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

The rating scientometric indicators of the journal “Agrarian Science” have been studied:

• The five-year Herfindahl — Hirschman index for citation journals was 317;

• Herfindahl — Hirschman index for authors’ organizations — 299;

• The five-year self-citation coefficient is 14.80;

• The Gini index is 0.70.

The best scientometric indicators of the journal “Agrarian Science” are recorded by the Herfindahl — Hirschman index indicator for the organizations of the authors and comply with the recommendations of the RSCI, the Higher Attestation Commission, the Russian Center for Scientific Information, WOS, Scopus. The journal is among the top 25% of journals for each reference group presented on the website (https://www.elibrary.ru/).

In these studies, the main goals were to improve methods for diagnosing toxemia in burns in animals and to develop methods for immunologically overcoming burn autointoxication, which may be a pathogenetic justification for the development of methods for treating animals with burns. As a result of experiments conducted on 5 dogs in which thermal burns were simulated by contact, it was found that the formation and development of burn disease had a negative effect on physical parameters. Thus, respiration rates were higher on day 1 by 27.8% of the norm, by day 5 the indicators increased by another 3.9% compared to the primary indicators, by day 10 the respiratory rates decreased by 8%, by the 20th — by another 5% compared to the primary data, and by the 30th day they were already making up the physiological norm. After the application of autoserum, the data of immunobiochemical parameters leveled off relatively quickly — by the 20th day of the experiment, which indicated a high therapeutic effect of the applied treatment method. When studying the healing of simulated wounds, accelerated recovery of wound areas on the extremities in dogs was observed by an average of 7–10 days.

In veterinary practice, there is a problem of comorbid course of various diseases, which are caused by associations of opportunistic microflora present in farm biocenoses. Comorbid course of gynecological and orthopedic pathologies in cows causes significant economic damage, which is associated with a decrease in milk productivity and an increase in the cost of diagnostics, treatment and prevention of veterinary measures. Therefore, due to the high level of reproductive dysfunction and purulent-necrotic lesions in the hooves of cows, it is necessary to look for effective and pathogenetically substantiated methods of therapeutic action on these pathologies. In this manuscript, clinical and morphological control of the effectiveness of treatment with various schemes of highly productive cows with comorbid course of postpartum endometritis and orthopedic pathology is carried out. It has been established that the most effective treatment regimen for highly productive animals with comorbid postpartum acute purulent-catarrhal endometritis and purulent-necrotic lesions in the toe area is the treatment of cows in the 1st experimental group. This is evidenced by the absence of complications, faster overall clinical improvement by 8.67 days (p < 0.001) and the occurrence of estrus 37.2 days (p < 0.001) earlier, when compared with the basic treatment. The effectiveness of the treatment of cows in the 1st experimental group is supported by the positive dynamics of stabilization of the blood levels of HGB, RBC, PLT and WBC, when compared with the indicators of animals in other experimental groups.

The paper presents an analysis of risk factors contributing to the development of squamous cell carcinoma and assesses approaches to its treatment. Understanding the nature of the risks associated with mortality from squamous cell carcinoma is important for both humans and various animal species diagnosed with it. In recent years, oncological diseases have been gaining momentum around the world. Squamous cell carcinoma is no exception, due to its high prevalence among humans and animals. Of particular interest is the diagnosis of the disease in the early stages, which significantly increases the chances of a positive outcome. Of particular importance are the tasks associated with timely diagnosis and differentiation of oncology from other diseases with similar symptoms. The authors assessed the effectiveness of different approaches to the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in small domestic animals chosen as the object of study to increase the statistical accuracy of the results and conclusions obtained, since only clinical conditions allow for a detailed medical history of each animal and obtaining dynamic data. Another reason for conducting animal studies in clinical settings is the bioethics of collecting experimental material, which may reduce the number of laboratory tests on model animals, as an alternative to experiments with deliberately immersing animals in a state of disease with a high probability of their lethal outcome. Studying the predisposition and mechanisms of development of squamous cell carcinoma using animals as an example may further contribute to the development of new methods for diagnosing and treating this disease in humans. Studying oncofactors that stimulate the development of carcinoma will help identify risk groups and develop preventive measures aimed at preventing the spread of the disease, as far as possible with the current level of development of medical knowledge.

