News, notices, press releases and commercial materials about key events in the agro-industrial complex and agriculture, trends and innovations.

To analyze the current state of the journal “Agrarian Science”, its development prospects and updating of the editorial policy, some indicators of the journal’s publication activity for the three-year period from 2022 to 2024 are presented:

• the number of journal issues increased from 11 to 12;
• the number of published scientific articles increased from 248 to 252;
• representatives of 264 organizations and institutions published scientific research in the journal;
• the number of published scientific articles in the section “Animal Science and Veterinary Science” increased from 95 to 115;
• the average number of authors per article increased from 3.7 to 3.9;
• in the section “Agronomy”, researchers from 63 organizations submitted their scientific articles in 2022, — 60 in 2023, 81 — in 2024;
• in the section “Animal Science and Veterinary Science” researchers from 67 organizations presented their scientific articles in 2022, 72 — in 2023, 77 — in 2024;
• in the section “Agroengineering and Food Technologies” researchers from 33 organizations presented their scientific articles in 2022, 39 — in 2023, 27 — in 2024;
• in the section “Economy (Industry and Regional Economy)” researchers from 14 organizations presented their scientific articles in 2022, 16 — in 2023, 23 — in 2024;
• the number of foreign authors decreased from 30 to 9;
• the number of articles published in English increased from 4 to 8;
• authors from Australia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Burundi, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Finland, and France published their research in the journal;
• the average number of references in the lists of cited literature increased from 17.0 to 17.8.

Relevance. Convulsive syndrome is one of the most common neurological signs in small pets, so the interpretation of these clinical manifestations is relevant. Generalized epileptic seizures can precede many diseases. Consistent examination tactics for animals with a history of absences, myoclonic and clonic-tonic paroxysms allow for the correct differential diagnosis and correct diagnosis of this patient. Most often, epileptogenic foci responsible for involuntary motor activity in cats and dogs indicate the involvement of cerebral tissues in the pathological process. Only magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to accurately assess the integrity of the parenchyma and membranes of the brain, as well as the structures adjacent to it. Using this method of visual diagnosis, it is possible to assess the volume and localization of the affected area. The article presents a description and an MRI examination of cats and dogs with neurological symptoms in the form of spontaneous paroxysms. The publication shows the importance and necessity of magnetic resonance imaging in cases of severe motor disorders in animals. The correlation between convulsive syndrome and neurological diagnosis in the examined animals was determined, in accordance with species, breed and age characteristics. The pattern of development of structural changes in the brain and its membranes with concomitant convulsive syndrome has been revealed. Anamnestic data and neurological examination data are presented, which make it possible to determine the intended diagnosis at an early stage. The authors present MRI images of dogs and cats, in all possible (sagittal, axial, coronal) planes, with convulsive syndrome and subsequent established neurological diagnosis.

The purpose of the work is to substantiate the use of magnetic resonance imaging as a visual diagnostic method for the differentiation of convulsive syndrome in animals.

Relevance. Contamination with bovine BVDV virus remains a threat to the quality of biological products. The most common factor of contamination is fetal bovine serum, the main factor supporting growth when cultivating cell lines, the use of which makes the risk of spreading the bovine BVDV virus almost inevitable.

The aim of the study was to identify variants of bovine viral diarrhea virus, which are contaminants of production cell lines.

Methods. The cell lines MDBK, BHK-21/13-02, PK-15, Vero and the production strains of the bovine HD virus NADL, VK-1 were used To amplify the target regions of the viral genome, oligonucleotide primers flanking the highly conserved untranslated region 5`UTR with a length of 289 bp were used. Comparative analysis of nucleotide sequences determined by sequencing was carried out using standard methods of molecular phylogenetics.

Results. The fact of chronic infection with non-cytopathogenic bovine BVDV virus was confirmed in relation to the cell lines MDBK, BHK-21/13-02 and PK-15. Based on sequencing results, the contaminating virus variants were identified as representatives of subgenotype 1a. Phylogenetic analysis revealed their significant similarity between themselves and a number of strains isolated from persistently infected llamas, alpacas and roe deer with an identity of 96.8–99.2%. The presented data demonstrate the need for ongoing such screenings, which will improve the quality of technological raw materials used for the production of biological products, as well as improve existing means of serological diagnosis of infections caused by representatives of the Pestivirus genus.

