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

“The Agrarian science” journal score in the Science Index rating is 6.02. The journal is in the best (green) zone in the group of journals included in the list of the Higher Attestation Commission (HAC) under the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (category 2) — a sample of 1482 journals. According to this indicator, the journal is among the top 25% of journals in this reference group. “The Agrarian science” journal is among the top 50% of journals in the reference groups:
-journals included in the HAC list (a sample of 3733 journals);
-Russian journals included in the “White List” (level 4) (a sample of 368 journals).

Relevance. The paper presents a scientifically based approach to the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic dysplasia of the right ventricle in dogs of the Boxer, English Bulldog and mestizos breeds of these breeds. The relevance of the study is determined by the increased frequency of the disease, which is later (with untimely diagnosis) the cause of the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and materials. A comprehensive methodological approach was used, including a superficial clinical examination, examination of the area of the pathological process using visual diagnostics and electrocardiography. The studies were conducted on clinical material from 25 sick dogs aged 5–7 years of the Boxer, English Bulldog and Mestizo breeds with symptoms of shortness of breath, lethargy and loss of consciousness. A comprehensive diagnostic approach was used, including echocardiographic examination and electrocardiography.

Results. Based on the data obtained, depending on the severity of the animal’s condition, the most accurate research methods and prognostic factors for the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension syndrome and survival were determined. The main factors of congestive heart failure and the risk of sudden death have been identified.

Relevance. The basis of protection against clinical expression of avian influenza subtype H9 (hereafter referred to as H9) is the level of immunity to this infection. The consequences of post-infection immunity do not exclude a decrease in production performance. It is therefore a priority to ensure post-vaccination immunity in birds. In the pathology of birds, the relationship between the epizootic situation of Newcastle disease (hereinafter — ND) and AI (H9) is important. Significant differences in the development of post-vaccination immunity against AI (H9) in replacement chickens may be due to the vaccines used in farms.

The aim of the work is to compare the effectiveness of both monovaccines against HP (H9) and bivalent vaccines against this infection and NB, taking into account the differences in adjuvants in these drugs.

Methods. Four experimental (20 heads each) and one control (10 heads each) group of chickens were formed for research. The experiment used birds that are not immune to HP (H9). In the experimental groups, chickens were vaccinated with inactivated vaccines at the age of 30 days. followed by their revaccination with a monthly interval. Blood serum sampling was performed every two weeks from the moment of initial immunization of chickens. The assessment of the level of immunity tension against GP (H9) and NB was carried out when RTGA was administered with specific antigens.

Results. The dependence of the intensity and level of post-vaccination immunity on the difference in valence of the vaccines and adjuvants used was established. The use of monovaccines against AI (H9) did not provide a fundamental advantage over the use of bivalent vaccines against AI (H9) and ND, taking into account the adjuvants used.

Relevance. The present experiment was performed on 113 CBA × C57BL/6 mice males. T. spiralis extract was administered to mice intraperitoneally once and six times at the dose level of 100 mkg/animal; Trichinella larvae were administered per os at the rate of 10 larvae per 1 g. The immunotropic effect was evaluated on the 8th and 21st days after a single and last six-fold administration of the extract. The effects on humoral immunity were determined in the hemagglutination reaction; cellular immunity was assessed in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to sheep erythrocytes. In one variant of the experiment (on the 8th day after a single and last six-fold administration of the protein extract), a histological examination of samples of organs (spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, liver) involved in the functioning of the immune system was performed.

Results. According to the results of comprehensive assessment of humoral and cellular immunity, using specific indices and microscopic analysis data, it can be concluded that Trichinella somatic extract showed immunosuppressive effect with the most pronounced effect on cellular immunity. It is possible that the suppression of cellular immune response is associated with cytotoxic effect of T. spiralis extract on cells, including those of immune system.

Relevance. One of the main factors affecting the safety of chilled poultry meat is the level of microbial contamination. Currently, various methods have been proposed to reduce it, but the search continues for the most effective methods, equipment and means to extend the freshness of the finished chilled product. Shelf-life issues require attention from poultry producers to ensure safety, quality and meet consumer expectations.

The purpose of the work is to reduce the microbial contamination of a chilled carcass in the conditions of industrial production of poultry meat using processing modes and a technical solution.