This article examines the issues of studying pathogenetic correlative links between various clinical and laboratory parameters in cats with cardiorenal syndrome. A significant correlation was found between the level of creatininemia and the pulse rate (r = 0.4), respiratory rate (r = 0.7), sleep breathing rate (r = 0.6), systolic (r = 0.3), diastolic (r = 0.3), mean arterial pressure (r = 0.3), QRS complex duration (r = 0.5), QT interval (r = 0.3), P wave voltage (r = 0.3) and R in the second standard lead (r = 0.4), left atrium size (r = 0.7), interventricular septum thickness in diastole (r = 0.7), left ventricular free wall thickness in diastole (r = 0.6), end-diastolic size (r = -0.6; p ≤ 0.05), end-systolic size of the left ventricular chamber (r = -0.5), serum alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.5), lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.6), aspartic aminotransferase (r = 0.7), creatinine phosphokinase (r = 0.7), cardiac troponin (r = 0.5), serum concentration of urea (r = 0.7), ketone bodies (r = 0.7), malondialdehyde (r = 0.7), diene conjugates (r = 0.7), ceruloplasmin (r = 0.6), superoxide dismutase activity (r = -0.5), catalase (r = -0.7), glutathione peroxidase (r = -0.6). In the body of cats with cardiorenal syndrome, there is an activation of the sympathoadrenal system, myocardial remodeling processes in the form of concentric hypertrophy, oxidative stress and damage to the cell membranes of cardiomyocytes and other cells of the body, while there is an increase in the mass and number of cardiomyocytes, a violation of the diastolic function of the myocardium, a syndrome of damage to the cell membranes of cardiac cells occurs, progressive prerenal azotemia develops against the background of chronic decompensation of the circulatory organs. Changes in the correlative pathogenetic relationships between clinical and laboratory parameters in cats with cardiorenal syndrome can be considered as predictors of a more malignant course of the pathological process.

Relevance. Nutrients in feed affect animal maintenance, growth and reproduction. Deficiencies of essential nutrients in feed are usually compensated by additives. Among such additives, proteases are widely used. Proteases facilitate more efficient breakdown of feed proteins into amino acids that are then easily digested by the body, which is especially important for young animals that need sufficient amino acids to support intensive growth. Optimising amino acid digestion by proteases can lead to improved feed utilisation efficiency, increased weight gains and better overall health of steers. In addition, it may reduce dependence on expensive protein supplements in the diet.

The aim of the study was to study the peculiarities of amino acid absorption by bullheads when protease is included in the diet.

Materials and methods. Objects of the study: rumen fluid (RF), chyme and faeces of steers of the Kazakh white-headed breed.

Results. Analysis of the results showed that the introduction of proteases (fungal and bacterial) promotes better absorption of amino acids in the body of bulls. Bacterial protease (group II) showed the greatest activity, which is confirmed by the data of increase in assimilation of lysine (by 12,5%), phenylalanine (by 12,3%), tyrosine (by 9,2%), serine (by 8,9%), threonine (by 8,8%), alanine (by 8,1%), isoleucine and glycine (by 7,6%), valine (by 5,9%), proline (by 2,3%) and arginine (by 2,9%), relative to the control group.

Relevance. Poultry farming is the most intensively developing branch of agricultural production. Poultry meat is the most popular source of full-fledged protein of animal origin. To increase the productivity of poultry and improve the quality of the resulting product, feed additives of natural origin are widely used. Probiotics have a great prospect for use in various animal husbandry industries.

Methods. Four groups of ducklings of daily age were formed. Bird II, III and IV experimental groups in addition to the main diet received “Immunoflor” in an amount of 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 kg/t feed. Group I ducklings (control) did not receive the probiotic. At the end of cultivation, the nutritional value of duck meat and liver was assessed by assessing the chemical composition of slaughter products, energy and biological value.

Results. It was found that the inclusion of “Immunoflor” in the diet of ducks at the indicated doses contributed to an improvement in the chemical composition of meat. In the thoracic and femoral muscles, there was an increase in the amount of dry matter by 0.99–1.28% and 0.04–0.43%, protein — by 1.28–1.56% and 0.57–1.14%, ash — by 0.92–1.84% and 0.36– 1.07% against the background of a decrease in the amount of fat. The maximum biological value of meat was recorded in experimental groups. In the muscles of poultry of experimental groups, an increase in the amount of tryptophan was observed against the background of a decrease in oxyproline. The protein-quality indicator was higher than the reference value in the thigh muscles by 3.58% and 1.79%, in the chest muscles — by 3.21%, 3.75% and 2.69%, respectively. The energy value of the breast muscles of ducklings fed a probiotic drug has also increased, which indicates the high nutritional value of poultry meat. The meat quality index had no differences. Under the influence of the probiotic, the fat content in the bird’s liver decreased, the amount of protein and ash increased, as well as energy value.