Relevance. To improve the productive potential of poultry, it is of great importance to improve the existing feeding and keeping technologies. Improvement of the biological completeness of diets is possible with the use of feed additives and preparations of natural origin. These include probiotics, which have a wide range of positive effects on the body due to improved metabolism, correction of immune status and microbiocenosis of the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods. To conduct experiments from the daily ducklings of the “Blagovarsky” cross, four groups of 50 heads each were formed. The ducklings of the experimental groups were additionally fed with “Immunoflor”: poultry of the I experimental group at a dose of 0.5 kg per ton of feed, II and III groups — 0.7 kg and 1.0 kg, respectively. Three ducklings from each experimental group at the age of 45 days were evaluated for digestibility of feed nutrients, balance of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, as well as the chemical composition of feed and droppings according to zootechnical analysis methods. During this period, blood samples were taken for biochemical studies.

Results. Inclusion of a probiotic drug in the poultry diet at doses of 0.5 kg, 0.7 kg and 1.0 kg per ton of feed contributed to an increase in the digestibility of raw protein by 0.84–0.88%, raw fat by 1.64–1.72%, raw fiber by 0.12–0.17%, BEV by 0.46–0.77%. Ducks from the control group were inferior to peers from the experimental group in the use of nitrogen by 0.51–0.99%, calcium by 0.76–1.80%, phosphorus by 1.62–2.08%, which had a positive effect on the state of protein and mineral metabolism in the bird fed probiotic. There was an increase in the amount of total protein, calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

Improvement of productive qualities of beef cattle is an important direction of livestock breeding development in the Russian Federation. The hormonal status of farm animals plays an important role in the development of their productive and reproductive qualities.

The present study provides data on productive qualities of Hereford cattle steers depending on their hormonal status. To assess the hormonal status of animals, their hair can be used. The content of estradiol in hair allowed to divide animals into groups, different in concentration of this hormone and to give an estimation of productive qualities of bulls in the context of such division. Each group of animals was closely monitored. Live weight and its average daily gain were controlled. It was found that the growth rate of live weight of steers was higher in groups with high reference values of hormone content in hair. After slaughtering the morphological and chemical composition of carcasses of experimental animals was determined. On the basis of multivariate analysis the informativeness of hair as a biosubstrate for estimation of hormonal status of beef steers was determined.

Relevance. Modern poultry farming is an intensively developing sub-sector of animal husbandry, making a great contribution to the food security of the state. Feed additives, primarily of natural origin, are an integral part of the poultry diet. Humic preparations have great prospects for use in animal husbandry.

Methods. To study the effectiveness of using Guvitan-C in feeding ducks, three groups of day-old ducklings were formed. The bird of the control group received the main diet. Ducklings of the I experimental group were additionally fed a humic feed additive in the amount of 100.0 ml/kg of feed, poultry of the II experimental group were fed at a dose of 150 ml for 56 days. At the end of cultivation, ducks were slaughtered, after which meat productivity and the development of internal organs were evaluated.

Results. The inclusion of Guvitan-C in the diet of ducklings contributed to an increase in the meat productivity of poultry of the experimental groups. The mass of the gutted carcass increased by 11.94–15.11% and 11.34–15.37%, respectively, the mass of muscle tissue increased by 13.35–17.38%. In addition, it turns out more skin with subcutaneous fat and internal fat. Ducklings had better development of internal organs and intestines. The number of carcasses of the first grade was 93.48–94.63% with 86.82% in the control.

The. aim of the. study was to evaluate the effect of compound feeds with reduced (by 5%) nutritional content of lysine, methionine and metabolic energy when lysine and methionine are included in them in various forms during their interaction with broiler sex on the transcription profile of key genes regulating antioxidant protection, the immune system, inflammation and apoptosis, productivity and barrier function of the gastrointestinal epithelium.

