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

This article reflects the results of a pharmacokinetic comparison of the reproducible drug based on pimobendan «Avecardit» with the reference drug «Vetmedin S» when used in dogs. The experiment used a sequential study design. A group of experimental dogs was formed, consisting of 7 animals (6 main and 1 reserve animal). Blood sampling was carried out before administration and after 10, 20, 40 min; 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hours after drug administration. Key parameters assessed during the study: maximum concentration (C_max) and time to reach it, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of the active substance of the drug in the blood serum of dogs. The article describes the main stages of the experiment, reagents and standard samples, the process of sample preparation of blood serum samples and HPLC-MS/MS analysis, and presents the results of a study of the bioequivalence of the drugs «Avecardit» and «Vetmedin S».

The time to reach the maximum concentration of pimobendan (T_max) in the blood serum averaged 0.67–1 hour for the drug «Avecardit», 1–1.5 hours for the drug «Vetmedin S».

Maximum blood serum concentrations (C_max) of pimobendan were in the range of 53,995–62,873 ng/ml for the study drug and 49,956–61,108 ng/ml for the reference drug. The 90% confidence intervals for the C_maxT/C_maxR and AUC_0-tT/AUC_0-tR ratios of pimobendan were within the range of 80–125%. The obtained results of the research work, from a scientific point of view, are a sufficient basis for recognizing the pharmacokinetic equivalence of the reproduced drug to the reference one.

Relevance. African swine fever (ASF) is a viral hemorrhagic disease with exceptionally high mortality in members of the family Suidae, with serious economic consequences associated with production losses, trade restrictions and eradication programs. To date, no effective commercial vaccine against ASF has been developed. Of particular interest in the design of candidate vaccines are viral vectors, in particular the adenoassociated virus of the 2nd serotype (AAV2), which has successfully proven itself as a gene therapy agent. We previously reported the ability of rAAV2 to effectively deliver ASF virus genes B646L, E183L, CP530R, CP204L into porcine cells in vitro.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vivo functionality of adenoassociated viruses of the 2nd serotype carrying genes of protectively significant antigens of the African swine fever virus.

Methods. By cloning pairwise combined genes B646L-CP530R, E183L-CP204L into the pAAV-MCS vector, bicistronic constructs with the self-cleaving P2A peptide were created. Assembly of rAAV2 was accomplished by calcium phosphate transfection of AAV293 cells. After iodixanol density gradient purification, rAAV2 was administered to pigs at a dose of 3 × 10¹¹ viral particles and humoral and cellular immunity was assessed for 180 days. The dynamics of antibody genesis were assessed by indirect ELISA, and immunophenotyping of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes was assessed by flow cytometry.

Results. It was found that the developed bicistronic constructs based on rAAV2 are safe and easily tolerated by animals and cause the induction of both humoral and cellular immune responses: the formation of virus-specific antibodies was observed, which persisted until the end of the experiment, as well as increased expression of CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes. The AAV platform we propose is a promising tool for creating a vaccine, however, a comprehensive characterization of rAAV2 can only be compiled after assessing its protective effect.

The article provides a comparative assessment of two experimental samples of the seven-component vaccine KOMBOVAС-A, manufactured with adjuvants ISA 61 and ISA 50, in terms of: antigenic activity (in laboratory and naturally susceptible animals); influence on the formation of colostral immunity in calves when vaccinating pregnant cows, as well as effectiveness in livestock farming conditions unfavorable for the main respiratory and intestinal diseases of calves of viral etiology. It was found that the vaccine sample based on the ISA 61 adjuvant had a higher antigenic activity compared to a similar sample based on the ISA 50 adjuvant, inducing a higher level of synthesis of post-vaccination antibodies. The use of the vaccine in conditions of a dysfunctional livestock farm has reduced the morbidity and mortality of calves, while the vaccine sample made on the basis of ISA 61 oil proved to be more effective.

The effectiveness of animal treatment largely depends on correctly selected veterinary drugs. In recent years, there has been a decrease in the activity of antimicrobial agents against both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. This trend is associated with the natural processes of adaptation of bacteria to living conditions. Once inside the animal’s body, bacterial cells react flexibly to both the immune response and treatment with antimicrobial agents. In cases where medical care was provided with antibiotics with low activity against a specific pathogen, there was a failure to comply with deadlines or deviations from the treatment regimen, some bacterial cells may not only not die, but also acquire drug resistance. Surviving microorganisms can change the type of colonial growth, the shape of the shell (many modern studies are devoted to L-forms of bacteria, which are formed under the influence of unfavorable factors, including antibiotics) or acquire new qualities through mutational changes. It is these processes that drive the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to antimicrobial drugs. As a result, many treatment regimens cease to give the desired result, since they include drugs whose active components do not have the proper bactericidal effect on resistant strains. In order for the treatment of animals to have therapeutic effectiveness, careful monitoring of antimicrobial agents and the compilation of an up-to-date list of them is necessary, based on the active substances and drug resistance of pathogens of infectious diseases. Thus, reviews of effective antibiotic therapy are a current area of veterinary medicine.