Methods. Bacteriological studies of washes from the carcasses of broiler chickens at different parts of the technological chain for the content of QMAFAnM before and after their treatment with a technological auxiliary based on peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide were carried out.

Results. The material is devoted to the issue of improving the quality and reducing the microbial contamination of poultry carcasses at one of the poultry processing enterprises in the Ural region. The work was carried out in 2 stages. During the first stage of work, points (sections) of the technological chain were determined: after removal (start of the process); after evisceration; at the exit from the air-droplet cooling chamber, where it was decided to install equipment for product processing, processing modes were selected for each site, taking into account the technical features at this enterprise. The effectiveness of an agent based on peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in production conditions was assessed. It was established that the work algorithm proposed by the authors leads to a decrease in QMAFAnM in cooled carcass up to specified values.

The increasing use of natural resources leads to the need of a more effective monitoring of their condition. The animal world, including game species is very sensitive to various kinds of adverse effects. In recent decades, there has been a significant decrease in the number of the white hares in the hunting grounds across many regions of Russia. To improve the situation, it is important to monitor the condition of each population or group of the white hare and take appropriate measures. That means it is necessary to have reliable and detailed information about biology and ecology of each taxon. The animal body formation occurs under the influence of a wide range of environmental and hereditary factors. Therefore, animals from different populations and geographical areas have their own characteristic features. The study of the white hare morphological features and their variability will make it possible to elaborate a modern standard for each geographical group on the basis of which an express test can be developed to establish origin of the individuals at their lifetime. The express test is likely to become a convenient tool for monitoring the white hare’s origin during their transportation and introduction. Thus, as a result of a large-scale detailed study of morphological features and their variability, systematic information can be obtained that will assist in establishing a genetic status of the individuals as well as their belonging to a population or a group. Some standard morphological features (including craniometric indicators) and their variability in adult white hare males and females of the Tver and Kostroma population groups are examined in the article. The results obtained can be used to develop a population standard, to create a species cadastre (Lepus timidus L.) as well as to improve a hunting resource register

The article provides data on the determination of the total bacterial contamination, the presence of bacteria of the genus Salmonella, bacteria of the E..coli.group (Escherichia.coli) and other species from the surface of commercial chicken eggs. A total of 59 samples from various manufacturers were examined. 32 bacterial species have been identified. The results obtained indicate significant bacterial contamination of the surface of chicken eggs, which underlines the need for strict compliance with sanitary standards and regulations at all stages of production and sale of these products. The identification of a wide range of microorganisms, including those potentially dangerous to human health, indicates a potential risk of food poisoning and infectious diseases associated with the consumption of eggs. The identification of salmonella in the studied samples is of particular concern, since these bacteria are wellknown causative agents of salmonellosis, an acute intestinal disease characterized by a high incidence and potentially severe course. The presence of BGCP indicates fecal contamination and non-compliance with hygiene requirements. Among the detected species (E. coli, Bacillus cereus, S. aureus), which can become a source of food poisoning to consumers. The total microbial number in all the samples studied varies from 1.1 × 10² to 1.2 × 10⁷ CFU/ml. Several samples of PMF from the egg surface had more than 10⁶ CFU/ml, which indicates a violation of sanitary standards during egg collection, storage or transportation.

Relevance. By splitting the nutrients of the feed, improving the amylolytic, proteolytic, and cellulolytic activity of the scar fluid and its digestibility, the fungal alkaline protease and fungal alpha-amylase enzymes used can significantly enhance the vital activity of the symbiotic microflora of the scar, which is determined by their interaction with other enzymes.

The aim of the study was to study changes in the concentration of LDL, the digestibility of feed, as well as morphological and biochemical parameters of calves’ blood when the enzymes fungal alkaline protease and fungal alpha-amylase were introduced into the diet.

Materials and methods. Scar tissue for the study was obtained from Kazakh white-headed bull calves (n = 4), with an average weight of 310–2320 kg at the age of 14–15 months. The animals of the control and experimental groups were on a basic balanced diet, and enzyme preparations were added to the diet of the calves of the experimental groups as part of concentrated feed: I experimental — fungal alkaline protease 25 g/t; II experimental — fungal alkaline protease 50 g/t; III experimental — fungal alpha-amylase 25 g/t; IV experimental — alpha-amylase mushroom 50 g/t.

