Brown bears are kept in various captive conditions, some of which can significantly deteriorate their health. Hyperadrenocorticism, caused by a hormonal disorder resulting from prolonged captivity and stress factors, and leading to multiple organ failure, has not been previously observed or described in bears. Increased cortisol secretion not only leads to damage of internal organs but also to diabetes mellitus, decreased immune resistance, and consequently, to the loss of the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy pathogenic microorganisms. In literary sources, there are reports of deaths of animals living in captivity as a result of bacterial infections (for example, generalized clostridiosis in the Himalayan bear, pulmonary nocardiosis in the Pacific bottlenose dolphin, fungal lung disease in reindeer). However, none of these studies conducted detailed post-mortem and histological examinations of all organs. The clinical case of multiple organ failure in a brown bear in a zoo setting presented by us combines anamnestic data, symptomatology, results of laboratory and instrumental parameters during the animal’s life, as well as the results of pathomorphological, histological, and histochemical examinations. These data allow us to recommend that zoos minimize stress factors for animals in their care, resort to pharmacological correction of stress if necessary, and conduct quarterly health check-ups for early detection of disease and timely and targeted therapy. 

Relevance. This paper presents the results of a study examining the effect of an apiadaptogen on the performance of Bestuzhev bulls and morphological changes in muscle tissue.

Methods. The bulls were given drone brood homogenate as a tincture in their basic diet at a dose of 0.005 ml per 1 kg of body weight for Group II (experimental), 0.01 ml for Group III (experimental), and 0.015 ml per 1 kg of body weight for Group IV (experimental). Group I was the control group. The effectiveness of the test component was determined based on a range of intravital parameters, including live weight, average daily gain, slaughter indicators, chemical composition, the biological value of carcass flesh and raw fat, and morphological changes in muscle tissue.

Results. The change in live weight indicates that at the age of 18 months, the young animals of the III (experimental) group surpassed all their peers: I (control) group — by 22.1 kg, II (experimental) — by 9.5 kg and IV (experimental) group — by 1.7 kg, in terms of absolute live weight gain over the entire experimental period — by 22.1 kg; 9.4 and 1.8 kg, respectively. In all age periods, among the young animals of the experimental groups, the Bestuzhev breed bulls of the III (experimental) group demonstrated a higher average daily gain, amounting to 696.70 to 797.80 g. Slaughter qualities and chemical composition of the longissimus dorsi muscle were better in animals of the III (experimental) group, whose diet included drone brood homogenate at a dose of 0.01 ml / kg of body weight. Histological examination of muscle tissue from bulls fed drone brood homogenate revealed normal muscle structure, while control animals showed some signs of dystrophic changes, including impaired protein and carbohydrate metabolism and mild lipid metabolism. Thus, a comprehensive analysis demonstrates the beneficial effects of drone brood homogenate, which demonstrated its adaptogenic properties with the best results at a dosage of 0.01 ml per 1 kg of live weight, which was administered to bulls in Group III (experimental). 

The aim of the study was to initially evaluate the safety of the drug Tofacvel (tofacitinib), which had not previously been used in veterinary practice, for single and prolonged oral administration in dogs as part of a pilot clinical and functional study analyzing the clinical condition and parameters of electrocardiography.The study was conducted in two stages. At the first stage, five dogs received a single 10-fold therapeutic dose of tofacitinib (5.4 mg/kg) followed by a 3-day observation period. At the second stage, four groups of dogs (males and females; ten animals per group) were administered the drug orally once daily for 60 days at single (1x), twofold (2x), and threefold (3x) daily doses, followed by a 10-day post-treatment observation period. One group served as the control. Clinical condition, body weight, food and water intake, body temperature, and electrocardiographic parameters were evaluated.

Single administration of the 10-fold therapeutic dose was not associated with mortality, clinical signs of intoxication, or ECG abnormalities. During repeated administration, 100% survival, stable body weight, preserved appetite, and normal body temperature were observed at all dose levels. At the two-fold and three-fold therapeutic doses, functional ECG changes were detected, including an increased heart rate and decreased R–R interval; however, all parameters remained within physiological reference ranges for dogs. 

Relevance. Lactoferrin is a natural cationic iron-binding glycoprotein from the transferrin group. An important component of innate immunity, lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with a broad spectrum of biological activity. Lactoferrin is widely used in pharmaceuticals and has potential application in animal husbandry.