Currently, agricultural enterprises in the Sverdlovsk region have already concentrated a large number of inbred cows, which range from 60 to 90% of the total number with a degree of inbreeding of “moderate” and “remote”. It was found that cows obtained as a result of close inbreeding used 6 lactation, close inbreeding — 7, moderate — 5, distant — 11 lactation, outbred — 9 lactation. Milk yield in cows of all groups varied by lactation, increasing with age by 546–944 kg (5.9% and 10.9%, respectively), which is the most significant increase in groups depending on age. In all groups, an increase in milk yield during the second lactation was recorded relative to the first. Further, from the second to the third lactation, there is an increase in milk yield (180–320 kg) in cows with close, close, moderate and distant inbreeding. After reaching physiological maturity, in groups of cows of different types of selection and degree of inbred (3–4 lactation), milk yield decreases with fluctuations in one direction or another. Holstein cows, regardless of the type of selection and the degree of inbreeding, exhibit a natural increase in milk yield during the second lactation, however, in the range of 5.9–10.9%, which is explained by the dominant milk productivity and the creation of favorable conditions for animals to display their genetic potential after the first lactation. No changes in milk quality have been found depending on age and degree of inbreeding.

In order to calculate phenotypic and genetic correlations between exterior traits, as well as to construct linear profiles to identify the best male producers, a linear assessment of the exterior of Saanen goats was carried out on a farm in the Leningrad Region in June — July 2023 using a 9-point scale developed by the French Association of Dairy Goat Breeders. On average, for the studied population (n = 148), scores for the position of the back legs varied from 1 to 8 points and on average for the sample amounted to 4.5 points. The udder depth was estimated at 6.4 points on average, which corresponded to its optimal location for milking. The analysis of phenotypic and genetic correlation coefficients of linear exterior traits of the studied goat population revealed close reliable relationships between the scores of the front and back feet and legs. Genetic correlation coefficients generally corresponded to phenotypic ones, but in some cases had a greater degree of expression. The heritability of the external features of the studied population for indicators characterizing the quality of the udder and nipples ranged from h² = 0.108 for the “nipple shape” indicator to h² = 0.139 for the “udder groove” indicator, and in terms of leg quality — from h² = 0.122 for the hind legs to h² = 0.128 for the front hooves. Linear exterior profiles of bucks with more than 15 daughters evaluated in the herd were constructed, and reliable differences in the transmission of exterior characteristics between them were established, which can be further used in reproduction in order to obtain young animals with high exterior and constitutional development parameters.

The current area of research in genetic and selection focus, which is necessary in the long term for the reproduction of a highly productive herd of cattle with genetic resistance to leukemia, is the study of the polymorphism of the Bos taurus iNOS gene of in association with the breeding value of animals and their resistance to this chronic infectious disease. The aim of.this study was to develop DNA technologies for identification of alleles and genotypes of SNP markers of the Bos taurus iNOS gene by detection and interpretation of diagnostically significant single nucleotide polymorphisms based on simulated methods of nested PCR with dCAPS primers and SNP genotyping by analysis of direct sequencing data of the PCR product. Construction of dCAPS primers iNOS-F1 and iNOS-R1 was performed using dCAPS Finder 2.0 and OligoAnalyzer 1.2 software. Mapping of polymorphic restriction sites and calculation of PCR-RFLP profiles of possible genotypes of SNP markers were performed using the NEBcutter V2.0 online program. The constructed dCAPS primers were successfully tested in nested PCR as internal oligonucleotide pairs followed by endonuclease digestion of the 123 bp PCR amplification product of the second round with selected restriction enzymes that were significant for identification of a particular polymorphic marker. The 258 bp PCR amplification product of the first round was subjected to capillary DNA sequencing according to Sanger for detection and interpretation of diagnostically significant single nucleotide polymorphisms in the context of identification of alleles and genotypes of SNP markers. The DNA technologies used in this work turned out to be effective approaches to correct genotyping of cattle by SNP markers of the iNOS gene.

