use of foliar treatment with sulfur- and silicon-containing preparations. The conditional net income (income of the variant of the experiment minus income of the control variant) was from 340 (‘Severnoe siyanie’ cultivar) to 11875 (‘Red Scarlett’) RUB/work table (60 plants).

The aim of the research is to determine in the moderately cold climate of Tyumen the timing of the onset and duration of the vegetation phases of red clover cultivars developed in other climatic regions of Russia and abroad. The studies were conducted in a collection nursery in the 2nd year of plant life (2017, 2019–2024). Studied were 39 cultivars characterized as diploid one-cut, diploid double-cut, and tetraploid double-cut. Based on the dates of flowering and seed ripening, 17 cultivars were classified as early-ripening and 22 as late-ripening. The beginning of flowering of early-ripening cultivars was noted in the 2nd and 3rd decades of June – 1st decade of July with the sum of effective temperatures (> 5 °C) of 461–722 °C, late-ripening ones – in the 1st and 2nd decades of July at 545–898 °C. The flowering and seed maturation phases of early-ripening cultivars began, on average, 15 days earlier than those of late-ripening ones. The total duration of the growing season was 99–127 days for early-ripening cultivars, and 123–148 days for late-ripening ones. A significant effect of moisture conditions during the mass flowering phase of plants in July on the maturation time of seeds of late-ripening cultivars was noted (r = 0.76; 0.90). With sufficient and excess moisture (HTC from 1.08 to 1.75), the seeds of late-ripening cultivars ripened no earlier than September, while with HTC values ≤ 1 (from 0.28 to 0.90), they ripened during August. The sum of effective temperatures at the seed ripening date of early-ripening red clover cultivars was 1138–1375 °C (average 1278 °C), while for late-ripening ones it was 1357–1516 °C (average 1489 °C). Correlations between the length of the growing season and agroclimatic parameters during the field season were weak. Collection cultivars from one and the same maturity group can be used in breeding work as parental forms in polycross nurseries.

The research aims at the assessment of the introduction of representatives of the Humulus lupulus L. species transferred by the Altai State University to the Chuvash Research Institute of Agriculture – branch of FARC North-East. The objects of research were stem cuttings (rhizomes) of wild forms of common hops, selected during a scientific expedition to the south of Western Siberia and the Altai mountain country in the amount of 16 samples. The results of phenological observations conducted in the adaptation nursery on gray forest heavy loamy soil served as the material for the study. The comprehensive assessment included the determination of resistance to the natural and climatic conditions of the northern Volga region, phenological observations and record of the dynamics of the aboveground mass development, carried out according to generally accepted methods in 2023-2025. Based on the results of the evaluation of 9 expedition samples that overwintered in the conditions of 2022-2023, the ability to growth and development of introduced wild hop samples in the studied soil and climatic conditions was shown. The dynamics of the aboveground mass growth and development was described. According to the above-ground mass growth dynamics three samples were identified as the most promising. They significantly surpassed the standard ‘Podvyazny’ cultivar on the 90th day after germination: in the stem length – AK/Alt/29-1 (by 41.9 cm); in the number of stems – AK/Alt/29-2 (by 0.7 pcs.) and in the leaf surface area – AK/Alt/31-2 (by 342.8 cm2). Their high adaptability to the climatic conditions of the northern Volga region has been established during the years of the research, which makes it possible to recommend these samples as promising genetic sources for inclusion in the collection nursery "World collection of common hops (Humulus lupulus L.)".

