Farm Animal Production Research Articles

Exploring the path of development of international trade of agricultural products in the context of digitalization

Abstract Agriculture is the foundation of the national economy, and Chinese agriculture in the digital background should realize the intelligent management of agricultural production To improve the efficiency of international trade of Chinese agricultural products and help Chinese agricultural products occupy a larger share in the international market, this paper takes the clustering algorithm and agricultural IoT technology as the research method applies the improved spectral clustering algorithm for processing agricultural data to extract research data and perform data correction, simulates and evaluates the performance of the algorithm through agricultural IoT data pooling and simulation analysis, and uses the chance routing performance index as the main judgment The variance results are derived from the criteria. The data show that the production of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery has developed qualitatively in the digital background, and the total output value reached 122,874.96 billion yuan in 2021, and the total grain production reached 73,000,000 tons in 2021, with obvious export advantages. The export value of agricultural products has grown from $48.98 billion in 2010 to $85.06 billion in 2021, and the export value of China’s agricultural products exceeded $70 billion in 2014, making China’s international trade in agricultural products fruitful. Based on this, this paper explores the multifaceted achievements and future development path of international trade in agricultural products in the context of digitalization, intending to contribute its share to China’s international trade in agricultural products.

The productivity of farm animals depending on the forms of management

One of the promising sectors of agricultural sector is production of livestock products, provision of high-quality food products, as well as goods for export purposes, and creation of state reserves. The development of livestock production sector, increasing productivity of animals and regulating domestic meat market, which is integrating into the world economy in the conditions of the EAEU, are the subject of research by domestic and foreign scientists. Purpose – the article is devoted to the study of economic efficiency of economic entities operating in the te rritory of Kazakhstan, their potential aimed at improving genetic indicators and increasing the number of livestock and poultry. Methods – statistical, comparisons and generalizations, logical approach to presentation. Results – the authors state an increase in the number of cattle and at the same time still low milk yields due to the concentration mainly in personal subsidiary plots with an insufficient level of selection and breeding work and introduction of new technologies. The authors consider some aspects related to the use of various breeds, in particular the dairy direction, based on the conversion rate, milk yield per 1 cow. A comparative analysis of productivity of new types and breeds of domestic selection revealed that the average milk yield per animal per lactation is 4.5-5.5 thousand kg compared to the prevailing in the republic in all categories of farms – 2.0-2.5 thousand kg Conclusions – the country has large areas of natural pastures, is traditionally a grain exporter, which contributes to the achievement of significant results in obtaining competitive beef both by increasing the number of meat contingent, obtaining high-quality breed resources, and by intensifying technologies, innovations, expanding the scale of fattening, increasing the mass of young animals sold for meat.

DYNAMIC PROCESSES OF A HAND-HELD MOTORIZED MOWER DURING THE START OF THE MOWING PROCESS

From the point of view of revitalization of agrarian processes in our country, the perspective of its development showed us that animal husbandry remains one of the priority sectors, which is due to the production of animal husbandry products. Based on this, the problem of producing rough feed for mining conditions remains a problematic issue in small farms and peasant farms, where it is impossible to use large-capacity machines and food production is still done manually. The purpose of the research is the methodology of calculating the internal dynamic processes of a small power hand motorized rotary mower during the start of the mowing work process. The scientific paper presents the dynamic load of a small power hand motorized mower at the moment of starting mowing, which is highly dependent on the work of the working body, so as to perform the mowing process with quality and less losses.