Methods. The search for potentially relevant articles was carried out by keywords in electronic databases and open Internet access.

Results. A literature review revealed the antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and immunomodulatory activity of lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is increasingly used in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine; however, the complexity of its production and purification hinders this process. The development and introduction of lactoferrin-based dietary supplements aimed at immunocorrection and strengthening the body of farm animals is promising. Lactoferrin can be used as a substance for the creation of a therapeutic agent in veterinary medicine. In addition, extensive opportunities could be created for the industry by creating herds of transgenic animals producing a biosimilar to human lactoferrin. 

Relevance. The breeding of Holstein cattle has revealed problems: reduced reproductive function and shorter productive longevity, often associated with metabolic disorders due to poor diet balance and high productivity. Studying the possibility of long-term productive use of Holstein cows in the region is relevant for improving dairy farming efficiency. The aim was to evaluate the variability of dairy characteristics of cows depending on lactation duration.

Methods. The study object was cows that completed lactation, grouped by lactation number. Data from the IAC “SELEX-Dairy Cattle” database and own research were used. Herd structure was studied, average milk yield per lactation was established. Productivity was monitored via control milkings. The coefficient of variation was calculated.

Results. The main part of the herd (44.8%) consists of 1st and 2nd lactation cows. Productivity stabilizes from the 3rd to the 6th lactation. The difference between minimum and maximum milk yield exceeds 200%. The coefficient of variation for milk yield (>10%) indicates herd heterogeneity, especially among 1st and 8th lactation cows, due to the mass introduction of replacement heifers without selection. Fat and protein content indicators are stable, their coefficients of variation are within normal limits. Holstein cows can be effectively used up to the 6th–7th lactation. To improve herd uniformity, it is necessary to optimize the selection of replacement young stock. 

Introduction. The balance trial provided data indicating the influence of genotype and castration of ram lambs on the intake and utilization of gross energy from dietary nutrients.

Methodology. For the experiment, the following groups of young animals were formed: Group I: Purebred Tsigai ram lambs; Group II: First-generation crossbred ram lambs with Edilbai breed (½ Tsigai x ½ Edilbai); Group III: Purebred castrated males (wethers) of the Tsigai breed; Group IV: Crossbred castrated males (wethers) (½ Tsigai x ½ Edilbai).

Results. The influence of genotype and castration on the amount of consumed and digested gross energy from specific dietary nutrients was established, which subsequently affected its digestibility within the organism. It was found that due to the heterosis effect, the crossbred young animals in Groups II and IV outperformed their purebred counterparts in Groups I and III in terms of gross energy intake from: protein by 0.83 MJ (17.15%) and 0.77 MJ (17.23%), respectively; fat by 0.34 MJ (16.75%) and 0.30 MJ (15.79%), respectively; fiber by 1.14 MJ and 1.09 MJ (17.55%), respectively; nitrogen-free extract (NFE) by 2.10 MJ (16.87%) and 2.04 MJ (17.80%), respectively. Regarding the coefficient of digestibility of gross energy, the advantage of the crossbred groups II and IV was: protein: 1.18% and 0.68%, respectively; fat: 0.53% and 1.21%, respectively; fiber: 0.27% and 0.21%, respectively; NFE: 0.99% and 1.44%, respectively. 

Relevance. Studying the phenological characteristics of new sorghum varieties and hybrids is an important part of breeding work, especially in the northern sorghum-growing regionsw, where sugar sorghum plants grow in extreme conditions characterized by a lack of active temperature, light hours, and precipitation during certain periods of vegetation. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the phenological characteristics of sugar sorghum hybrids obtained using sterile A2 cytoplasm and identify promising combinations for further testing in arid conditions of the Saratov region.

Methods. Seven hybrids obtained on the basis of CMS lines with sterile A2 cytoplasm were grown during 2022–2024 at the experimental field of Institute “Rossorgo” and evaluated in accordance with generally accepted recommendations and methods.

Results. It was found that the duration of interphase periods and the growing season in general for F1 hybrids depended both on the prevailing weather conditions during the growing season and on the genotypic characteristics. The hybrids that are most suitable for the production of succulent fodder and sugar-containing products have been identified: A2 KVV 114/k-10832 (116–118.7 days) has the lowest variability in the duration of the growing season during the test period, with a difference of 2.7 days; the most precocious hybrids are A2 Chaika/k-64 (101.0–111.3 days) and A2 Chaika/k-581 (102.0–113.0 days). 