The aim of the research was to assess the ecological plasticity and stability of 14 domestic black currant cultivars of the bio resource collection of the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding using “yield” as the key trait. The work was carried out in 2023–2025 in the Orel Region (Central Chernozem Region). ‘Orlovskaya Serenada’, a black currant cultivar zoned in the Central Chernozem Region, was taken as a control. It was found that 2023 was the most favorable year for growing black currant (the environment index (Ii) – 0.54), while 2024 and 2025 were less favorable (Ii = -0.12 and -0.42, respectively). As a result of the study, there were identified 5 cultivars that significantly exceeded the reference cultivar in terms of yield during the study years: ‘Binar’,’Shaman’, ‘Zhuravushka’, ‘Kanakhama’, and ‘Streletz’ (6.30–7.34 t/ha). According to the regression coefficient, the intensive cultivars (bi>1) included ‘Binar’, ‘Shaman’, ‘Shuravushka’, ‘Streletz’, ‘Nezhdanchik’, ‘Arkadia’, and ‘Dobry Dzhinn’, at the same time, ‘Shaman’ had the highest level of plasticity (bi = 2.10). ‘Yulian’, ‘Avgustinka’, ‘Udaletz’ and ‘Ruslan’ were the neutral type cultivars (bi<1). ‘Vympel’ cultivar (bi ≈ 0) did not respond to changes in the environment. The control ‘Orlovskaya Serenada’ as well as 'Zhemchuzhina' and 'Kanakhama' were characterized by the full compliance of the cultivar with the growing conditions and their changes. According to the ecological stability index (𝝈𝒅𝟐) the cultivars ‘Avgustinka’, ‘Yulian’, and ‘Vympel’ were identified as the most stable among those studied; however, their yield did not exceed that of the control cultivar. Among the high-yielding cultivars, ‘Shaman’, ‘Kanakhama’, and ‘Streletz’ were the most stable. According to the method used, the optimal profile for a productive cultivar is a combination of bi equal to or close to 1 and a minimum environmental stability parameter 𝝈𝒅𝟐. The ‘Kanakhama’ cultivar was identified with this combination of statistical parameters (bi = 0.9; 𝝈𝒅𝟐 = 5.28), which would be considered as a stable-yielding cultivar (6.73 t/ha, CV = 22.24 %) and would be of interest as a source for breeding stable-yielding black currant cultivars.

The objective of this study was to evaluate populations of the fungi Parastagonospora nodorum and P. pseu-donodorum from the Leningrad, Tambov, and Amur regions of the Russian Federation for the presence of the effector genes SnToxA, SnTox1, SnTox3, SnTox5, and SnTox267. Leaf samples showing symptoms of septoria were collected in 2025 from various spring wheat cultivars at the milk-wax ripeness stage of grain. The investigations were carried out using light micros-copy, PCR, and CTAB methods. Screening of 165 P. nodorum isolates and 19 P. pseudonodorum isolates revealed significant inter- and intraspecific differences in the distribution of effector genes. It was established that SnTox3 had the highest preva-lence among P. nodorum genotypes (53 %), whereas the distribution of SnTox5 was strictly linked to the geographic origin of the samples (European part of Russia – up to 100 %; Amur region – 0 %). Isolates of P. pseudonodorum from the Tambov region were characterized by the presence of SnToxA (79 %), SnTox3 (79 %), and SnTox5 (100 %), while SnTox267 occurred less frequently (58 %), and SnTox1 was absent. Upon summarization of the data obtained from a five-year monitoring (2021–2025) of P. nodorum and P. pseudonodorum populations from different regions of the Russian Federation, a high het-erogeneity in the distribution of the necrotrophic effector genes SnToxA, SnTox1, SnTox3, SnTox267, and SnTox5 was revealed. Species-specific and geographic differentiation in gene occurrence frequencies, as well as their temporal dynamics, were established. The research presents for the first time the results of applying the primer pair SnTox5_qPCR_F/ SnTox5_qPCR_R for testing Russian populations of Parastagonospora spp. for the presence of the SnTox5 gene. As part of the initiated work on studying the species composition of wheat septoria pathogens from the Blagoveshchensk district of the Amur region, P. nodorum was identified as the predominant species in the phytopathogenic complex.

The article considers the prospects of using microbiological preparations for growing planting material of valuable and rare juniper species whose natural regeneration is difficult. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of multifunctional microbiological preparations based on antagonist fungi (genus Trichoderma) and rhizobacteria (genera Bacillus and Pseudo-monas) on the growth parameters of Juniperus spp. cuttings with the identification of the features of species-specific response in open ground conditions of the Omsk Region. The objects of the study were juniper seedlings of different ages of the species J. communis L., J. sabina L., J. horizontalis Moench. (‘Blue Chip’ and ‘Limeglow’ cultivars). Treatment with biological preparations was carried out by a single watering under the root (100 ml/plant for 1-2-year-old seedlings and 200 ml/plant for 3-4-year-olds). The control underwent water treatment, with Fundazol as the fungicidal standard, and Kornevin as the growth standard. During the 2021–2024 study period, there has been established the high efficacy of microbiological prepara-tions for stimulating the growth and development of Juniperus spp. seedlings. Universal bioagents were identified: the micro-biological fertilizer Azolen and the biofungicide Elena consistently increased key morphometric parameters (height by 10–33 % and 7–57 %, root collar diameter by 11–31 % and 8–59 %, respectively) in all studied taxa. A species-specific response was demonstrated for Trichoderma veride, Black Yeast, and Flavobacterin, confirming the hypothesis of specific interactions in the microorganism–plant system. The results make it possible to recommend Azolen and Elena for use in juniper planting technology.