Study on the Relationship between Economic Growth of Animal Husbandry and Carbon Emission Based on Logarithmic Average Index Method and Decoupling Model: A Case Study of Heilongjiang Province

With the establishment of the action plan for the goal of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, how to achieve high-quality agricultural development, help implement the construction of the green Longjiang River, reduce agricultural carbon emissions, and increase the level of agricultural carbon sink is a key problem that must be solved for Heilongjiang Province to achieve the goal of “double carbon”. This article uses the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to estimate the carbon emissions of animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province and 13 cities from 2000 to 2020. By constructing the Tapio decoupling model, Kaya identity, and the LMDI model, the relationship between animal husbandry economy and carbon emissions in Heilongjiang Province and the driving factors affecting animal husbandry carbon emissions are explored. The results indicate that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the carbon emissions of animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province showed an overall slightly upward trend. From the perspective of various emission links, the highest carbon emissions are from the gastrointestinal fermentation environment (42.49%), with beef cattle, cows, and live pigs being the main livestock and poultry in Heilongjiang Province with carbon emissions. (2) The Tapio decoupling model results indicated that from 2000 to 2020, the relationship between the economic development of animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province and carbon emissions was mainly characterized by weak decoupling. (3) The main driving force behind the continuous increase in carbon emissions from animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province is the changing factors of agricultural population returns and changes in the production structure of animal husbandry; The driving factors that suppress the increase in carbon emissions from animal husbandry in Heilongjiang Province are changes in animal husbandry production efficiency, population and urban development levels, and population mobility factors. Finally, based on the decoupling effect status and driving factors of decomposition between Heilongjiang Province and its various cities, it is recommended to implement countermeasures and suggestions for the transformation of animal husbandry in the province towards green and low carbon at the macro level. This can be achieved through the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly practices such as the use of renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, promoting research and development in sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry can also contribute to the transformation towards a more environmentally friendly industry.

Association of coenzyme Q9 (COQ9) gene polymorphism with traits of reproductive qualities of holstein cows

The paper presents the results in 2019-2022 of studying the associations of polymorphism of the coenzyme Q9 (COQ9) gene, which a ects the energy and metabolic processes in the body, with traits of the reproductive qualities of Holstein heifers. The experimental population was selected from animal analogues (251 heads).DNA testing of allelic polymorphism G → A (guanine → adenine) of the COQ9 gene, which results in changes in oxidative phosphorylation, that a ects the respiratory function of mitochondria, was carried out by PCR-RFLP. Two alleles (A - 0.604; G - 0.396) and three genotypes (AA - 36.6 %; AG - 48.2 %; GG - 15.5 %) have been identi ed, in the COQ9 - BstMB I gene locus, that indicates genetic biodiversity populations. The chi-square takes on a value well below the critical value (0.05). The population is in genetic equilibrium according to the Hardy- Weinberg law. The traits of the reproductive ability of cows (251 animals) of di erent genetic groups of the COQ9 gene have been studied. An analysis of the relationship between fertility rates and genotypes of the COQ9 gene showed that individuals with the COQ9AA genotype were characterized by increased live weight during insemination and at calving. Animals with the COQ9AG genotype were characterized by a later age of the rst fruitful insemination, while the number of sperm doses spent on them was minimal. The same group of heifers had the shortest calving interval, open day and service period and, as a result, a greater yield of live calves, a high fertility index of Dohi and a reproductive ability coe cient. The data presented in our research prove the in uence of genetic factors on the reproductive qualities of cattle, which makes it possible to develop systems for managing the productivity of farm animals based on the use of molecular genetics methods

Possibilities to increase the Economic Efficiency of the Intensification of the Production of Animal Husbandry Products at the CJSC “Tokhmakayan” of the Askeran Region of the Republic of Artsakh

Key words: intensity level, cost of gross product, output of gross product, profit, labor costs, stock ratio, working capital turnover ratio, feeding ration For the effective organization of production, the study of the climatic conditions of the region is of great importance. The latter makes it possible to choose the activities of the areas corresponding to those conditions, for which there are the most favorable conditions. Therefore, in the article, we have given a brief description of the cattle station of Askeran region. In the article, we presented the company’s production resource potential, the main indicators of production and economic activity. Since land is the main means of cultivation in agriculture, we have presented the composition and structure of the company’s land fund and investigated the purpose of its use. While raising the issues of intensification, we could not but touch on the composition and structure of fixed and circulating assets. Therefore, we have presented the existing fixed and working capital of the company, their composition and structure and the level of use. We have made appropriate calculations and analysis regarding the indicators related to the effectiveness of the use of fixed and working capital. In the article, we have presented the labor and household resources available to the enterprise, the indicators of the possible use of the annual fund of working time, the wage fund, the average monthly wage, on which we have made relevant analyses. Intensification includes all the most important economic aspects of the organization and has a direct impact on the final production results. Intensification indicators should be as complete as possible and should accurately reflect the actual state of production, the level of development and the degree of intensity.