Relevance. Currently, scientists are searching for genes associated not only with an increased level of dairy productivity, but also with the preservation of functional longevity and health of cows, with a high level of realization of their genetic potential, as well as with the distinctive quality of dairy products. The available data allow us to consider the leptin gene (LEP) as one of the candidate genes of milk productivity.

Methods. The research was conducted in 2022–2023 on cows of the Kostroma breed (n = 107) bred in the Kostroma region. In cows in the postpartum period, the content of ketone bodies in the blood and genotypes were determined by the R25C locus of the LEP gene. The animals were divided into groups depending on the concentration of ketone bodies in the blood: 1st – 0–1.2 mmol/l, 2nd – above 1.2 mmol/l.

Results. The presence of a predisposition of highly productive cows to ketosis (р < 0.05) was established. The largest number of ketone bodies in the blood was determined in animals of the 2nd group with the LEPCT genotype. However, despite such a small difference, the difference in the frequency distribution of LEP alleles in groups 1 and 2 turned out to be statistically significant (χ² = 63.48, р < 0.001). When testing the hypothesis of a significant dependence of the level of milk productivity on the concentration of ketone bodies in the blood of carriers of the CC genotype, a statistically significant rho value was obtained among cows with the CC genotype, at the level of 0.37 (р = 0.038). The rank correlation between milk yield and ketone body content in carriers of LEPCT and LEPTT genotypes was low and unreliable (р > 0.05). The tendency towards a close relationship between the level of ketone bodies and the fat content in the milk of cows of the TT genotype due to its low concentration in the sample requires further confirmation in a larger sample of cows with this genotype of the leptin gene.

The research was aimed at developing a breeding index to assess the productive longevity of Simmental cows. To conduct the research, a database was formed with a population of 2.500 retired Simmental cows bred in 14 regions of the Russian Federation in 2008–2022. The BLUP Animal Model approach (Best Linear Unbiased Predicted – BLUP, best linear unbiased forecast) was used to assess breeding value, and the basic procedures of the theory of quantitative traits (REML) were used for breeding and genetic parameters. The calculation of breeding value estimates (Estimate Breeding Value – EBV) was carried out using the RENUMF90, REMLF90 and BLUPF90 programs. Animals with the best values of the breeding index showed the most favorable genetic estimates in the complex based on the results of lifelong productivity: milk yield – +1907.92 kg, the amount of fat – +60.54 kg, the amount of protein – +67.25 kg, the number of productive days – +0.98, as well as economic indicators from +86.3 to 56613.9 rubles/head. Due to the calculated correlation coefficients, it can be seen that the index values are reliable and at a high level interrelated with both phenotypic indicators r = +0.62–0.64 and genetic estimates (EBV) r = +0.98–0.99. The calculated data of the breeding index, which includes genetic assessments of animals, as well as the economic contribution of indicators, show themselves to be a convenient tool in breeding work with the population of Simmental cattle.

Currently, full genome association studies and identification of candidate genes for economically useful traits in farm animals are topical, scientifically sound and practice-oriented, and fulfill one of the objectives of the Strategy for Scientific and Technical Development of the Russian Federation. This article presents the results of GWAS on color spectral values of meat and fat tissue of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, known for its meat characteristics of high grade. The animals were genotyped on high-density BovineHD Genotyping BeadChip chips containing ≈53,000 SNPs. After quality control, 39,928 remained. By analysis and structural annotation, 25 and 26 candidate genes for meat and fat color were identified, respectively. According to functional annotation, the genes were categorized into 6 groups: nervous system functions, organ development, vascular, joints, metabolic processes and biosynthesis, cellular processes, muscle, tissue and bone, reproduction and embryonic development. The obtained genes were checked through the Animal QTL database, as a result of which 13 genes were confirmed, of which 3 were localized SNPs, in connection with which the LRP2, SCIN and ANTXR1 genes have advantages for their further application in the molecular diagnostics of cattle not only meat, but also dairy productivity.