The species composition of Fusarium fungi at the present stage, which are parasitic on spring wheat harvested in 2022–2024, grown in Sukhobuzimsky, Krasnoturansky and Dzerzhinsky districts of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, has been studied and clarified. The prevalence of internal infection in the areas studied averaged 72 % over the years of the research. Mycological analysis showed the prevalence of phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Fusarium from 6 to 13 % on average across territories and over the years of the research, with the highest figure recorded for the Sukhobuzimsky district in 2022 – 21 %. Three complexes of the genus Fusarium fungal species have been identified: FSAMSC (Fusarium sambu-cinum), which includes F. poae, F. culmorum, F. sporotrichioides; FTSC (Fusarium tricinctum), represented by F. tricinctum, F. avenaceum, F. acuminatum, etc.; and FIESC (Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti), which unites F. incarnatum, F. equiseti, and related forms. Among the identified isolates of Fusarium fungi, Fusarium sporotrichioides Sherb. occupies the largest share in the structure of fusarium causative agents in spring wheat grains. The dominant species complex is FSAMSC (75.0–76.9 %), followed by FTSC (20.5–21.0 %) and FIES (2.5–41.0 %) in terms of prevalence. In 2024, there was an increase in the share of FTSC and FIESC complexes compared to 2022 and 2023. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in the prevalence of FTSC and FIESC complexes between districts were noted for the entire study period (2022–2024). The results obtained emphasize the need for regular monitoring of the phytosanitary condition of spring wheat crops and the development of differentiated protection measures, considering the spatial and temporal dynamics of the spread of Fusarium fungi.

Branched Tamarix (T. ramosissima Ledeb.) is a shrub widely used for agroforestry of arid territories. The aim of the research was to determine the genetic variability of 8 populations of T. ramosissima Ledeb., growing in the arid conditions of Southern Russia. A total of 138 plants were selected for the study. The geographical distance between populations within the same region was: 23 km (Stavropol region); 30 km (Astrakhan region); 170 km (Republic of Kalmykia). The analysis of the genetic structure was carried out using 11 ISSR markers. A total of 189 DNA fragments were amplified. The obtained PIC values (from 0.248 to 0.330) indicate the high diagnostic value of the ISSR primers involved in the work. A high level of polymorphism was found in all the studied populations, with an average of 92.6 %. The highest percentage of polymorphic loci was observed in the Tr_a2 population (Astrakhan region, 97.9 %), and the lowest in Tr_k1 (Republic of Kalmykia, 87.3 %). The na and ne values ranged from 1.44–1.59 and 1.25–1.33, respectively, with average values of 1.52±0.499 and 1.28±0.346. The Nei’s genetic diversity index ranged from 0.150 to 0.198, with an average level of 0.166±0.188. The Shannon’s index varied from 0.232 to 0.300, averaging 0.254±0.272. To assess the degree of genetic divergence of populations growing in different regions, the coefficients of the Nei’s genetic distance were calculated. The constructed dendrogram confirms the high level of genetic diversity of T. ramosissima populations. The absence of clustering by regions shows that the genetic differentiation of the studied species is largely determined not only by the current geographical distance, but also by other factors, such as adaptive features to habitat conditions.