Agriculture system: structure and features of functioning

The article examines the theoretical foundations of the agro-food system (AFS) formation and a comprehensive description of its constituent elements, which include the evolution of scientific concepts, principles, and priority tasks in the aspect of implementing the principles of sustainable development. Approaches to understanding the category of AFS are summarized, a system that covers the processes of production, distribution, exchange and consumption of goods, as well as connections and relations between producers and consumers of material goods and services. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the principles of the formation and development of the AFS in the context of sustainable development paradigm and sustainability in order to ensure food security of the country and the world based on the structural and functional definition of its constituent elements and highlighting the interdependence and interrelationships between them. The general concept of AFS is presented and it is roposed to determine its sustainability on the basis of the concept of sustainable development, provision of conditions for the extended reproductive process of resources, rational placement of agricultural production and balanced development of crop and animal husbandry. AFS models are summarized and similarities and differences between them are highlighted in terms of organization of activities, consumer behavior, etc. The AFS is considered on the basis of the structural and functional content of its components and the main participants are characterized, whose activities are aimed at ensuring the reproduction process, the formation of a self-sufficient food balance and a reasonable amount of export potential. The classification features of the AFS as an integrated multi-sectoral system are summarized and its main characteristics are outlined in the aspect of realizing the socio-ecological and economic goals of sustainable development. The definition of the AFS as a set of business entities that carry out business processes and activities from the production of agricultural products to their consumption, processing and disposal of waste in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, which contributes to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), is proposed. A multi-level system of the AFS is presented, which allows for a comprehensive analysis to identify dependencies, connections and influences between its participants. Key words: agro-food system (AFS), production and marketing chain, sustainable AFS, AFS participants, business processes, traditional AFS, modern AFS, mixed AFS.

The Impact of Internet Use on Production Efficiency of Animal Husbandry: Based on the Evidence of 340 Herdsmen in Inner Mongolia, China

Production efficiency is a standard to evaluate the high-quality development of animal husbandry. As an important tool for herdsmen to collect and use information for animal husbandry production and innovation, the internet is not only an inner motivation for improvement of production efficiency but also an important engine for transformation of animal husbandry modernization. It is of practical significance to analyze the impact of internet use on the production efficiency of animal husbandry from the micro-level. This paper, based on the survey data of 340 herdsmen in Inner Mongolia, adopts the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) model to measure the production efficiency of animal husbandry and selects the Tobit model and moderation effect model to analyze the relationship between internet use and animal husbandry production efficiency under the influence of different capitals. Results show that the production efficiency of animal husbandry is relatively low and internet use has a positive and statistically significant effect on production efficiency; moreover, social capital and financial capital have a negative moderation effect when internet use affects production efficiency. Our findings suggest that the use of internet technology should be paid more attention in order to increase the production efficiency of grass-based animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia.

Ecologically Unequal Exchange and Farm Animal Welfare: An Empirical Analysis Using the Voiceless Animal Cruelty Index

ABSTRACT Ecologically unequal exchange theory explains that unequal trade arrangements between higher- and lower-income countries result in greater environmental degradation in lower-income countries. Farm animals are sometimes neglected by sociology because of their unique place between nature and society. Here, we extend ecologically unequal exchange theory to analyze trade relationships between higher- and lower-income countries and farm animal cruelty, using data from 2014. Results from regression analyses show that contrary to what we would expect based on ecologically unequal exchange theory, higher levels of exports to high-income countries from low- and middle-income countries is associated with lower overall farm animal cruelty and production of farm animal cruelty. We suggest that this may be the result of spillover effects, where the types of legislation meant to improve farm animal welfare passed in high-income countries are affecting lower-income countries, and call for more research into animal welfare, including research that examines changes over time as data become available.