Relevance. The vineyards of the Krasnodar Territory cover over 31,000 hectares, accounting for approximately 60% of all vineyards in Russia. Assessing the phytosanitary status of ampelocenoses and understanding the role of Auchenorrhyncha in transmitting dangerous systemic diseases, such as Pierce’s disease, bois noir phytoplasma, and flavescence dorée, is crucial for maintaining vineyard health.

The  purpose  of  the  research is to identify the current species composition of Auchenorrhyncha suborder in the vineyards of the Krasnodar Territory. Based on literature data and field observations, the study evaluates their actual and potential impact on vineyards.

Methods. Sampling was conducted during the 2023–2024 growing seasons using entomological nets, yellow sticky traps, and a combination of ultraviolet (365 nm) and white light traps.

Results. In total, 51 species from 9 families of the suborder Auchenorrhyncha were identified. Special attention is given to the biology and ecology of these insects, particularly their role as both direct pests and vectors of infectious diseases. Widespread distribution of Scaphoideus titanus and Philaenus spumarius, vectors of dangerous quarantine diseases of golden yellowing and Pierce’s disease, respectively, has been revealed. Additionally, a preliminary list of potential vectors of bois noir phytoplasma was compiled. The occurrence of a second generation of Metcalfa pruinosa, uncommon for this species, was noted, along with a preliminary complex of species associated with grapevine chlorosis. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of Auchenorrhyncha in the vineyards of the Krasnodar Territory.

Relevance. One of the essential factors for further increasing the yield of grain crops and increasing the gross grain harvest is the introduction of new highly productive varieties with a complex of economically useful characteristics and properties.

The purpose of the research is to evaluate modern varieties of winter durum wheat selected by the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution ANTS “Donskoy” according to a set of economically valuable traits and properties.

Results. The new winter durum wheat varieties studied in the trial were developed by the method of intervarietal and stepwise hybridization using the variety Teiya, lines of our own breeding (2257/07, 1036/09, 2424/07, 776/10) and varieties from other regions (Krupinka, Solo, Tur, Poseidon) as parental forms. Their mean productivity in 2021–2024 ranged from 8.16 t/ha (Kristella) to 9.70 t/ha (Pridonie). There were significant increases in the new winter durum wheat varieties Ellada (+0.48 t/ha), Grafit (+0.82 t/ha) and Pridonie (+1.27 t/ha). The studied new varieties are short-stemmed, lodging-resistant and large-grained, and belong to different groups of maturity. The plant survival rate of these varieties varied from 56.1 to 68.5%, with 59.1% of the standard variety Kristella. Frost resistance of the varieties Ellada, Khrizolit and Pridonie was similar to that of the standard variety. Protein percentage in grain was 13.70–14.40%, gluten was 27.4–28.9%, which corresponded to the 1st-2nd grain quality class (GOST 9353-2016). Grain hardness during the studied period ranged from 78 to 88%, with 83% of the standard. Despite abundant precipitation during the 2023 harvesting, there were identified such winter durum wheat varieties with high grain hardness as Karotinka (85%), Grafit (87%), Pridonie (88%), which corresponded to the 1st grain quality class. The pasta color of the promising winter durum wheat varieties was amber or dark amber, which corresponded to 5 points.

The results of three years of research on the effect of microbiological fertilizers and growth regulators on soybean productivity and quality in the Ryazan region are presented. The presowing treatment of seeds with the bacterial preparation “Nitragin KM, SP”, pre-sowing treatment of seeds and foliar top dressing according to the phases of development with the microbiological preparation “Organit N, Zh”, the silicon-containing growth regulator “ApaSil, P”. It was shown that the use of biologics “Nitragin KM, SP” (0.08 kg/ha, norm) + “Organit N” (1.5 l/ha) (seed treatment), “Organit N, Zh” (2 l/ha) (spraying in the branching phase) + “Organit N, Zh” (2 l/ha) (spraying in the budding phase) together with the use of mineral fertilizers helps to increase yields, improvement of soy structural elements.