The objective of this research is to formalize the growing integration of data and management algorithms in agriculture at the advanced stage of the digital economy (DE). This has resulted in a promising innovative project for a digital management platform (DMP) for the production economy, integrating all agricultural management tasks ontologically and functionally with a unified, scientifically based approach to their design. A key element of this approach should be a universal computer-aided design (CAD) system for crop rotation (CR) structures, substantiated by mathematical modeling. The priority for developing such a CAD system in the DE is dictated by the nature and ability of scientifically based crop rotations to determine all techno-logical processes in agriculture. The DMP project, in turn, was the result of a synthesis and subsequent formalization of several key principles of digital economy that emerged during the spontaneous attempts to integrate information resources and infor-mation management systems (IMS) by large organizations in the process of computerizing their businesses, as well as the experience of implementing IMS subsystems at over 1,000 enterprises as part of the "Electronization of Agriculture" program. Thus, working with experts from the Kuban Research Institute of Agriculture, which has extensive experimental data for many years, a mathematical model for the formation of optimal CR was developed. This research is supported by global trends toward the emergence of CAD systems replacing traditional manual system design, a consequence of the development of both integra-tion technologies and the simultaneous improvement of mathematical modeling methods. This paper utilizes the mathematical apparatus of graph theory in the form of a container packaging problem while simultaneously searching for the shortest path, as well as an optimization mathematical model of the production and logistics chain for both growing and further movement of produce within and outside the farm, which is especially important for agricultural holdings. In the future, with the transition of the agro-industrial complex to a DMP with the accumulation of a sufficient volume of data, it will be possible to set the task of forming new CR that take into account the heterogeneity of fields, using artificial intelligence.

Depleted peatlands, as a habitat for meadow herbages, differ significantly from zonal soils. The main differences are a large soil diversity, an extremely unregulated food regime, harsh temperature conditions, while the technical possibility of controlling the water regime is noted. The purpose of the research is to establish the main causes and dynamics of the degeneration of perennial grass stands on cutover bogs of varying length of reclamation and the degree of development of the peat layer, as well as the technological possibility of resuscitation of their species composition and productivity. The research was carried out in three land reclamation permanent study areas of the Kirov Meadow-Swamp Experimental Station on grasslands operating in a permanent mowing regime from 10 to 50 years, in conjunction with water and food regimes. It has been established that in a site with shallow depleted peat soil, under conditions of prolonged stagnant water regime, there is a sharp decrease in productivity and a rapid restructuring of the structure of meadow phytocenosis in favor of paludicole and moisture-resistant species, despite the high fertilizing background. In the bog-peaty-gley soil variety, a similar restructuring also occurs, but much more slowly. On fully depleted peat soil, the temporary suspension of fertilization on herbage of meadow catmint leads to an expected decrease in its productivity, while the species composition is expanded many times. The number of introduced variegated grasses exceeds 60 species. About 50 % of this amount consists of grasses that are promising for use as fodder. In conditions of a well-regulated water regime, the resumption of the application of fertilizers increases the yield of herbage by more than 2 times, but reduces its species diversity several times due to the displacement of harmful, poisonous and low-food species. Calculations show that the efficiency of water regime management using sluicing can reach 100 % or more in extremely dry years.

The purpose of the research is to analyze changes in the genealogical landscape in a closed breeding group of mini pigs bred by the IC&G SB RAS over nine generations – from the 8th to the 16th. The research is based on the study of the dynamics of the "blood proportion" indicator of a large form of domestic pig in a herd of mini pigs (247 individuals). The data were processed and evaluated using a set of statistical parameters and criteria: Mann-Kendall, Conover-Iman. The article presents the results of using the abstract and, as is now widely recognized, archaic concept of "blood proportion" for the analysis of genetic and population processes. This indicator represents the expected proportion of the founder's genome or the original population form retained in the genomes of its descendants. It is an individual characteristic of an organism and can be considered a quantitative feature. As such, "blood proportion" indicators were used to analyze the process of stabilizing the genealogical landscape, reflecting the equalization of the population's gene pool – the automatic process of "mixing" the genetic material of the population founders and the leveling of individuals according to the propor-tion of this material in the genome. The term "genealogical landscape" refers to the quantitative, but not qualitative, contri-bution of the founders to the genome of the individuals making up the population. The consequence of this process is the leveling of the genealogical landscape. The founders’ “blood proportions” will continue to change over successive genera-tions as long as variation in this measure persists among individuals. In each succeeding generation, these differences will decrease until they disappear. The signs by which one can judge the end of the leveling of the genealogical landscape are the zero values of the observed ranges of variation and standard deviations, as well as the equality of the minimum, maximum and average values of the blood proportion of each ancestor. The study fully confirmed the fulfillment of all the consequences of this process in the "closed" breeding group of mini pigs bred by IC&G SB RAS and showed that this process should be over in the 17–30th generations. Thus, the results demonstrate that, despite its archaic nature, the “blood proportion” indi-cator remains a valid tool for analyzing intrapopulation processes.