Methods. The experiment was carried out at the “Zagorskoye” in 2024 on a poultry meat of the “Smena 9” cross from 1 to 35 days of age.

Results. The live weight of rooster and hens in experimental groups II and IV was slightly higher compared to control I, whereas in group III it was lower. In many cases, changes in the composition of the diet of rooster and hens had a significant impact on the expression of a number of key genes. In roosters, PTGS2 expression in experimental groups II–IV increased sharply (from 4.9 to 52.0 times) compared with control I, whereas in hens it increased only 1.5–2.3 times. The expression of the Muc2 gene mRNA in hens decreased in experimental group II by 1.9 times compared with group I, whereas in roosters, on the contrary, it increased by 3.1 times.

In modern molecular biology and genetics, the study of gene expression plays a key role in understanding the mechanisms of development and functioning of living organisms. In pig farming, where breeding and genetics are important tools for improving animal productivity and resilience, gene expression analysis can provide valuable material for breeding programs. The article devoted to determining the expression of TNFAIP3, CDS1 and MTAP genes in a population of large white pigs is an in-depth study in the field of molecular genetics and animal breeding. The above-mentioned genes were selected in connection with their supposed role in regulating the immune response, metabolism and development of the body. As a result of real-time PCR analysis, differences in the expression of CDS1 (CDP-diacylglycerine synthase) genes in lung and kidney tissues were shown compared with expression in heart tissues. In addition, it was found that the expression level of the MTAR (methylthioadenosine phosphorylase) gene differs in lung and spleen tissues compared to other studied organs. The results of the study may have significant implications for pig breeding programs, as they provide information on genetic factors affecting the productivity, sustainability and quality of pig meat. In addition, the article may be of interest to a wide range of specialists in the field of molecular genetics, animal breeding and veterinary medicine, as it demonstrates the application of modern methods of molecular biology to solve urgent problems in animal husbandry.

Relevance. Holstein dairy cattle are being bred in the Sverdlovsk region, and its improvement is underway to select and select the best for further breeding, including by increasing the bloodline of the Holstein breed. The aim of the work was to assess the milk productivity of cows of the modern Holstein breed with different blood levels obtained and used in the conditions of the Middle Ural.

Methods. To conduct the study in a typical breeding reproducer for the region, an analysis of changes in the productive qualities of cows and the duration of productive use, depending on the bloodline of the Holstein breed, was carried out. The dairy productivity of cows was assessed according to the periods of lactation activity – average, for 305 days and maximum lactation, as well as by lifetime milk yield. Milk yield — by control milking once a month. The fat and protein content in milk was assessed in an average milk sample once a month from each cow.

Results. An increase in milk yield was found during the average lactation and for 305 days of lactation with an increase in blood supply according to Holstein. Moreover, for average lactation, this increase is observed until the Holstein level reaches 96.1%, and a further increase in blood supply led to a decrease in this indicator by 438.9 kg or 7.3%. Milk yield for 305 days of lactation increases with an increase in blood content to reach 96.9% blood content, which is explained by an increase in the genetic potential of animals. The indicators of maximum milk yield begin to decrease with an increase in blood supply from 96.1%, confirming the increased typing of animals according to productive characteristics and a decrease in the diversity of this trait in the herd. With an increase in Holstein blood supply, there is a sharp decrease in lifetime milk yield from 18701.5±357.42 kg (blood content 93.8%, group 1) to 10889.0±280.07 kg (blood content 96.9%, group 4), which corresponds to 41.8%. An increase in blood supply from 93.8 to 96.9% led to a decrease in the age of culling and, accordingly, the duration of productive use from 3 lactation to 1.8, that is, almost twofold.

The research is exploratory and was carried out within the framework of scientific research at the Ural State Agrarian University (state registration No. AAAAA-A19-1191014000069).

Relevance. As a result of the conducted zootechnical studies, the best combined effect of the probiotic and sorbent on the body and meat qualities of broiler chickens was established.