Relevance. Genetic analysis using STR markers makes it possible to effectively use various techniques to control the breeding process in a population.

Methods. The material for DNA research was the deep-frozen sperm of 103 bulls-producers of the Kholmogorsky breed, with different blood levels of Holstein cattle belonging to five main genealogical lines. Molecular genetic studies were conducted in the laboratory of DNA technologies at VNIIPlem.

Results. The animals of the VBA (I = 1,557) and Nl (I = 1,556) lines had the maximum genetic diversity, and the Chl lines had the lowest (the indicator is lower by 0.229 (р ≤ 0.05) relative to VBA). A pronounced discrepancy between the observed and expected heterozygosity towards heterozygote deficiency was found among animals of the VBA line (F = 0.173), which is higher by 0.220–0262 relative to RS and Chl (р ≤ 0.01–0.001). The bulls of the Chl and RS lines have an equilibrium shift towards an excess of heterozygosity (F = -0.111 and F = -0.054 respectively). The most related lines are Nl and VBA (DN = 0.097), as well as Nl and Lm (DN = 0.101), and the least VBA and Chl (DN = 0.247), as well as VBA and RS (DN = 0.218). When differentiating the samples by the level of Holstein, it was found that the greatest genetic diversity was characterized by bulls with a blood density of 25–49% (1,633), and the minimum was animals with a degree of Holstein above 74% (which is lower by 0.299–0.334 relative to other samples, р ≤ 0.05–0.01). With an increase in the degree of Holstein, an increase in the level of genetic inbred was observed (in crossbreeds with a bloodline above 74%, the indicator was 0.142–0.229 more (р ≤ 0.05–0.001) compared with other samples).

Relevance. As a result of the scientific and economic experience, materials were obtained characterizing the peculiarities of consumption and assimilation of nutrients in the diet of sheep, depending on genotypic affiliation and castration.

Methodology. In order to perform the experiment, groups of experimental young animals were selected: I – Gypsy breed (sheep), II – ½ Tsigai × ½ edilbai (sheep), III – Tsigai breed (boulders), IV – ½ Tsigai × ½ edilbai (boulders).

Results. The effect of genotype and castration on the amount of consumed and digested nutrients has been established, which in turn affects their digestibility in the body and the formation of meat products. It is enough to note that crossbred rams and boulders having the genotype ½ Qigai × ½ edilbai surpassed purebred analogues in consumption of dry matter by 237.6 g (14.5%) and 227.5 g (8.15), organic matter – by 220.4 g (14.55%) and 200.0 g (14.2%), in digestion (assimilation) dry matter by 173.0 g (16.1%) and 167.8 g (16.8%), organic matter by 158.9 g (15.5%) and 152.5 g (16.2%). At the same time, both purebred and crossbred boulders were characterized by the lowest indicators.

Relevance. The production of fermented feed is associated with the need to change and improve the digestibility of nutrients in both ruminants and other animals. The use of the fermentation process significantly affects the level of pathogenic microorganisms in the feed. In recent years, much attention has been paid to the development of bacterial starter cultures that regulate microbiological processes during silage.

The aim of the study was to study the nutritional changes of fermented feed (silage) using bacterial starter cultures «Silostan» and probiotic drug «Lactobifadol forte».

Metods. Research objects: «Silostan» – a feed additive for silage of vegetable raw materials; probiotic, which is used to restore microflora and digestion in animals, «Lactobifadol forte» for cattle.

Results. The preparation of corn silage with the introduction of a complex bacterial starter culture «Silostan» and «Lactobifadol forte» contributes to the better preservation of dry matter and nutrients in the feed product. The use of corn silage with the introduction of starter cultures, compared with self-preservation in the diet of cattle, increases the adhesion of rumen microorganisms to feed particles and, as a result, will lead to better digestibility of feed nutrients and increase nutrient availability and productivity.

Relevance. Molybdenum is an essential micronutrient element necessary for plant growth and development. In addition to the fact that molybdenum is part of hormones and enzymes, in legumes it improves nitrogen fixation and nitrogen nutrition, increases the efficiency of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, thereby increasing productivity.

The purpose of this work is to assess the effect of pre–sowing seed treatment with various doses of molybdenum on the yield of pea grain.

The experiments were carried out in 2019–2023 in the conditions of the Cis-Ural steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The material for the study was the pea cultivar Pamyati Popova.

Methods. An ammonium molybdate solution at a dose of 10, 25, 40, 55 g of molybdenum per 1 kg of seeds was used for pre-sowing treatment. Phenological observations, determination of the completeness of germination and plant height, analysis of the yield structure were carried out in accordance with the methodology of the state cultivar testing of agricultural crops.