The article presents the results of the productive indicators of Holstein cows depending on the polymorphism of the kappa-casein gene and their belonging to lines Vis Back Ideal and Reflection Sovereign in the conditions of the breeding reproducer of LLC "Barmino", Lyskovsky municipal district of Nizhny Novgorod region. The degree of realization of the ge-netic potential of productive indicators of cows is determined based on the assessment of the proband itself, its ancestors, on the basis of which the indices are calculated. It has been established that the polymorphism of the kappa-casein gene and the lineage of cows affect the productive performance of animals. It was revealed that the studied animals surpass their female maternal ancestors in milk yield; in the analysis of variance, the degree of influence of mothers on the milk productivity of daughters was 0.39–0.45, and that of fathers' mothers was 0.32-0.33. In the conditions of this breeding farm, the genetic potential in milk yield of the daughters of the Vis Back Ideal line has been most fully realized and reached 111.6 %. It has been proved that with the highest milk productivity of bull mothers and the lowest productivity of cow mothers, animals with the CSN3AA genotype give the best milk values among their peers for other CSN3 genotypes, which confirms the influence of paternal and maternal ancestors on the level of realization of genetic potential.

The aim of the research is to determine the impact of meteorological conditions during the grazing period on the milk productivity of cows in the southern regions of Russia, in order to further develop adaptation measures. The research was carried out in 2017–2024 in the steppe zone of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, using a herd of cows of the Red Steppe breed (700 heads). Observations of the total amount of precipitation, average daily temperature and air humidity, and daily milk yield were carried out throughout the grazing period (May – September). It was found that during the study period, the amount of precipitation varied from 191.0 mm (2020) to 510.0 mm (2021). The average air temperature from 2019 to 2023 changed slightly – 22–23 °C – and only in certain decades of July and August in 2021 and 2022 did it rise above 30 °C. The period with the minimum air humidity (up to 52.6 %) lasted 77 days, and the period with the maximum air humidity (over 87.1 % and above) was 79 days. At the same time, the highest daily milk yield was obtained at high air humidity; the difference amounted to 637.7 kg (P<0.05). The highest daily milk yield (in 6 of the 8 years of the study) was obtained in May, which was characterized by optimal hydrothermal conditions: an air temperature of approximately 19.9 °C, a relative humidity of 72.7 %, and sufficient precipita-tion. High ambient temperatures had a significant negative impact cow productivity, with a reduction of 14.200 kg (P < 0.05). It has been established that air humidity contributes to the partial stabilization of temperature conditions; however, the negative impact of humidity on milk productivity was observed only at extreme values – above 87.1 %, which has been statistically confirmed (P<0.05). Within the optimal range (50–75 %), air humidity acted as a stabilizing factor, partially compensating for the negative effects of high temperatures.

The aim of the research was to metabarcode the microbiocenosis of the gastrointestinal tract of young Romanov sheep raised with and without «Yarosil» probiotic use. The research was carried out on lambs of the Romanov breed of Yurievskoye LLC in the Pervomaisky district of the Yaroslavl region. Samples of the mucous membrane of the rumen, cecum, and feces of lambs from the control and experimental groups served as the material for the research. The proportion of various OTE (operational taxonomic units) of mixed samples from various parts of the gastrointestinal tract of young sheep was analyzed. High–throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene has shown the dominance of representatives of the Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Verrucomicrobiota and Actinomycetota phyla. The microbiota of the lamb rumen of the control group was characterized by a significant predominance of bacteria of the genus Latil Lactobacillus, reaching almost 75 %. Such a high concentration of these bacteria may indicate their important role in the processes of fermentation and absorption of nutrients in the rumen. Unlike the rumen, the intestinal microbiome was dominated by bacteria of the genera Nanosyncoccus and Faecousia, indicating the specialization of microbial communities in different parts of the digestive system. There have been calculated the indices of biological diversity: the Shannon index ranges from 2.55 to 5.76 in the control group, from 4.65 to 6.13 in the experimental group, the Berger–Parker index ranges from 0.11 to 0.55 and from 0.09 to 0.23 in the control and experimental groups, respectively.