Results and conclusions. The results of the experiment showed that the best dosage of mushroom alkaline protease was 25 g/t, and mushroom alpha-amylase was 50 g/t. Their presence in the diet led to a change in the LVF in the scar content, improved the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, which contributes to a high level of scar digestion processes, and this significantly affected the morphological and biochemical parameters of animal blood.

The article presents the results of scientific and economic experience in determining the effectiveness of two coniferous feed additives in comparison with anticoccidial drugs for porcine isosporosis in a large industrial pig complex. Coniferous-salicylic supplement (SDS) contains glycerine extracts of pine needles and aspen bark. The coniferous-phytogenic immunomodulator (CFI) consists of glycerin extract of pine needles, linseed cake, bran, sugar.It was found that isosporosis in piglets growing at the age of 49 days proceeds with signs of dyspepsia and a decrease in the level of total protein in the serum of animals. The research results showed 100% efficiency and preservation of the livestock after the use of aimeralatmas 50, tylosin 50, coniferous-salicylic feed additive and coniferous-phytogenic immunomodulator in piglet isosporosis caused by Isospora suis species.
Administration of CFI and CSD for 3 weeks contributed to the gradual disappearance of the signs of diarrhea-dyspeptic syndrome in all piglets. The maximum daily average increase in live weight in piglets at 70 days of age was obtained after using CFI at a dose of 5.0 ml per head per day for 3 weeks. A significant increase in the amount of total protein in the blood serum of piglets was obtained after the use of “Eimeralatm 50” by 4.8%, HDL by 8.1%, CFI by 9.3%. The used drugs and coniferous feed additives do not have a negative effect on the dynamics of mineral metabolism of the main macronutrients.

Relevance. As a result of balance experiments, materials characterizing the effect of genotype and castration of young sheep on protein metabolism were obtained.

Methodology. For the purpose of the experiment, groups of experimental young animals were selected: purebred sheep of the Tsigai breed — group I; crossbred sheep of the first generation with the Edilbai breed (½ Tsigai × ½ Edilbai) — group II; purebred boulders of the Tsigai breed — group III; crossbred boulders (½ Tsigai × ½ Edilbai) — group IV.

Results. The influence of the genotype and castration of young sheep on the protein metabolism of sheep and boulders of the Qigai breed and its first-generation crossbreeds with the Edilbaev breed has been established. It was found that due to the manifestation of the crossing effect, crossbred sheep of group II surpassed purebred sheep of group I in terms of the nitrogen utilization coefficient from the accepted by 1.39%, from the digested by 1.38%, the difference in favor of the crossbred was 2.68% and 3.87%, respectively. Moreover, the rams used nitrogen better for the synthesis of products than the rolls.

In dairy herds of Holstein cattle, there is an increase in the number of animals obtained as a result of closely related breeding and inbreeding, which is associated with the long-term use of Holstein breeding bulls, which are obtained using inbreeding to preserve and enhance beneficial traits.

The aim of the work is to study the reproductive qualities of cows depending on the type of selection and the degree of inbreeding.

It has been established that in almost all groups there is an excess of the optimal length of the technological period of 365 days. This difference ranges from 16 days (close inbreeding) to 33 days (close inbreeding). In the other groups, the difference is between these figures. Moreover, the difference between cows with close inbreeding and other groups of animals in terms of the length of the interbody period is significant at p< 0.05–0.01 in favor of the former. The CFS was in the range of 0.92–0.93 in all groups of cows, regardless of the degree of inbred. The exception was cows with close inbreeding, but their number was insignificant compared to other groups. There is no definite relationship between the duration of the service period and milk yield during lactation. An increase in the duration of the service period does not significantly affect the milk yield for lactation in cows of outbred origin, which, with sufficiently high rates of its continuation, are inferior in milk yield to cows of other groups, with the exception of cows obtained as a result of close inbreeding.