Productive parameters of rabbits fed with additives containing lactic and succinic acid, amino acid and vitamins

Prebiotics are an effective technological element of increasing the productivity of animal husbandry. Currently, prebiotics are being broadly used in cuniculture. Those drugs are a promising means of stimulating growth and development of animals. Prebiotics optimize the metabolic processes and increase the level of nutrient metabolism. Our studies revealed the effect of a prebiotic drug, which contains lactic and succinic acids, aminoacids, vitamins А, В1, В2, В3, Е, on the growth intensity of rabbits. The studies were performed on the young 34 to 160-days-old rabbits of the Hyplus meat hybrid. Animals of the control group were fed ad libitum with full-diet granulated mixed feeds and had free access to water. Animals of the experimental groups were fed feeds of the control-group diet, supplemented by prebiotic additive Prebiolakt-Kr in the doses of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/kg of the live weight. Every 14 days during the feeding period, the growth intensity of the rabbits was controlled according to individual live weight and average daily increment. Addition of Prebiolakt-Kr to the rabbits’ diet increased the live weight of animals by the end of feeding. We verified and confirmed the positive effect of the prebiotic on the intensity of growth and development of the growing rabbits. According to the absolute increment, the advantage over the rabbits in the control accounted for 7.9–11.9%. Feeding the supplement increased the meat volumes of the rabbits. Also, Prebiolakt-Kr added to the diet caused higher chest girth/diagonal body length index. The animals that were receiving the prebiotic feed supplement used the diet more effectively and had better metabolism of nutrients. The studies revealed a dose-dependent effect of prebiotic on the growth intensity of the rabbits. At the same time, the best stimulating action was displayed by supplementing the diet of the young rabbits by 2.0 and 2.5 g/ind. of Prebiolakt-Kr. The conducted studies have confirmed the benefits of using prebiotic drugs in rabbit husbandry, which improve metabolism and increase body-weight gain.

Commercial laying hens exhibit long-term consistent individual differences and behavioural syndromes in spatial traits.

Past research has supported the importance of animal personalities for the productivity and welfare of farm animals. However, current assessments of personality traits are commonly conducted over short periods using standardized assays and may not reflect all important aspects of behaviours in commercial settings throughout the production period. This study aimed to evaluate consistent behavioural differences between 194 commercial laying hens within an aviary across most of the production period (eight months). We used five spatial behaviours related to various aspects of commercial hens' daily routine, including the sleeping, feeding, nesting, indoor movements and outdoor usage. All behaviours were repeatable over time and across contexts, with consistent differences between individuals explaining between 23% and 66% of the variation. These long-term consistencies revealed the potential applicability of the behaviours as personality traits of commercial hens. Moreover, we identified behavioural syndromes comprising all behaviours except the nesting-related behaviour, indicating two axes of spatial personalities that may be driven by different mechanisms. We discussed the significance of such individual differences in using personality traits to breed more resilient farm animals. Future research should evaluate associations of these behaviours with animal welfare and productivity to inform breeding efforts.