The aim of the research is to study the effect of Fitostim-1 on the clinical and physiological status of sucking calves affected with enteritis after its inclusion in a traditional treatment regimen. Holstein calves were divided into experimental and control groups of 12 animals each. Animals in the experimental group were given Fitostim-1, a supplement containing mead-owsweet extract and lactobacilli, daily in combination with Bovitab, Butastim, antibiotics, novocaine blockade, Ringer-Locke solution, or Amino-Solvo. Control calves were treated with similar medications but without Fiostim-1, which was replaced by Sacrolyte. The significance of the obtained results was assessed using the Student's t-test at P < 0.05. Hematological analysis of the calves after their recovery revealed that, compared to the control group, the erythrocytes and leukocytes in the animals of the experimental group exceeded the similar indicators of the control group by 8.0 and 19.6 %, respectively. The study of the leukogram revealed an increase in the number of band and segmented neutrophils in the calves of the experimental group by 50.0 and 11.0 % compared to the control. The study of blood biochemistry parameters revealed that the levels of alkaline phosphatase and urea in the blood of calves of the experimental group were lower than in the control by 25.3 and 34.7 %, respectively. The duration of treatment for calves of the experimental group was 3.38±0.12 days, while in the control group it was 4.16±0.30 days. Animals in the experimental group had a milder disease course than those in the control group, that was characterized by appetite restoration, the absence of polydipsia, and normalization of body temperature, pulse, respiration, and defecation on the second or third day of treatment. Average daily weight gain in calves in the experimental group exceeded that in the control group by 6.7 %, and total weight gain by 27.3 %.

Aspiration of ovarian follicles (OPU) is the major source of oocyte retrieval for in vitro production (IVP) of embryos in cattle. The identification of donors whose OPU-oocytes have the better competence to embryonic development is of interest in terms of increasing the efficiency of oocyte retrieval and in vitro embryos production. The aim of this work was to assess the content of estradiol-17β (E2) in the blood as a predictor of the efficiency of oocyte retrieval and in vitro embryos production technology in lactating donor cows of the Tagil breed. The studies were carried out on cows of the Tagil breed during the middle part of lactation (n = 4). Nine consecutive OPU sessions were carried out on each of the donors with a frequency of twice a week. The concentration of E2, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone and Anti-Mül-lerian hormone (AMH) in blood serum were determined by enzyme immunoassay. A significant effect of the individual features of donor cows on the variability of E2 concentration was revealed, which caused 48.11 % (p<9.1*10-5) variability of this index. The correlations between the concentrations of E2 and LH (Spearman correlation coefficient, rS = -0.71, p<0.001), E2 and AMH (rS = -0.33, p<0.10) were observed. There was a significant (p<0.05) correlation between the level of E2 and the number of blastocysts and blastocyst ratio (rS = -0.37 and -0.38, respectively). In the group with the lower concentration of E2 (<M - σ), compared to the group with the greater concentration of E2 (>M + σ), on average, more blastocysts were produced per OPU session (2.57±0.81 vs 0.17±0.17, p<0.01), which was achieved mainly due to a higher blastocyst ratio (62.1±18.3 vs. 5.3±10.0 %, p<0.01). The correlation between the E2 content in the blood serum at the day of estrus occurrence and at the days of the OPU sessions (rS = 0.86), the concentration of E2 at the day of estrus occurrence can be used to select donor cows of the Tagil breed with the better developmental competence of oocytes in vitro.