The article presents data on the efficiency of transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (OPU) depending on the interval between sessions at intensive use of donors in cattle of various breeds. Donors of Kholmogory (n = 7), Istoben (n = 7) and Tagil (n = 4) cattle breeds were used in the experiment. Four OPU sessions were performed on each of the donors with each of two different intervals: 4 days and 3 days. The greatest number of follicles was found in heifers of the Kholmogor breed (13.23 ± 0.51 follicles versus 9.09 ± 0.44 and 9.38 ± 0.61 follicles, respectively, in heifers of the Istoben and first-lactation cows of Tagil breeds), while the interval between sessions did not significantly affect this indicator. In the first-lactation cows of the Tagil breed, a greatest number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) was obtained when using the interval between sessions of 3 days compared to 4 days — 5.69 ± 0.64 versus 4.06 ± 0.59 COCs (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the donors of the Kholmogor and Istoben breeds — 8.32 ± 0.75 versus 7.82 ± 0.59 COCs and 3.82 ± 0.40 versus 3.52 ± 0.57 COCs, respectively. The interval between sessions did not have a noticeable effect on the quality of the retrieved COCs. Thus, the absence of significant effect of different interval between OPU sessions on the number of obtained COCs, which are suitable for in vitro embryo production in all three studied breeds was shown (5.75 ± 0.54 vs 6.43 ± 0.66, 2.55 ± 0.45 vs 2.79 ± 0.48 and 2.88 ± 0.53 vs 4.00 ± 0.50 in donors of the Kholmogor, Istoben and Tagil breeds, respectively). This allows us to recommend conducting OPU sessions with alternating intervals of 4 days and 3 days for oocyte retrieval at intensive using of donors of above mentioned cattle breeds.

Caseins are important components of milk that determine its texture, flavour and nutritional value. Milk protein polymorphism studies indicate that the B allele of beta-casein contributes to high quality milk, while the BB genotype of kappa-casein is associated with higher milk protein content, improved coagulation properties and higher yields of hard and semi-hard cheeses.

In the present study, beta- and kappa-casein genotypes were determined on AGP Bovine 150K and Bovine 50K DNA chips in 523 and 607 individuals, respectively.

The data obtained were tested for the Hardy-Weinberg law using Pearson’s concordance criterion. As a result, the prevalence of beta- and kappa-casein genotypes of Holstein cattle in the Sverdlovsk region was studied.

The most common beta-casein genotypes were A1A2, A2A2 and A1A1, which account for 90% of the analysed herd. The AA, AB and AE kappa-casein genotypes accounted for more than 80% of the genotyped individuals, while the BB, BE and EE genotypes accounted for less than 20%. The results obtained are consistent with data from other regions.

In modern agriculture and poultry farming, special attention is paid to the search for alternative protein sources for livestock feeding. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae represent a promising feed ingredient due to their high nutritional and biological value, balanced content of proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The article discusses the nutritional characteristics and the effect of protein concentrate from black lion larvae on the productivity of broiler chickens. It has been experimentally established that replacing 75% of fish meal with protein concentrate from H. illucens larvae helps to increase the live weight of poultry, reduce feed costs and improve meat qualities. Improved digestibility of protein, fat, and fiber was observed, indicating the high bioavailability of this component. Additionally, the article discusses the ecological and technological aspects of larvae breeding and processing, including their ability to utilize organic waste, which makes their use both sustainable and economically justified.

The article presents the results of a study of the effect on digestion processes and methane emissions in sheep when fed phytogenic feed additives based on condensed tannins of Lárix dahúrica and their complex with dihydroquercetin.

The experiment was conducted at the physiological yard of the L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare on Romanov sheep with chronic rumen fistulas according to Basov. The experiment was conducted using the 2 × 3 Latin square method (n = 6). In the first period, the sheep received a hay-concentrate diet containing 40% concentrates by nutritional value. The dosage of tannins was 5 g/head per day, dihydroquercetin — 0.1 g/head per day. At the end of each balance experiment, rumen contents were sampled from all animals (n = 6) to determine rumen digestion indices.

When feeding the studied additives, a tendency to increase amylolytic activity in the experimental groups is observed. In the control, this indicator was 17.403 U/ml, in the first experimental group — 18.128 U/ml, in the second — 18.423 U/ml. The amount of VFA significantly (p < 0.05) increased when consuming the complex additive (tannin + DHQ) — 9.137 mmol/ml versus 8.385 mmol/ml in the control. These data correlate with an increase in symbiotic microflora (both bacteria (p = 0.013) and ciliates) relative to the control in the third group (tannin + DHQ) and a decrease in the second. When feeding only tannin, the level of ciliate formation was lower and the concentration of VFA after feed intake was lower. This indicates the inhibition of microflora under the influence of tannin. At the same time, the synergistic effect of the action of Lárix dahúrica tannins and DQV on the intensification of rumen digestion processes is demonstrated. There is a decrease in methane release by 14.8% when consuming tannins, and by 26.8% when consuming a complex additive, which indicates the presence of synergy in the effect of the studied additives on methanogenesis in sheep in vivo.

