Dairy Cattle Breeding Research Articles

ТЕХНИКО-ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА ДОИЛЬНЫХ РОБОТОВ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ПРОИЗВОДИТЕЛЕЙ

Now one of the urgent problems in dairy cattle breeding is the shortage of workers and specialists. The solution to the problem is the introduction of a voluntary robotic milking system. (Research purpose) The research purpose is conducting a comparative analysis of milking robots of the most popular manufacturers in the world, such as Lely, DeLaval, Gea Farm Technologies. (Materials and methods) Studies were carried out on three farms equipped with milking robots of the studied companies. We used our own measurements, as well as data from the herd management programs of milking robots. (Results and discussion) It was determined that in the first 3 months of lactation, with free milking on milking robots, it is possible to get up to 15 percent more milk than with double milking on the Herringbone milking machine. It was found that the Lely Astronaut A4 milking robot has the highest number of milked cows - 68 heads on a one-box and 135 on a two-box, DeLaval VMS have a large tilt of the milking cups when connected to the udder nipples (45 degrees). It was shown that Lely Astronaut A4 surpasses its competitors in total milking time (6.03 minutes), consumes 36 percent less water than VMS and 35 percent less than MIone, and consumes 42 percent less electricity than VMS and 52.7 percent less than MIone. It was found that after brushing the hardened contaminated udder teat with the Astronaut A4 milking robot, bacterial contamination on the surface of the nipples averaged 470 CFU in 1 cubic centimeter, whereas after washing the teats with VMS and MIone milking robots, bacterial contamination amounted to 45.0 thousand CFU in 1 cubic centimeter. (Conclusions) It was stated that Lely Astronaut A4 milking robots surpass their competitors in many aspects, such as milking speed, udder teat cleaning quality, as well as electricity and water consumption.

ХИМИЧЕСКИЙ СОСТАВ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА МОЛОКА КОРОВ-ПЕРВОТЕЛОК ПРИ РАЗНЫХ СПОСОБАХ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЯХ ДОЕНИЯ

Industrial milk production is based on high-tech processes at the current stage. Strong requirements imposed on milk quality are due to the quality of raw materials for producing a wide range of dairy products. The production of milk that meets sanitary and hygienic standards and the requirements of regulatory and technical documents (regulations and standards) is a priority in dairy cattle breeding. Analysis of the chemical composition of milk obtained from the control and experimental groups showed that the milk fat content was the highest (4.06 %) in the 1st experimental group and exceeded the control (3.93 %) and the 2nd experimental (3.94 %) groups. Under the loose housing system the mass fraction of protein was 3.15 %; the value was 0.02 points larger compared with the tie housing system. The milk density in the animal groups ranged from 1027.0 to 1029.0 kg/m3 , which meets the requirements of GOST 31449-2013. The largest mass fraction of dry solids in milk was found in the 2nd experimental group (12.58 %). The data analysis indicates that the housing system type and the milking technology of first-calf heifers have an effect on the number of milk fat globules per 1 cm3 and their diameter. The analysis of the quantitative and qualitative composition of fat globules has provided more complete data about the milk fat fraction, which is a crucial index in milk production. The milk obtained from the Holstein breed heifers in the studied groups can be used for cheese making. The third yogurt sample had a milky white colour, homogeneous throughout the mass; the consistency was homogeneous, with good curd tension and low viscosity; the sample had a pure, fermented milk flavour, without foreign traces.