Results. It was found that pre-sowing treatment of pea seeds of the cultivar Pamyati Popova with molybdenum at a dose of 40 and 55 g/c compared to the control resulted in a reliable (p ≤ 0.05) increase in field germination, safety of plants for harvesting, the number of nodules on 10 plants and their weight. As a result of processing pea seeds with molybdenum at doses of 25, 40 and 55 g/c, the number of beans per plant increased by 5.7–11.4%, the number of seeds per plant – by 13.2–19.5%, grain yield – by 7.3–10.7% compared with the control. Thus, in our experiments, pre-sowing treatment of seeds with molybdenum at a dose of 25–40 g/c was optimal for increasing the value of pea grain yield.

Relevance. Modern raspberry varieties (Rubus idaeus L.) have great potential for cultivation using Long Cane technology.

Methods. The study compared raspberry varieties Ovation, Wengi, and Vajolet. Seedlings were obtained from root cuttings, then grown from April 2021 to July 2022 for the summer harvest and from April 2022 to October 2022 for the fall harvest.

Results. It has been established that varietal characteristics and the fruiting period significantly affect the indicators. The largest fruits are in the Wengi variety (length 25.5 mm, diameter 24.3 mm, weight 7.2 g), the smallest are in the Ovation variety (length 22.2 mm, diameter 22.5 mm, weight 4.9 g). When observing varieties at different ripening periods, it was found that the fruit length (27.3 mm) and fruit weight (8.3 mm) during the summer fruiting period are maximum in the Wengi variety, and minimum in the Vajolet variety. The amount of sugar ranges from 11 to 13°Bx, the percentage of ripe fruits from 84.5 to 94.5. The difference between the Wengi and Ovation varieties in terms of vegetative characteristics at different growing periods has been reliably proven. During the summer fruiting period, the yield per shoot for Wengi was 2615 g, for Vajolet – 485 g. The Wengi variety was distinguished by its maximum length (27.3 mm) and fruit weight (8.3 g). Based on all the indicators, the most promising varieties for summer fruiting are Wengi and Vajolet, and for autumn fruiting – Ovation.

Relevance. Analyzing the modern requirements of agricultural producers of livestock products for varieties of perennial forage crops, we can identify a number of their main criteria. These are economically valuable traits (high yield, quality indicators, disease resistance), and the length of years spent in grass, and most importantly, high adaptability to the biotic and abiotic environmental factors in which this crop is cultivated.

Methods. In the study, which included two stages, an analysis was carried out in a collection nursery of eleven cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) samples from the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) (St. Petersburg) of various ecological and geographical origins, geographically related to the northern, arctic region of the Russian Federation (2016–2018) and four numbers of the breeding nursery selected for further testing (2020–2022) according to environmental parameters plasticity, stability and adaptability.

Results. Based on the results of research in 2016–2018 of a promising forage cocksfoot crop, it was established that the most valuable breeding material for further hybridization are the varieties Dvina (Russia)  and Haka (Finland), which showed a high average yield of two cuttings of green mass – 20.0–20.5 t/ha. Of the cultivars under consideration in 2020–2022, CH-185 (bi – 0.94, σd2 – 0.93) was classified as the most plastic and stable; sample CH-188 (Xsr. – 42.9 t/ha) exceeded the standard Neva (Russia) variety in terms of dry weight yield for two mowing by 2.1 t/ha, and in terms of yield seeds – 40.5 g/m².

Relevance. The application of new techniques in the technology of cannabis cultivation is an important direction for the stabilization and growth of the efficiency of the hemp industry. The selection of the optimal seeding rate in combination with non-root treatment with an ordinary seeding method will solve the issue of realizing the productivity potential of a new variety of Lyudmila seeded hemp.

Methods. In order to optimize the cultivation methods of a new variety of cannabis Lyudmila, studies were conducted in accordance with the methodological guidelines for registration tests of fungicides in agriculture, methodological guidelines for production testing of research and development. The indicators of photosynthetic activity of plants in crops were determined by the method of A.A. Nichiporovich. The mathematical processing of experimental data was carried out by the method of dispersion analysis.