Relevance. The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of injured and damaged grains on the morphophysiological and sowing qualities of intact seeds has been experimentally confirmed and theoretically substantiated. Three batches of spring wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) of the Agate variety were used in the experiment. The whole set of seeds was divided into two parts: seed inductors (SI) and seed detectors (SD). The role of SD was performed by intact seeds, SI: a) seeds with microtrauma, b) seeds with micro- and macrotrauma, c) seeds with hydrothermal damage. The duration of seed storage was 24 months, including various conditions of air exchange between seeds. Control — intact seeds, stored separately.

Results. Storage of seeds for up to 3 days. It was accompanied by an acceleration of germination in DM by 6.5%, an increase in the mass of seedlings, linear parameters of the sprout and the largest primary root to control, respectively, by: 13.5–18,3%, 13,6–15,8%, 9,3%–10,3%. During storage from 12 to 24 months, germination decreased by 5.6–22,2%. The morphometric parameters of the seedlings, depending on the experimental options, depended on the control level, respectively, 62,1–83,7%, 56,0–77,8% and 57.7–87.9%. The concentration of ethylene in the intergranular air during passive air exchange in the experimental versions exceeded the control by 3.5–5.7 times. The mechanism of inhibition of intact seeds is caused by the action of the ethylene phytohormone released by injured and damaged seeds. Block the effect of suppression and prolongation of conditioned sowing qualities in intact seeds allows storage under hypoxia.

Relevance. Uniformity in physical and mechanical properties during the drying process is one of the conditions for obtaining high-quality flax. Modern data on the dynamics of changes in the uniformity and level of values of separability, strength, and color of stems during the preparation of flax, depending on agrotechnical techniques and its effect on the quality of flax and fiber produced, is clearly insufficient. Therefore, the study of the unevenness of drying by physico-mechanical properties during the preparation of flax is relevant.

Methods. The research was conducted in accordance with the current guidelines for conducting field experiments with flax. Standard methods of mathematical statistics were used to process experimental data. Qualitative indicators were determined and the quality of flax and fiber was assessed according to the methods of current standards.

Results. It was found that during the preparation of the flax seed, the unevenness of the laying in terms of separability, strength, and color of the stems decreased the most in the variant with the use of wrapping ribbons and flattening the lumpy part of the stems. With the highest value of the separability index, reached by the time the flax mill was ready, 8.5 units, the unevenness, depending on the yield of flax, in separability, measured by the coefficient of variation, decreased from 10.6%, 46.2% to 4.2%, 5.0%; in strength — from 24.6%, 23.4% to 10.8%, 13.4%. The content of stems of non-primary color in the mass of the sample decreased from 5.0%, 7.0% to 0%. The complete uniformity in the color of the stems led to the production of flax fiber of high numbers 2.97, 3.03 and long fiber numbers 12.00, 14.00.

Relevance. Among the diseases that annually cause significant damage to flax growing, anthracnose has been especially harmful in recent years. The most serious consequences of this disease are observed in the case of damage to flax seedlings, which can die partially or completely.

Methods. In vitro studies. The objects of the study were strains of the causative agent of flax anthracnose Colletotrichum lini Manns et Bolley 848, 850 — highly virulent, 855 — moderately virulent, 853 — weakly virulent, flax lines and varieties susceptible to anthracnose.