The methodology. For the purpose of the experiment, groups of Ross 308 cross broiler chickens were selected: the control group I used the main diet in feeding, the experimental group II used probiotic “Prolam” and sorbent “Covelos-Sorb” in addition to the main diet, the experimental group III used probiotic “Prolam” in addition to the main diet, the experimental group IV used probiotic “Prolam” in addition to the main diet. the basic diet includes the “Covelos-Sorb” sorbent.

Results. A positive effect of feeding the sorbent “Kovelos-Sorb” to broiler chickens as part of a complete feed has been established, contributing to an increase in their live weight by 3.4–8.8%, average daily live weight gain by 3.5–8.9%, livestock survival by 2.0–5.9%, and a decrease in feed costs per 1 kg of live weight gain by 3.2–8.0%. When feeding the sorbent and the probiotic “Prolam” together, net income increases by 24%, and the profitability level by 9.6%. The additional profit per head due to the combined use of the studied feed additives amounted to 13.73 rubles.

Relevance. The dietary supplements containing active metabolites of a consortium of probiotic microorganisms are important in regulating the formation and colonization of the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods. The object of the research was calves 3–90 days old. They received a liquid biologically active additive, which includes the following components: extract of sprouted naked oats — 90%; molasses beetroot — 10%; metabolites of probiotic microorganisms B. bifidum strain — 1; L. plantarum for the formation of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract (3–42 days) and B. subtilis strain DSM-32424 for regulation calves’ body metabolism (42–90 days).

Results. In the regulation of the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract of calves (3–42 days), the determining factor is the use of probiotic microorganisms B. bifidum strain — 1, L. plantarum in a feed additive. The study found that before the start of the experiment, the number of bifidobacteria in the intestines of calves of the two groups was 3.1 × 10⁶ CFU/g, lactobacilli — 3.5 × 10⁵ CFU/g.

The dynamics of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the control and experimental groups has a positive tendency to increase with the age periods of calves. In the experimental group of calves, the indicators of the number of lactoand bifidobacteria on day 42 were: Lactobacillus spp. — 4.2 × 10⁹ CFU/g; Bifidobacterium spp. — 3.2 × 10⁹ CFU/g.

The regulation of metabolism is associated with the additional intake of protein-forming amino acids into the body, which positively affect metabolism and increase animal body weight gain. In calves from the 3rd to the 42^nd day of life, who received dietary supplement 1 for the formation of the microbiome, the average daily weight gain was significantly higher — by 21.70%. In calves that received dietary supplements 2 for metabolic correction from day 42 to day 90, the average daily weight gain was significantly higher — by 16.58%.

Relevance. Scientific research on the study of changes in the macrostructural state of typical chernozem was carried out in a field stationary experiment on the influence of agrotechnologies of crop cultivation based on various methods of basic tillage in the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution “Kursky FANTS”.

Methods. For to study the structural and aggregate composition of the soil, samples were taken, in 3-fold repetition in layers of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, which was determined by the different depth of processing of typical chernozem. In each variant of the experiment, 3 sites with a radius of 5 m were selected along the diagonal of the plot, and within these limits, soil samples of undisturbed composition with a size of 25 × 25 × 10 cm were excavated. The determination of the structural and aggregate composition was carried out using the method of N.I. Savvinov — dry and wet sieving1.

Results. As a result of the macrostructural analysis of typical chernozem, it was found that a common pattern for all winter wheat cultivation technologies was the growth of the weighted average diameter of air-dry aggregates (Ds) and the weighted average diameter of particles into which aggregates (having a diameter of D+) disintegrate when moistened (D-) with the depth of the studied layer. An increase in the weighted average diameter of aggregates that collapse during humidification (D+) and the index of instability of the structure to external influences (Rws), as well as a decrease in the weighted average diameter of waterproof aggregates (Dm) and conditionally «stable» aggregates (Ss) in a layer of 10-20 cm with technologies based on minimizing tillage indicates the formation of structural units with high density and low porosity. When cultivating winter wheat using traditional technology, the lowest Ds, Dm, Ss and the highest Rws are noted.

Relevance. The availability of organic substances and environmental pathogenicity are key factors in plant growth. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria convert phosphate to an available form, while nitrogen fixing bacteria provide nitrogen for plants. Bacterial infections can weaken plants, causing them to die or lose their crops. Modern sequencing technologies have accelerated the study of human microbial diversity.