The article analyzes the role of the hunting community in controlling African swine fever (ASF) in the wild. It pre-sents the results of an anonymous online survey of Russian hunters (n = 238) from regions with a high risk of ASF introduc-tion (Samara, Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod, Vladimir regions) to assess their awareness, biosecurity practices, attitudes towards control measures, and the level of interagency collaboration. The typical respondent profile is an experienced hunter (43.7 % with over 20 years of experience) aged 41–55 (48.3 %), with a moderate level of ASF awareness (50.4 %). Critical gaps were identified: only 49.2 % of respondents always perform disinfection, and 12.2 % leave slaughter waste without proper disposal; there is a low level of satisfaction with interaction with the state veterinary service (63.4 %) and rejection of measures involv-ing hunting restrictions (60.5 %). A comparative analysis with data from hunter surveys in European countries (Latvia, Lith-uania, Sweden, Kosovo (as per United Nations Security Council resolution 1244), Montenegro, Serbia, Hungary, Estonia, and Germany) revealed common systemic problems: a communication gap and mutual distrust between hunters and state authori-ties; rejection of hunting ban measures; shifting the blame for ASF spread to pig farms and anthropogenic factors. The conclusion emphasizes the need for implementing an interdisciplinary approach ("One Health"), improving interagency communication, and targeted educational work.

The aim of the study is to develop a mathematical model of a separation device for an automated machine designed to clean potato tubers from soil, with the goal of preventing the removal of the fertile soil layer from the field and the possible further spread of potato plant diseases through contaminated soil. The process of interaction between the rod of the separating conveyor and the soil lump is considered. Graphs of the change in kinetic energy for soil lumps of different masses, depending on the rotation frequency of the slatted conveyor drive, are constructed. During the modeling process in the Mathcad environment, the mass of lumps was determined with a variation from 0.2 to 0.8 kg; the unloading height of the tuber nest was 0.3 m; the mass of the slatted conveyor was 23 kg; the radius of the drive shaft was 0.1 m; the angle of inclination of the conveyor relative to the horizon was 0.3491 rad. A graphical dependence of the change in kinetic energy loss on the rotation frequency of the slatted conveyor drive for lumps of different masses was determined. It was found that with an increase in the rotation frequency of the slatted conveyor drive, an increase in kinetic energy loss as a result of impact action is observed, while with an increase in the mass of the soil lump, a linear increase in this indicator is observed. The loss of kinetic energy as a result of the impact interaction of the rod of the separating conveyor and the soil lump will be equal to the work spent on the destruction of the soil lump as a result of falling onto the surface of the slat conveyor. It was determined that the mass entering the slat conveyor includes tops, potato tubers and soil. In turn, the quality of separation of the incoming mass will be determined by the distance between the rods and soil particles of a certain size. The results of the conducted modeling established that an increase in the efficiency of the cleaning process is observed when varying the frequency of oscillations of the web in the range of 45–60 Hz and a constant amplitude value of 0.03 m.

The aim of the study is to describe the concept of a system for collecting and processing a large dataset from each livestock farm in a regional data center, as well as the possible risks associated with its operation, and to predict the economic effect of implementing the system in the industry. The concept involves collecting data from each sensor and machine regarding health, productivity, conformation, and the quality of all technological processes; further pre-processing of the data on the livestock complex’s server; and transmitting the information to the regional data center for processing and storage, with the aim of subse-quently providing the data to consumers. A table is presented with a description of the data and the methods used to collect it. The data include 88 automatic parameters (87.1 % of the total, such as rumen pH, temperature, and activity, with a reliability of >93 %) and 13 manual parameters (12.9 %, such as the results of genetic tests, with an input error of <8 %), collected using sensors, milking robots, monitoring systems, and manual input. Four stages of system implementation are described, with each stage in-volving an assessment of the factors affecting the final reliability of the information stored on the regional server, along with a description of the actions that increase the reliability of the information. Possible risks and the likelihood of their occurrence during the implementation and operation of the system are described, using an assessment of the measure of uncertainty of the possible states of the system, based on Claude Shannon’s formula for calculating the amount of information in a message about non-equiprobable events. Using the Monte Carlo method to model events associated with an uncertain probability, the entropy distribution of the risk system was estimated based on 10,000 possible scenarios. A model of the relationship between determinants (factors) and risks is presented, expressed as an effect with an assessment of its level of influence on the success of system imple-mentation. The obtained results are superimposed on a theoretically constructed productivity growth curve for a livestock farm, which could potentially implement systems with the four described development scenarios. Under the baseline scenario accounting for risks, the projected milk yield is expected to reach 10,000–11,000 kg per cow per year after three years and 13,000–14,000 kg after ten years, compared with the initial level of 8,100 kg. For a herd of one thousand cows, this corresponds to an additional annual milk output of 1,900–2,900 tonnes after three years and 4,900–5,900 tonnes after ten years.