Results. In the studied strains of the flax anthracnose pathogen, single conidia were visually visible on the 7th day on the Sh-2 nutrient medium, on the 8th-10th day on the MS medium, which formed a jelly-like biomass by the 14th day of cultivation on the Sh-2 medium, and by the 15th– 16th day on the MS medium. By the 40th day, mycelium acquired a dense consistency on both media, and pubescent colonies of various colors appeared. It was revealed that the growth rate of the fungus and the build-up of biomass did not depend on the virulence of the strain. On the MS nutrient medium, the weakly virulent strain 853 (25.5%) had the most intense increase in biomass from the 14th to the 40th day, and the strongly virulent strain 850 (14.6%) had the least. On the Sh-2 nutrient medium, the weakly virulent strain 853 (57.8%) had the most intense increase in biomass from the 14th to the 40th day, and the strongly virulent strain 848 (36.2%) had the least. The toxicity of the culture filtrates did not depend on the virulence of the strains used and the culture medium of the strains, whereas the growth rate and toxicity of the culture filtrates were dependent. The culture filtrate of the slow-growing highly virulent 850 strain was less toxic than others.

Currently, the process of collecting linear parameters of cow exterior is mainly carried out manually, which is a labor-intensive, complex process that depends on the skills of a veterinarian. For fast and accurate grading, it is proposed to develop an intelligent system for contactless digital assessment of the exterior of cattle based on the use of video cameras and modern image analysis technologies. Such monitoring will also allow for the diagnosis of diseases and their early detection.

The purpose of the study is to compare two such cameras and determine their applicability in the system being developed.

We used a laboratory stand with a large number of objects at a predetermined distance from the cameras, specially developed software for processing the results and constructing a linear regression linking the real distance with the measured one. A special adjustment has been developed to reduce the camera error. As a result, it was determined that both cameras of this type have an average error of ±5 mm when measuring objects at a distance of 382 to 671 mm, taking images with an aperture of up to 60 × 45° and a resolution of up to 480 × 480 pixels. It was concluded that the error of both cameras is acceptable for equipping the system under development, not exceeding 2% per 1 m.

In the agro-industrial complex of Russia, there is a demand for technologies for digitalization of the process of collecting linear parameters of the exterior of animals, especially dairy cows. The transition from subjective manual grading to a unified automatic one will dramatically increase the productivity and accuracy of such operations. The aim of the study was to develop a methodology and conduct an initial full-scale test of a digital monitoring system for the exterior of dairy cows.

The study was conducted on an operating dairy farm in the Moscow region; all animals belonged to the black-and-white zebu breed. The suitability of the digital monitoring system’s pass-through box for the passage of dairy cows, the operability and error of 8 camera units, possible animal stress, and the overall stability of the system were assessed. M5 3D TOF RGB three-dimensional time-of-flight cameras and stereo pairs of two 1/3-inch CMOS OV4689 lenses located on the board were used to collect images. In total, the system of 8 camera units located above and to the side of the digital monitoring system’s walk-through box allows for simultaneous shooting of each animal from all sides, providing for the measurement of 18 basic body measurements of the cow and the calculation of 12 body condition indices.

As a result, it was determined that the camera units are able to capture images of animals moving in the digital monitoring system’s walk-through box without stopping. The resolution error of the distance map collected from the images was ±10 mm. It was confirmed that the animals were walking calmly in the entrance box of the digital monitoring system, without showing signs of excessive stress.

The aim of the work is to study the effect of an iron-containing chelate complex (iron ascorbate) on the physico-chemical, organoleptic and microbiological parameters of a fermented milk product. Iron ascorbate tonicotinate was synthesized by a mechanochemical method. The following reagents were used to obtain the complex: ascorbic acid, nicotinic acid, iron (II) sulfate, barium hydroxide 8-aqueous. As a result of studying the physicochemical characteristics, it was found that the introduction of iron ascorbate tonicotinate with different concentrations into the fermented milk product does not significantly affect such parameters as active acidity of the medium, titratable acidity and viscosity. The effect of the concentration of the iron-containing complex on the organoleptic properties of yogurt was studied. It has been established that the taste and smell of the fermented milk product with the addition of iron ascorbate nicotinate do not change compared to the control sample, except for samples with the addition of a chelate complex containing 70% and 100% of the daily iron intake. Fermented milk products enriched with chelate complexes containing 10%, 30% and 50% of the daily iron intake have the best characteristics. It has been established that the color of the resulting drinks changes from milky white, typical of a regular fermented milk product (with the addition of 10 and 30% of the daily iron intake) to a pinkish tint (with the addition of 50%, 70% and 100% of the daily iron intake), which is associated with the color of the chelated iron itself. The paper considers the possibility of enriching a fermented milk product with iron ascorbate nicotinate, which has a positive effect on its quality and properties. The effect of iron ascorbate tonicotinate on the growth and development of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus bacteria was studied. It was found that the chelated form of iron has a stimulating effect on the growth and development of Streptococcus thermophillus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus bacteria in concentrations of 1.8 mg/l, 5.4 mg/l and 9 mg/l.