Results. Field germination was 66–75% of the laboratory, plant safety was higher at a seeding rate of 3 million/ha (220.4 pcs/m²). The leaf area was increased in variants with a seeding rate of 2.0 and 2.5 million/ha due to optimal plant placement. Non-root treatments with «Izagri Phosphorus» and «Humate+7» preparations increased the leaf area during all stages of ontogenesis. Non-root treatments and seeding rates affected the accumulation of total and long fiber – high yields of stems (11.9–15.9 t/ha) and fiber (3.43–5.04 t/ha) were obtained using the «Izagri Phosphorus» treatment option. The thickening of the stem increased the yield of the stems to 14.96 t/ha, and the yield of total fiber to 4.56 t/ha. The maximum seed yield (on average 1.0 t/ha) was obtained when sowing with a seeding rate of 2.0 million/ha, with the addition of non-root top dressing, the yield increased by 6.7–23.6%.

Relevance. The use of mineral fertilizers helps to improve soil fertility, stimulates the growth and development of plants, which is achieved due to the availability of necessary nutrients. In turn, it is important to observe the correct application of fertilizers, which allows you to control the level of nutrients in the soil, preventing both their excess and deficiency. Currently, the main application of fertilizers falls on complex mineral fertilizers, while one of their disadvantages is that they may contain nutrients that will not be in demand by the plant, which can lead to a violation of the ecological balance. One of the solutions to this problem is the use of flour mixtures. When using mixtures, the determining factor is the uniformity of mixing, which is largely determined by the equipment used. In this regard, the urgent task is to develop a mixing equipment that meets the necessary indicators.

Methods. During the research, the processes occurring in the mixing chamber of the developed mixing plant were studied using methods of mathematical analysis, graphical and mathematical modeling.

Results. As a result of the research, it was found that during the operation of the mixing plant, the mixing quality is determined by the rotation frequency of the conical rotor. At the same time, the granules of mineral fertilizers after leaving the conical rotor, pouring into the collecting funnel, continue their movement along a spiral trajectory. During the movement of the granules along the surface of the rotating cone, as well as when moving through the funnel, their trajectories will intersect with each other, which will lead to their active mixing.

Relevance. Vegetation indices (VI) indices allow one to correlate the estimated signs of growth vigor of a grape plant with productivity values in different periods of phenophases. Grapes respond especially subtly to conditions of weather and climate changes and abnormal weather manifestations. For monitoring vineyards, NDVI is the most effective. The use of Sentinel-2 satellite data in monitoring vineyards has shown high efficiency throughout the entire growing season, and in many countries research is underway on the use of VI to assess the development and productivity of vineyards.

The aim of the work is to find the optimal formula for calculating the productivity of a grape plant based on the values of NDVI.

Methods. Stationary field experience of agrobiological characteristics of grape plantations, processing of digital images of spectral channels of the Sentinel-2 satellite platform. Digital image processing and calculation of NDVI VI were carried out in the GIS SNAP Desktop.

Results. Based on the VI values, the phenological periods of the grape planting were determined to calculate the predicted yield. The presence of a close relationship between vegetation indices, crown density and yield makes it possible to determine the strength of development of grape plants during phenological periods using multispectral satellite images. The developed method for assessing the predicted yield based on the NDVI VI of a grape plant in the phenophases of flowering and growth allows one to calculate the predicted yield with high accuracy in relation to the actual one.

Relevance. Developing the concept of optimal healthy nutrition increases the demand for the development and production of fortified and functional food products. We propose to use plant-based drinks as a food system for obtaining a probiotic product, which is a source of a number of nutrients. Because the environment in plants isn’t usually good for growing lactic acid bacteria, it’s important to look into different ways to start lactic acid fermentation in these kinds of places.

The purpose of these studies is to evaluate ways to intensify the fermentation process of a vegetable drink with a complex starter culture «Bifido plus».

Мethods. Research methods include assessment of the increase in microbial biomass, accumulation of lactic acid and exopolysaccharides, and changes in acidity and viscosity of the probiotic drink.

Results. The possibility of adaptation of the starter «Bifido Plus» in a plant environment was established, and ultrasonic exposure and the addition of inulin promoted the activation of the fermentation process. In particular, the addition of inulin shortens the lag phase by 0.85 ± 0.05 hours, and exposure to ultrasound treatment increases it by 2.1 ± 0.2 hours. At the same time, the subsequent increase in the volume of biomass accumulation in the sample of the probiotic drink subjected to ultrasound exposure was 60–313% and 28–44% under the influence of inulin. The introduction of inulin and exposure to ultrasound also activate a change in titratable acidity, on average, by 3–15%, the accumulation of lactic acid by 38.7–68%, and the accumulation of exopolysaccharides by 27.3–58.8% relative to the control sample. So, the research results show that ultrasound and inulin can be used to start the fermentation process in plant media. The research was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) within the framework of project 23-26-10063.