The increased activity of microorganisms in the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in all variants with biological products is reliably confirmed. During the entire study period, the use of biological preparations had a pronounced positive effect on an increase in soybean yield by 0.31–0.50 t/ha compared with the control without treatment. On average, over the years of research (2022–2024) using biologics, the highest yield of soybeans was noted in option No. 3, where the yield was 3.12 t/ha, which exceeds the value of the control option by 19.1%. When using biologics, the weight of seeds from one plant increased by 1.3–2.0 g. The highest indicator was noted in variants No. 3 and No. 4 — 8.3 g each. In experimental variants No. 3 and No. 4, larger and more complete grains (weight of 1000 soybean seeds) were formed — 153.9–153.5 g, respectively. The weight of 1,000 seeds in variant No. 3 increased by 8.5 g compared to the untreated variant.

Relevance. Conservation of steppe vegetation and its biological diversity is one of the unresolved problems in southern Russia.

The purpose of this work is to study and evaluate the current state of vegetation of steppe phytocoenosis of eastern Stavropol, including preserved zonal grass stands for further active reproduction of their bioresource potential.

Methods. The object of the study is the steppe plant communities of the eastern Stavropol region. The year of the study is 2024. The study of steppe herbages was carried out at 55 accounting sites (each measuring 10 x 10 m) according to the O. Trude system with a mark of abundance of species and projective coverage. The aboveground phytomass was taken into account by 0.5 ml by the sloping method in a fourfold repetition.

Results. The steppe communities of the arid territory of the Stavropol Territory have been studied. It was found that the vegetation of degraded steppe phytocoenosis is monotonous in floral composition (on average — 12 species / 100 m²), low-growing (25–30 cm on average), alternating in places with foci of desertification and open sands. The type of economic use of the herbage is pasture. The projective coverage of the soil surface by plants varies from 10 to 80%. The degree of degradation of vegetation cover is shown — from weakly and moderately degraded to strongly and very strongly degraded. Fragments of zonal steppes have been identified. They are floristically rich, contain valuable plant species — up to 26 pieces / 100 m². In these areas, as they mature, seeds of wild herbs are harvested for laying the testis. Based on the agrosteppe method, the seed material will be sown in the spring in the prepared soil. The created grass stand can later serve as a source of seed material for the restoration of subsequent areas of degraded steppe grass stand.

Relevance. Apple tree (Malus domestica) is the most widespread fruit crop cultivated in the south of Russia. Recently, interest in palmette orchards has increased, with a new approach to planting the orchard.

The research aims to increase yields and improve the quality of fruits in the apple orchard in the conditions of southern Russia.

Methods. The objects of the study are an apple tree of the Renet Simirenko variety, the planting scheme is 4.0 × 1.5 m (1666 acres/ha), the crown type is a fruit wall, where the trees are planted at an angle of 45 degrees in the direction of the row, while the central conductor of the seedling is fixed horizontally along the lower wire, from which 5–8 vertical conductors are formed in one plane. The control is a 4.0 × 1.5 m planting scheme, the crown type is a slender spindle.

Results. The article presents the results of studying the growth of conductors, yield and quality of apple trees for the period 2020–2023, where it was found that the yield in the experimental variant in the first year of fruiting (2022) was 18.0 t/ha, in 2023 — 8.0 tons more. Apples in the experimental variant were larger in weight and ripened faster by 5–7 days. The mineral composition of fruits (N, K, Ca, Mg, P) in the experimental variant is more balanced due to less competition for nutrients between fruits, leaves and wood. The results obtained allow us to conclude that it is advisable to plant a new type of palmette orchard, which allows increasing the yield and improving the quality of fruits.

The article presents materials on the introduction and breeding of barberry Thunberg varieties (Berberis thunbergii DC.) in the soil and climatic conditions of the Stavropol Territory. The novelty of the research lies in the mobilization of the source material of ornamental barberry varieties that had not previously been studied in the area, with their subsequent use in breeding work.

The purpose of the study is to select the most stable ornamental forms of barberry and breed new, zoned varieties to expand the range of ornamental shrubs used in landscaping. As a result of the introduction study, eight cultivars of Вerberis thunbergii have been identified, adapted to local conditions and possessing valuable economic and biological characteristics. Based on them, the author created two new varieties — Ruslan and Stepka, which have high decorative qualities, adaptive capabilities, frost resistance and increased heat and drought resistance. The method of vegetative propagation of introduced and new varieties by green cuttings using an auxin-type growth regulator (4-(indol-3-yl) butyric acid) was studied. Most varieties showed good rooting results and high-quality cuttings in the experiment (80–95%). The varieties of their own breeding Ruslan and Stepka had a high percentage of rooting both with the use of a root growth stimulator and in the control (97–99%). All varieties are classified as promising (above 85 points) and, in addition to their high decorative value, they are characterized by a good shoot-forming ability, they bloom and bear fruit annually, and they easily reproduce vegetatively. The new Ruslan and Stepka varieties are suitable for widespread use in urban landscaping in the Stavropol Territory and other regions of the Russian Federation.