This article is dedicated to exploring the potential of applying neural networks and big data technologies in agriculture to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production. Based on a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature and empirical data from real implementation projects, key areas for utilizing these innovative approaches have been identified: precision farming, resource management optimization, crop and livestock condition monitoring, and yield and productivity forecasting. It has been demonstrated that integrating neural network algorithms and big data analysis tools significantly improves the decision-making process at all stages of agricultural production by accounting for numerous factors and identifying non-obvious patterns. A conceptual model of a decision support system for agricultural enterprises has been developed, based on synthesizing machine learning methods and intelligent analysis of heterogeneous data sets. Validation of the model on real datasets showed a 15–20% improvement in yield prediction accuracy and a 10–12% reduction in resource costs compared to traditional approaches. The results lay the foundation for scaling the proposed solutions and adapting them to the specific characteristics of individual agricultural enterprises, aiming for a transition to sustainable and highly productive next-generation agriculture.

The article investigates the impact of digitalization and big data technologies on the development of agriculture. Based on a literature review, key trends in the application of big data in the agricultural sector, including precision farming, smart farms, yield forecasting, and supply chain optimization, were identified. The empirical part of the study is based on survey data from Russian farming enterprises (n = 500) as well as an analysis of case studies on the implementation of digital solutions by large agricultural holdings. The main findings indicate a significant potential for big data to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture. It was found that the use of predictive analytics based on big data allows for a 15–20% increase in yield, a 10–15% reduction in storage losses, and a 20–25% optimization of resource costs. However, key barriers remain, such as a shortage of expertise in data science, high technology costs, and resistance to change. The conclusion highlights the need for state-level support for the digital transformation of agriculture, as well as the development of partnerships between science and business to create and transfer innovative solutions.

The article is dedicated to analyzing the prospects of applying blockchain technologies in the management of large agro-industrial holdings. Based on a critical review of current scientific literature and an empirical study, key directions for integrating blockchain into the management practices of agro-industrial complexes (AIC) holdings were identified: enhancing supply chain transparency, optimizing logistics, automating transactions, and tokenizing assets. A conceptual model of a blockchain ecosystem for agro-holdings has been proposed, covering all major business processes and stakeholders. Using methods of economic and mathematical modeling and statistical data analysis from 20 leading agro-holdings in Russia for 2018–2023, it has been proven that blockchain implementation ensures operational efficiency growth by 12–17%, transaction cost reduction by 10–15%, and increased investment attractiveness. The effects are associated with increased trust among participants, elimination of intermediaries, continuous asset monitoring, and data reliability. The role of blockchain as a catalyst for sustainable development of agro-industrial holdings is substantiated through ensuring traceability, reducing risks, and promoting responsible consumption. Barriers and limitations of the technology are identified, and measures to overcome them are proposed. The results obtained advance scientific understanding of the potential of blockchain in managing integrated AIC structures and provide a foundation for developing strategies for the digital transformation of agribusiness.

The article addresses pressing issues of increasing the efficiency of agriculture through the implementation of innovative technologies and management methods under the transformation of the agro-industrial complex. A conceptual analysis of modern scientific literature has been conducted, identifying key trends and gaps in research. The necessity of a systematic approach to the innovative development of the agro-industrial complex, considering the specifics of large agricultural holdings, is substantiated. The empirical base includes statistical data, enterprise reports, and expert surveys for the period 2018–2023. Using econometric modeling methods and cluster analysis, factors and conditions determining the effectiveness of innovation implementation in the agroindustrial complex have been identified. It is shown that the key directions of innovative development are digitalization, biotechnology, resource-saving technologies, and vertical integration. A set of measures to stimulate innovative activity of agricultural enterprises is proposed, including improvements in state support, the development of innovative infrastructure, and workforce provision. The obtained results are significant for forming effective innovation policies in the agro-industrial complex and can be used by management bodies, agribusiness, as well as scientific and educational institutions. Further research should be aimed at developing tools for assessing and forecasting the innovative development of the agro-industrial complex.