Relevance. Due to the aridization of the climate in many regions of Russia, the cultivation of drought-resistant crops for various feed production industries has become particularly important. Among these crops, grain sorghum, with its unique drought tolerance and versatility, is an essential component of animal feed. Therefore, the development of improved varieties and hybrids of grain sorghum with high grain and biomass productivity is highly relevant.

Methods. The research material included 8 varieties, 3 productive promising breeding lines, and a grain sorghum hybrid. The research was conducted at the experimental field of the Russian Research Institute of Sorghum and Corn 2021–2023. The standard was the regionally adapted grain sorghum variety Start. The evaluation of economic and valuable traits was conducted according to the methodology of state variety testing for agricultural crops and generally accepted recommendations.

Results. Valuable samples were identified that significantly exceeded the Start standard variety in terms of morphometric indicators and productivity elements, resulting in increased grain and biomass yields. Eleven samples with grain yields of 4.40–6.63 t/ha were selected, exceeding the standard by 9.2–64.5%. Five varieties and two lines, L-50/14 and L-65/14, significantly exceeded the standard in terms of biomass yield by 27.9–57.9%, while the Tamarazh hybrid exceeded the standard by 88.9%. Seven samples with the highest bioenergy value of grain were identified, with the L-65/14 line standing out at 99.83 GJ/ha, the RSK Korall variety at 108.40 GJ/ha, and the Tamarazh hybrid at 122.46 GJ/ha, which is 31.6–61.5% higher than the standard. New high-energy varieties of grain sorghum bred by the Rossorgo Institute were included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in 2019–2024 and are in demand among domestic agricultural producers. 

The work is devoted to the analysis of the symbiotic efficiency and activity of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi maintained in ARRIAM collection. A comparative analysis of the symbiotic efficiency and activity for 12 strains of AM fungi in a model test system based on the black medic MlS-1 line highly responsive to mycorrhization in conditions of a deficiency of phosphorus available for plant nutrition in the soil is presented. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive linear relationship between the symbiotic efficiency of strains and their activity, the frequency of mycorrhizal infection (F) in the roots of the host plant. Meanwhile, the intensity of mycelium development and the abundance of symbiotic structures (arbuscules and vesicles) did not significantly correlate with AM efficiency indicators that may indicate the absence of genus-specificity of AM fungi to the host plant. These data confirm the prospects for use of effective strains of AM fungi in a wide range of agricultural crops. The possibility of using AM fungi to enhance the adaptation of plants in agriculture to abiotic stress factors such as drought and salinity is discussed. Taking into account the nonspecificity of interaction with plant species, as a result of the study, four effective and active strains of AM fungi are recommended for field testing. 

This review analyzes and summarizes Russian and foreign experience in the study of microorganisms associated with H. sosnowskyi. Interest in microorganisms is related to their ability to exhibit high enzymatic activity and synthesize a wide range of biologically active compounds such as phytohormones, antibiotics, and biocatalyst enzymes. In this context, Sosnovsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden) is a highly invasive species of advent, demonstrating exceptional ecological plasticity and the ability to spread expansively over vast territories. The phenomenal stress resistance of this plant, which allows it to successfully colonize disturbed, polluted and marginal lands, while occupying a dominant position in the emerging phytocenoses, suggests that the rhizospheric and endophytic microbial community associated with it may have unique adaptive and functional properties. However, today the main vector of attention to H. sosnowskyi is related to its negative impact on human health (burns, dermatitis), and phytocenoses (reduced biodiversity). There are very few studies where the microbiome of this species was in the spectrum of attention. As part of the review, a conclusion was made about the prospects of using and the need for additional studies of the H. sosnowskyi microbiome, which is a promising resource for isolating unique strains of bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms, which have increased enzymatic activity and the ability to synthesize biologically active substances, can be used to create new highly effective and environmentally friendly biological products to increase crop yields and sustainability. 

In the 1970s, scientists began reporting the presence of plastic objects in millimeters and later in the micrometer range in the environment and drinking water. In 2004, small plastic particles found in the environment were first named microplastics, and in 2008, during an international research seminar, they were named plastic particles less than 5 mm in size.

However, questions regarding acceptable sizes, polymer types, configuration, and origin of microplastics remain a subject of debate in the scientific community.