The need to obtain reliable data on greenhouse gas emissions from the livestock sector is becoming increasingly urgent. Actual measurement of gas concentrations from animal byproducts will improve the accuracy of data submitted to the National Inventory Report.

The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of climatically active substances in emissions from solid by-products of animal husbandry at an experimental laboratory facility. All types of animal by-products studied came from large agricultural organisations. The initial raw material for the study was animal by-products as bedding poultry manure, solid fraction of pig manure and solid fraction of cattle manure. Concentrations of climate-active substances in emissions were investigated on the experimental laboratory set-up designed at IEEP — branch of FSAC VIM, simulating temperature conditions of composting and periodic aeration operation. a four-channel ELAN plus gas analyser measured the concentrations of CO₂, CH₄, H₂S and NH₃. The concentration of nitrous oxide in the gas-air mixture was determined in the laboratory of the Agrophysical Research Institute using a “Kristalluks-4000M” gas chromatograph. The obtained results were analysed by the method of mathematical statistics. The results of the study proved the potential of the designed laboratory facility to provide a representative data on emissions of climate-active substances from animal by-products, comparable to the results of other studies in this field.

The article is devoted to the study of changes occurring in consumer behavior and the identification of new traditions of food consumption.

The research uses general scientific methods — complex, systematic and situational, as well as the graphical method, the method of comparative analysis, index methods, forecasting methods, factor analysis, correlation analysis, methods of systematization and generalization. It is revealed that significant changes are taking place in the behavior of Russian consumers of food products, accompanied by the formation of new relatively stable consumption traditions. Russian consumers are experiencing the decline of some consumption traditions and the strengthening of others. In particular, there is a reduction in the average per capita consumption of bread and bread products, potatoes and other types of foodstuffs. Russian consumers perceive them as products that do not conform to the idea of a healthy diet. It has been revealed that the average per capita consumption of meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, sugar and confectionery, fruits, vegetables and other types of food is increasing at a high rate. There are relatively stable traditions of consumption of eggs, fish and fish products, vegetable oils and some other food products. However, the actual average per capita consumption does not meet the standards of a healthy diet, which indicates significant discrepancies: consumers do not adhere to these standards, they are guided by their own ideas about healthy eating.

The results obtained in this article can be used by theorists in the study of changes occurring in the behavior of consumers of food products, as well as by practitioners to orient the structure of the production program of agricultural enterprises and the assortment of enterprises in the sphere of circulation, based on the changes taking place in the traditions of consumption of certain types of food products, in particular tea, coffee, alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, potatoes, bread products, meat and meat products, sugar and confectionery. In addition, the results of the study indicate the need to take into account the peculiarities of changes in consumption traditions occurring in individual regions.

The article analyzes the development of pig farming at various stages of agricultural reform a comparison of trends in Russia and the Northwestern Federal District (NWFD) shows that in adverse climatic conditions, small farms can only exist with active cooperation with large and medium-sized enterprises. The policy of transition to farming in 1990 led to the simultaneous liquidation of pig farms and fattening in small farms. With the restoration of industrial pig farming in 2007–2013, production in small farms also increased. In the northern regions, the goal of restoring large enterprises was to achieve self-sufficiency in meat, in the western regions it was to attract investment and form agricultural holdings. In the northern zone, industrial pig farming was restored for a short period and stopped developing after the reduction of state support for regional programs. After 2018, when self-sufficiency in pork was achieved (according to the National Union of Pig Breeders), competition between pig agricultural holdings increased. “Velikoluksky Pig Breeding Complex” LLC becomes a monopolist in the Northwestern Federal District. Independent pig farms are being displaced primarily from the northern territories.