The aim of this study was to assess the presence of phosphate solubilizing and nitrogen fixing bacteria, as well as pathogenic bacteria affecting potatoes in the cultivated areas of the Sverdlovsk region.

Methods. This article examines the characteristics of the soils in the Sverdlovsk area, their mineral and organic composition, and bacterial diversity. Studies were conducted on sodpodzolic soils where humus content, acidity levels, and nutrient content were measured. Analysis of the microbiological composition of the soil included sequencing and filtration of 16S rRNA data.

Results. It was found that bacteria involved in phosphate mobilization and nitrogen fixation make up a significant portion of the microbial community, with more than 12% accounted for by these groups. The distribution of these bacteria across fields showed no significant difference in relative abundance or species composition. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between bacterial species richness and mineral composition of soil. However, correlation analysis of relative abundances of genera Agrobacterium, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Phyllobacteri, Arthrobater and Phylobacter revealed a significant relationship between these genera and soil acidity and total and easily hydrolysable nitrogen content. Qualitative analysis also revealed the presence of pathogenic bacteria causing potato bacteriosis such as Ralstonia solanacearu, Pectobacterium carotovaru, Liberibacter crecens, Streptomyces spp.

Relevance. The transition of viticulture to the cultivation of grape plantations in a grafted culture has only partially solved the problem of phylloxera. Taking into account the shortcomings of the instilled culture, the problem remains urgent. In view of this, we consider it necessary to preserve and expand the indigenous grape culture. The fundamental solution to the problem should be the creation and introduction of pest-resistant genotypes based on modern advances in genetics and breeding, suitable for growing in a root crop. Currently, there are quite a lot of high-quality domestic varieties tolerant to root phylloxera and suitable for cultivation in the arsenal of domestic viticulture. native culture. Economically justified and scientifically justified ways to solve the phylloxera problem may be the introduction of pest-tolerant varieties of domestic breeding and the use of technological regulations for the use of physiologically active compounds that enhance physiological immunity and resistance of grapes to phylloxera.

The purpose of the research is to study the variability of the common apricot growing in the Shushensky district of the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the seed progeny grown in the V.M. Krutovsky Botanical Garden.

Metods. To analyze the size of the fruits of apricot trees of the Akademik variety, the Late Filipyev variety and their seed progeny in terms of growth intensity and increased environmental efficiency, to determine the levels of variability of indicators. The objects of research are nineyear-old apricot trees and their two-year-old offspring. The length and diameter of the fruits were measured, and the weight was determined. Sowing was carried out with seeds stratified for 90 days in wet sand. In seedlings, the height, diameter of the trunk, and the leaves size were measured; their photosynthetic surface was determined. It was found that the average weight of fruits in the 2022 harvest was 33.8–41.9 g. The fruits of the Academic variety were heavier (by 24.0%). The level of the length and diameter fruits variation is low and medium, and the weight is high. In the seed offspring of the selected mother trees, the seedlings of the Pozdniy Filipiev variety differed in higher height (by 35.0%). The level of variation in the height and stem diameter is medium and elevated (13.2–24.0%). There is a high dependence between the height and the diameter of the stem (r = 0.706–0.775). When estimating the size of the leaves, it was found a large leaf area was in the seedlings of the Pozdniy Filipyeva variety (14.4% more than in the Academic variety).

Results. As a result of the research, there was a significant variation in the weight of fruits and the size of two-year-old seedlings from free pollination. Trees for further reproduction are distinguished by the size of the fruits, seedlings with the largest photosynthetic surface are distinguished by the speed of growth and leaf area.

Relevance. The article discusses the impact of hydraulic valves on the efficiency of the entire hydraulic drive system and the possibility of creating a hydraulic drive architecture based on two-line, two-position hydraulic valves (valves). It is noted that the current hydraulic drive architecture, built on the basis of spool multi—linear, multi-position valves, has large weight and size parameters, and most importantly, does not meet the requirements of energy efficiency. The authors see the solution to the problem of increasing the energy efficiency of a hydraulic drive in avoiding the use of complex, bulky, massive and energy-inefficient multi-line and multi-position valves and creating a hydraulic drive architecture based on two-line, two-position valves (valves 2/2). However, for such a transition, it is necessary to develop a new design of hydraulic valves that meets modern energy efficiency requirements.