Consumer trust and willingness to pay for establishing a market-based animal welfare assurance scheme for broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to examine Finnish consumers' preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for measures to improve broiler chicken welfare and to examine how familiarity with animal production farms, trust in food system actors, and views concerning the responsibility for animal welfare were associated with the WTP. A survey instrument, including a choice experiment, to study consumer preferences for food quality attributes was developed. The survey data were analyzed using a latent class model and logistic regression analysis. The results suggested that Finnish consumers tend to have a positive WTP for improvements in farm animal welfare (FAW) in broiler production, although WTP varied by consumer segment. Five different consumer groups with different levels of WTP for specific welfare attributes were identified. The highest WTP was estimated for an additional space allowance for the birds and enhanced litter quality monitoring at the farm. In conclusion, there is demand for animal welfare labeled broiler chicken among Finnish consumers. However, consumer expectations are heterogeneous, and different strategies can appeal to different segments. While one consumer segment prioritizes FAW over price, another segment emphasizes low-priced products and considers mid-market products appealing. Moreover, public policies are an important tool for enhancing FAW for a large proportion of consumers, and public actions are therefore warranted. Finally, engaging with animal protection organizations (as mediators) and being open to consumers can be an effective strategy to build confidence in premium products.

Causality of Salmonellosis and Antibiotic Resistance Assessment in Shirak Marz 2014-2022

Introduction Over the past eight years, salmonella infections in Armenia have shown an upward trend. To clarify the causality, epidemiological patterns and features, as well as to assess the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics, an epidemiological study and analysis of cases registered in the Shirak region were conducted. Methods Laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis were studied by methods of retrospective epidemiological and computer statistical analysis. A 20-year regression analysis of salmonellosis infection was performed using Arc-GIS. In the period from 2014 to 2022, we collected samples of 384 cases of salmonellosis registered in 119 communities of the Shirak Marz. Classical methods revealed subtypes of the pathogen and sensitivity to antibiotics. Results During the study, out of 3257 cases of acute intestinal infection in 119 communities, Salmonella enteritidis was confirmed in 295(9.1%) of cases, and Salmonella typhimurium was confirmed in 89(2.7%). Among the respondents, the probability of infection in those who consume animal products is 4.3 times higher (RO=4.3) than in those who are not related to farm animal products: We found that the study expanded the areas of integrated risk associated with the breeding of farm animals. In 2014.in 2022, 48 diagnoses of salmonellosis of animal origin were confirmed in 7 communities, and in 2022 - 140 cases in 19 communities (the territorial risk increased by 2.9 times). Sensitivity to antibiotics is high- 52.6%, especially to Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline. Patients consume the meat, eggs and dairy products of their animals. They are given antibiotics for growth and disease treatment. 136 patients (35.4%) had moderate and severe intoxication 39 and high fever. Only 11.9% of patients with moderate and severe gastroenterocolitic poisoning and fever of 39 degrees or higher are treated with antibiotics. Of the patients, 73% are people aged 3 to 62 years. Gender peculiarities are not observed: 48% of patients are men, 52% are women. Conclusion The risk associated with the nutritional factor: RO=4.3. The number of cases of the disease increased by 2.9 times and the number of communities by 2.7 times compared to 2014, due to an increase in breeding of farm animals. A 3,5-4-year periodicity for Salmonelozis was identified. A negative result is the misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals, which also ensures the high sensitivity of the antibiotics used. Industry coordination requires a systematic approach and constant monitoring within One Health.

Design Al Amin Science Animal Husbandry Area and GAHP-Based Industrial Park (Living Lab) in Kutalimbaru Sub-District

Al Amin Science and Industrial Park (Living Lab) is an area that is projected to become a field laboratory and workshop center that accommodates all study programs at UNPAB. This area is also planned to become Ecoedutourism. One of the functions that will be developed in this area is the Animal husbandry area. Facing AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) 2015 in the food sector, especially Animal husbandry products, strict standardization is needed so that the concept of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) needs to be applied. Thus, a good planning of supporting building design concepts is needed in the Al Amin Science and Industrial Park (Living Lab) Animal husbandry area by considering GAHP (Good Anima Husbandry Practice). The implementation of GAHP aims to ensure that the Animal husbandry products produced are safe for consumption with the right quality and appropriate for consumers, while also ensuring that the Animal husbandry products are produced in the right way without causing environmental loss/damage, health, safety and welfare of workers in the Animal husbandry sector. The purpose of this study is to produce the design of supporting buildings in the Animal husbandry area of Al Amin Science and Industrial Park (Living Lab) based on GAHP. The results of this design are expected to be a direction for the development of supporting buildings in the Animal husbandry area of Al Amin Science and Industrial Park (Living Lab). Keywords: Animal husbandry Area; Design; GAHP; Living Lab; Kutalimbaru