In order to identify the main directions of student entrepreneurial projects in the field of animal husbandry and treatment, an analysis of student startups supported by the Foundation for the Promotion of Innovation in 2024 was conducted, and its results are presented. In 2024, the Innovation Promotion Fund supported 111 (4.8%) startups in the field of animal husbandry and treatment, represented by 41 universities. The majority of startups are implemented in the field of Biotechnology (83.8%). Thematically, all the analyzed startups represent three main groups: Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare (35.1%), Feed and Feed Additives (34.2%), and Animal Husbandry and Breeding Technologies (30.6%). In most universities (56.1%), the foundation has supported one startup project in the field of animal husbandry (treatment). a total of 32 projects (28.8%) were supported by three universities (Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Kazan State Pedagogical University, and the State Agrarian University of the Northern Urals). In 37.0% of startup projects, the name of the animal species was not indicated. Among the names of startup projects indicating the type of animal, farm animals dominate (72.9%), companion animals are mentioned in 22.9% of the names.

Relevance. Modern technologies for data collection and analysis open up new opportunities for improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production. This work is dedicated to exploring the potential of applying machine learning methods and big data analysis in precision agriculture.

Methods. Based on a systematic literature review, key areas of application for these approaches are identified: optimization of fertilizer and irrigation use, early detection of diseases and pests, and yield prediction. Using regression analysis, classification, and clustering methods on a dataset of field measurements from 2018–2023, demonstrated on wheat production in the Central Black Earth region of the Russian Federation, it is shown that the application of the proposed algorithms can increase yield by 12–17% while reducing fertilizer costs by 10– 14%. a conceptual model for an intelligent decision support system for precision agriculture is proposed. Issues of scaling the approach and its adaptation to other crops and regions are discussed.

Results. The research results demonstrate the significant potential of advanced data analysis methods to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of crop production.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the prospects for applying Big Data technologies for the digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex. Key directions for introducing innovations based on Big Data in agriculture are examined, including precision farming, smart farms, crop monitoring, and equipment management. a conceptual analysis of scientific literature was conducted, revealing a growing interest among researchers in this topic amid discrepancies in terminology and methodology. The relevance of developing comprehensive approaches to studying and practically utilizing the potential of Big Data in the agricultural sector is justified. The empirical base includes the results of a survey of 350 agricultural enterprise managers from 12 regions of Russia and the analysis of data sets from 30 smart farms during the years 2019–2023. The use of statistical analysis methods, machine learning, and process modeling has helped identify key trends, barriers, and growth points for digitalization based on Big Data in the studied industry. It was established that about 80% of respondents note a positive impact from implementing Big Data solutions on economic indicators, although the level of digital maturity remains low. a conceptual model for the phased transition of agricultural enterprises to platform-based business models and data-driven culture is proposed. The results have theoretical and practical value for developing the methodology for the digital transformation of agriculture and for crafting industry strategies based on innovative data-driven approaches.

The article is dedicated to exploring the potential of implementing blockchain solutions in the practices of large agro-industrial holdings. A critical review of the literature was conducted to systematize key trends in this area. Unresolved issues related to ensuring transparency, security and efficiency of business processes in the agro-industrial complex (AIC) have been identified. An original conceptual model for integrating blockchain technologies into the holding’s management system was proposed. The empirical base consisted of data on the activities of 20 leading agro-industrial companies in Russia for the years 2019–2023. Methods of statistical and econometric analysis, as well as case studies, were applied. Assessments of the impact of blockchain solutions on the key performance indicators of holdings were obtained. The correlation coefficient between the level of blockchain implementation and asset profitability was 0.78 (p < 0.01). The prospects for scaling the proposed model, taking into account the specifics of the industry, were substantiated. The research results are significant for the strategic development of the agro-industrial sector in the context of the digital transformation of the economy.

The implementation of blockchain technologies opens up new opportunities for improving efficiency and transparency in the agro-industrial complex (AIC). The article examines the prospects of blockchain application by large agroholdings to optimize supply chain management, ensure product traceability, automate transactions, and reduce transaction costs. Based on the analysis of international experience and pilot projects, key directions and effects of blockchain implementation in the AIC are identified. Using economic and mathematical modeling and expert assessments, potential benefits for agricultural holdings have been identified in the form of increased labor productivity (by 15–20%), reduced logistics costs (by 10–12%), and increased business margins (by 5–7%). The necessity of creating a favorable institutional environment and investments in the digital infrastructure of the AIC to scale blockchain solutions has been substantiated. The results obtained hold practical value for strategic planning of the digital transformation of large AIC companies.