The upper size limit is often set at 5 mm. Microplastics are classified by origin as primary or secondary. The methods used to analyze microplastics in various systems vary. Relatively simple methods include detection with the naked eye or using a light microscope. Microplastic identification is sometimes confirmed by staining or simple flotation (since plastic is less dense than water). However, identifying microplastics requires more sophisticated methods — thermal analytical or spectroscopic techniques. This scientific review focuses on methods for identifying microplastics in food systems. Various approaches to detecting and analyzing microplastics are considered, including visual identification, optical and electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and thermal analytical methods. Particular attention is given to the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as their application in real-world conditions. The paper concludes by highlighting the potential of Raman microscopy and infrared spectroscopy for identifying microplastics in food systems and agricultural products. 

The objective of the research was to establish patterns of influence of gum properties on the rate of moisture migration during storage of glazed sweets with bodies made of “Souffle” candy masses at different temperatures. To make model samples of sweets with different chemical composition, to justify temperature conditions for storing sweets, to determine physicochemical, structural-mechanical and organoleptic quality indicators characterizing the processes of moisture migration in sweets samples, to propose a mathematical description of moisture loss by samples during storage to predict the shelf life. The objects of the study are glazed sweets based on “Souffle” whipped masses with the addition of 0.25% gums: xanthan E415, guar E412 and konjac E425. The control sample was made without the addition of gums. The quality indicators of the sweets were determined by standard physicochemical, structural-mechanical methods accepted in the research practice of confectionery food systems. The samples were stored at temperatures of 18 °C and 28 °C. It was shown that with an increase by 10 ºC, the rate of moisture transfer processes increases by 1.2–2 times, and moisture losses largely depend on the chemical composition of the aerated mass used to make the candies. 

The first part of the scientific review is devoted to the analysis of molecular mechanisms and key chemical compounds that determine the formation of flavor and aroma characteristics in meat products during thermal processing. Primary focus is placed on the biochemical pathways generating volatile aromatic substances, with central roles attributed to the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and amino groups of amino acids/peptides, as well as lipid oxidation, primarily of phospholipids. The significance of Strecker degradation and thermal decomposition of thiamine as sources of specific sulfur-containing and heterocyclic compounds is highlighted.

The interaction between Maillard reaction products and lipid oxidation products is analyzed, demonstrating how it leads to the formation of a wide spectrum of heterocyclic compounds (pyrazines, thiazoles, thiophenes, furans) that determine the species-specific aroma of meat products. The modulating role of phospholipids is established; they not only serve as the main source of volatile carbonyl compounds but also act as regulators, optimizing the aromatic bouquet by controlling the formation of sulfur-containing heterocycles.

The neurophysiological basis of sensory perception is examined, emphasizing the dominant role of retronasal olfaction, which integrates with gustatory and somatosensory signals in the central nervous system. It is concluded that the organoleptic profile results from the synergistic interaction of a complex system of chemical reactions between water-soluble precursors and the lipid fraction, dependent on the biochemical composition of the animal raw material and meat processing parameters. 

Relevance. The transformation of the post-World War II world order taking place in the third decade of the 21st century obviously influenced the paradigm shift in Russia’s development. The implementation of our country’s national goals in the context of ensuring the social wellbeing of Russians within the supply-side economy includes various aspects, including ensuring the development of historically established food markets, such as the cocoa products market. The purpose of the study is to organize the factors determining the development of the modern Russian market for cocoa products in the context of achieving national goals using spatial analysis methodology.

The article presents the spatial components of the development of the national market for cocoa products during the implementation of national goals with an emphasis on the social well-being of Russians. The scientific novelty of the study is the application of spatial analysis methodology to the ordering of the factors of development of the Russian market for cocoa products in the period 2018–2025.

Methods. Within the framework of this study, both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods have been applied, providing an integrated approach to assessing the structure and dynamics of the cocoa market. The study used methods of statistical analysis, content analysis and a comparative approach.

Results. There are two groups of factors that correspond to two levels of the territorial hierarchy (national and supranational) — supply factors and security factors. To establish their relationship, the current problems and prospects of the Russian cocoa products supply market, trends in the development of cocoa processing production, the peculiarities of the influence of climatic and geopolitical risks on it, and the cultural and historical features of the formation of supply on the Russian market are highlighted.