The effectiveness of the use of feed additives "AGROFIT PRO" in the diets of piglets

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of a multi-enzyme feed additive "AGROFIT PRO" on the safety, live weight gain, feed conversion and morpho-biochemical blood parameters of piglets of the rearing group. The investigated additive contains at its core the enzyme phytase and a complex of NPS enzymes, a strain-producer of Penicillium verruculosum, as well as fillers: corn starch; sodium chloride. It is used to improve the digestibility of feed, increase the safety of growth and productivity of farm animals. To set up the experiment, four groups (three experimental and one control) of piglets, 56 heads each, were formed, which were kept in a specialized farm room for the rearing group. During the experiment, all piglets were in identical conditions of keeping and feeding. The research results showed that the safety of piglets in the first and second experimental groups was at the level of 100%, and in the control and third experimental groups it was 96.4%. The increase in the experimental group was 3.8%, 1.2% and 0.3% compared to the control group, and in the experimental groups there was a decrease in feed conversion by 2.1% and 3.4%. Based on the obtained data of the general analysis of the whole blood of piglets, it can be concluded that there are no allergic reactions, pathological and inflammatory processes in the body when giving the experimental animals the studied feed additive. When conducting biochemical studies of blood serum, all the studied parameters were within the intraspecies norms; according to the results of the study, there was no negative effect of the feed additive on the organ systems of the experimental animals under test. A statistically significant difference was recorded between the control and the third experimental group in terms of creatinine, which was higher by 12.9%, and triglycerides by 34.9%.

Enzymes and their application in the diets of pigs

Complete and nutritionally balanced feed is an essential factor in increasing the productivity of farm animals at the current stage of animal husbandry development. Feed must satisfy the animals' need for nutrients and biologically active substances (BAS) because the lack of certain nutrients leads to increased feed consumption per production unit and failure to achieve the planned productivity. Adding exogenous enzymes to pig diets is an alternative solution to increase nutritional energy and fiber digestibility to improve pig production at low production costs and reduce environmental impact through reduced nitrogen and phosphorus emission. Feeding enzymes as part of enzyme preparations in the formula of compound feed improves its assimilation. As a result, enzymes positively affect the productive characteristics of farm animals and poultry. Enzyme preparations are used to increase the efficiency of feed nutrients in animal husbandry. They supplement the body's enzymes and significantly accelerate the breakdown of feed nutrients, increasing the completeness of the assimilation of feed components. Moreover, enzyme substances positively affect the health of animals, reducing the risk of disease and strengthening their immunity. Unlike hormones and biostimulants, enzymes do not affect the body of animals and birds. However, they directly affect feed components in the gastrointestinal tract, where they accumulate in poultry and livestock products. Including enzyme preparations in the composition of the compound, feed helps reduce the effect of substances that interfere with the assimilation of nutrients. Today, modern fodder enzyme preparations help realize animals' genetic potential by supplementing the enzyme activity of their enzymes of animals and poultry in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, animals and poultry receive additional nutrients, so the livestock becomes more uniform in terms of live weight and productivity. Thus, when used and added to feed farm animals and poultry, enzymes have no disadvantages. They increase the digestibility and assimilation of feed nutrients, eliminate or reduce the negative impact of anti-nutrients, and contribute to the replenishment of digestive enzymes in young animals and poultry. Future studies should focus on the interaction between production steps, diet composition, enzyme origin, and the number of added enzymes.