The purpose of the research is to substantiate the possibility of creating a hydraulic device architecture based on the simplest 2/2 valves.

A task. Reduction of energy consumption and mass-dimensional parameters of hydrofected machines.

Methods. The tasks were solved using the electrohydraulic analogy method, integrated into “Kompas3D” as an application of the FlowVision software package.

The novelty lies in establishing the reasons for the high energy consumption of currently used hydraulic valves and the possibility of increasing the energy efficiency of hydraulic systems through the wider use of the simplest hydraulic elements valves (distributors 2/2).

Results. The conducted studies confirm the possibility of increasing the energy efficiency of hydraulic systems and reducing the weight and size parameters of hydraulic machines.

The paper examines the bactericidal properties of monofloral honeys of various botanical and geographical origins, conducts standard and rating qualimetric assessments of their organoleptic properties, and draws conclusions about the prospects for using various varieties of monofloral honeys in creating biologically active preparations and feed additives with antibacterial properties. Monofloral honeys were chosen as the object of the study, since they are produced by honey bees from the nectar of mainly one plant species and have a much greater stability of chemical composition than polyfloral honeys. Monofloral honeys of different years of collection, obtained under similar conditions (the same breed of bees, the same methods of production and processing, storage conditions as close to each other as possible), have fairly stable organoleptic characteristics, chemical composition, and biomedical properties. The presence of bactericidal activity relative to standard test strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus), as well as organoleptic characteristics of taste, aroma and consistency of a high level, open up quite broad prospects for the use of monofloral honeys in the creation of biologically active preparations and functional feed additives. The constancy of the list of components of the chemical composition of monofloral honeys makes it possible to standardize the products being developed, which plays an important role for further research in this area and the organization of production of new biologically active preparations and functional feed additives.

Relevance. The task of objective and accurate assessment of agricultural production by various economic entities is considered relevant and important for the implementation of various public goals, for example, for monitoring the development of the industry, organizing effective state policy. In this regard, scientists strive to develop and offer for use the most accurate methods for accounting for the volumes of agricultural products produced in Russia and its regions. Despite the fact that most economists recognize the existence of the non-observed economy in the agricultural sector, scientists have not yet proposed adequate approaches to determining its scale.

Methods. The work applies statistical analysis, method of recalculation, cartographic method, and comparative analysis. The study implies a level of the non-observed economy in agriculture as a share of shadow operations of legal entities, output of peasant (farmer) enterprises and individual entrepreneurs and household farms in relation to agricultural output.

Results. The paper reveals the drift of most Russian regions towards groups with lower levels of the non-observed economy in agriculture. At the national level, its scale is also decreasing — from 46.5% in 2017 to 40.8% in 2022. These trends are primarily due to a reduction in the share of household farms in the structure of producers.

The highest level of non-observed economy prevailed in the subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District, as well as in certain regions of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts, characterized by high unemployment and low wages. There, subsidiary household plots compensate for the lack of funds for local residents by providing them with food. In 2022, the share of the non-observed economy in relation to agricultural output exceeding 80% is noted in the republics of Tyva, Dagestan, Kalmykia, Altai, in Astrakhan Region, Trans-Baikal and Khabarovsk Territories, and Jewish Autonomous Region. Values in the range of 60–80% are typical for the republics of Karachay-Cherkessia, KabardinoBalkaria, North Ossetia — Alania, Buryatia, Khakassia, Chechnya, Kamchatka Krai, Saratov and Orenburg regions. The lowest level of non-observed economy in agriculture is mainly in the subjects of the Central, Northwestern, Volga Federal Districts. These are Belgorod, Kursk, Tula, Tambov, Oryol, Ryazan, Lipetsk, Pskov, Leningrad, Penza, Kirov regions, the Republic of Mordovia, etc.