SOME ASPECTS OF USING THE MEANS OF THE STATE BUDGET TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

The main purpose of this article is to describe the theoretical features of state regulation of agriculture in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as a comprehensive assessment of food security in Kazakhstan. Abstract-logical, monographic, economic, and statistical methods, as well as General scientific methods: synthesis, analysis, comparison, generalization were used in the study. The scientific article reveals the essence of food security of territorial communities, as well as indicators that affect the level of development of the agro-industrial complex, ensuring this security. The main conclusion of this article is to study the theoretical aspects and main tasks of food security, as well as to assess the food security of Kazakhstan based on indicators. In Kazakhstan, the agro-industrial complex is gradually developing, in some areas of agriculture significant progress is observed compared to the previous 10 years. In crop production, the transition from the production of monocultures, mainly wheat, to the diversification of the crop structure in favor of oil crops, fodder and other crops is gradually developing. There are also positive trends in the production of fruit crops. In the country, which has experienced serious problems in the last two decades, the breeding composition of agricultural animals in animal husbandry is mainly improving. The production of domestic animal husbandry products also tends to positive development, which is confirmed by data on the volume of meat and dairy products produced in the country.

AGRICULTURE OF THE VOLOGDA REGION

В статье приведены показатели производства продукции растениеводства и животноводства АПК Вологодской области, а также инвестиции в сельское хозяйство. Показана роль эффективных методов хозяйствования, использование инновационных технологий для повышения качества получаемой продукции в АПК региона. The article provides indicators of production of crop production and animal husbandry in the agro-industrial complex of the Vologda region, as well as investments in agriculture. The role of effective management methods, the use of innovative technologies to improve the quality of the products obtained in the agro-industrial complex of the region is shown.

Local People Standings on Existing Farm Animal Welfare Legislation in the BRIC Countries and the USA. Comparison with Western European Legislation

ABSTRACT This study explored the demand for improved farm animal welfare (FAW) legislation in the BRIC countries and the USA. Results are discussed in comparison to Europe. Interviewees ranked their willingness to support or oppose introduction of more FAW-friendly laws in their country. A multinomial logistic regression was fit to the data (p < 0.001), with the parameters “country × gender” (p < 0.001) and “country × age” (p < 0.001) found significant. Americans, Russian women, and older Brazilian men are very supportive. The age effect is also felt in India, where older people are more supportive. Chinese, American men, and younger Indians are less supportive. Russian males are the group that oppose the most, followed by younger Brazilians and Indians. The law and its application vary a lot between countries. Nevertheless, the societal willingness to improve FAW legislation is high in all countries. The willingness is higher in Europe. The different cultural backgrounds, the socio-economic factors, and the social, economic, and environmental sustainability are enough reasons to create barriers to policy harmonization in the global trade of farm animal products.

Contribution of Climate-Smart Forage and Fodder Production for Sustainable Livestock Production and Environment: Lessons and Challenges from Ethiopia

Sustainable farm animal raising is dependent on the production of sufficient quantities and quality of forages and fodder, especially in dry regions. Improved forage and feed species are an option for these aspects because adequate feed resources enhance soil health and carbon, generate income, and reduce emissions. Therefore, the purpose of this review paper was to investigate the role of climate-smart forage production in sustaining farm animal production and maintaining the environment in arid and semiarid regions. Seasonal fluctuations in feed supply cause temporal scarcity in Ethiopia, with more acute gaps in dry periods, particularly in drought-prone regions. To address these problems in the country, improve forages to strengthen farm productivity, climate change resilience, and environmental sustainability, particularly in arid and semiarid areas. The country has a long history and is of some exemplary practices in indigenous improved forage production, but the input of improved forage to the total biomass production in feed resources is still low due to many factors like scarcity of land and water for irrigation, lack of awareness, forage seed, and policy recommendations. Despite the potential profits of feed and forage grasses and legumes, the availability of species adapted to a wide range of situations in actual use in the livestock sector has been insufficient. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that climate-resilient forage species be popularized to sustain livestock production and the environment, particularly in the country’s arid and semiarid regions.