Modernization of calf rearing technology elements in cattle breeding

The purpose of the research is to establish the timing of technological operations when feeding hay into feeders of different designs and the growth characteristics of calves with different growing technologies during the dairy period. On the 3rd day after birth, a control and experimental group of bull calves of the Simmental breed of 15 heads each were formed. Before reaching the age of 7 months, the calves of the control group were raised according to the technology adopted on the farm using manual milk feeding and hay consumption from a common feeder together with adult livestock. The eponymous peers of the experimental group were raised under nursing cows with full suction, rolled hay was fed to them in a coarse feed feeder designed for all age and gender groups of cattle, which was located in a common paddock with limited access to adult livestock (patent for invention RU 2810529 C1, 12/27/2023). The experimental groups of calves were provided with the same amount of coarse feed. The use of a new feeder ensured greater hay consumption than by individuals who consumed this feed from a feeder common to calves and adult animals with differences of 11.2 abs.%. Feeding hay from a common feeder meant filling it daily throughout the entire dairy period, which required 15 seconds of daily time, whereas according to the developed feeder – five times a day, the duration of each filling is on average 55 seconds, which indicates the obvious advantage of the new design. At the age of 7 months, the calves of the suckling group were superior in body weight (by 19.4 kg, P>0.999) to their peers of the traditional (economic) cultivation technology adopted in dairy cattle breeding, which were fed coarse feed from a common feeder. The differences in profitability obtained between the compared groups of calves amounted to 10.2 abs.% and turned out to be in favor of the experimental group individuals, which confirms the effectiveness of the implemented solutions in the practice of raising calves.

Experience and prospects of the use of precision livestock farming in the Russian Federation

The purpose of the work was to analyze the use of precision livestock farming technologies in the Russian Federation. A number of highly promising directions in the development of agriculture in general and animal husbandry in particular in the agro-industrial complex of the Russia Federation was described in the article. The main attention was paid to the development of precision livestock farming technologies as the most important component in the digital transformation of agricultural production with its most developed livestock segment and especially dairy cattle breeding. An overview of some important software products being developed, implemented and already widely used, information systems, and other digital solutions are extremely necessary for the effective functioning of the livestock industry of Russia. Some landmark developments, examples of the introduction of precision livestock farming elements, automation systems, information and analytical systems in agriculture, which are actively engaged in a number of organizations of the Russian Academy of Sciences and especially scientific and practical centers, scientific and research institutes as well as other domestic organizations of various departmental affiliation and form of ownership, have been considered. The new opportunities and advantages received by the state and farmers from the use of various digital solutions in the field of animal husbandry have been discussed.

The Comparison of growth performances of difficult and normally born calves

In this study, it was aimed at comparing the growth performances of calves born with difficulty and normal calves. The first and most important objective in cattle breeding is to produce a sufficient number of calves within the morphological and physiological limits determined by genetics. In this sense, calf yield varies according to the number of pregnant cows and live-born calves in the herd per unit time. In cattle breeding, especially in dairy cattle breeding, one of the factors that negatively affects calf yield is calving difficulty or difficult calving. Difficult births are generally a cause of significant economic loss for enterprises due to the risks they pose for the health of both cow and calf. In order to compare the growth performances of the calves born with difficulty and normal calves, the birth weight and weaning weight of calves born with difficulty and normal calves were weighed according to whether the births were assisted or not. It was determined that the rate of difficult birth was 14,38% in the enterprise. In the study, it was determined that normal-born calves had an average birth weight of 39.24 kg and Dystocia-born calves had an average birth weight of 39.50 kg. It is understood that the average birth weights of the normal-born calves varied between 21,00 and 54,00 kg, while the average birth weights of the Dystocia-born calves varied between 28,00 and 53,00 kg. In the analysis of variance, the differences between birth types were not found to be statistically significant. When the frequencies of difficult births were evaluated according to the birth weights of the calves, it was understood that difficult births were concentrated between 36 and 45 kg. However, the fact that the calves born between 26 and 35 kg also had Dystocia birth records indicates maternal pelvic bone stenosis.

Using animal productivity in programming regional agricultural development

The article discusses the issue of optimizing the process of programming the development of agriculture in terms of livestock breeding based on the potential productivity in dairy cattle breeding. As is known, a significant part of the milk obtained from cows is formed due to the genetic characteristics of the animals. Therefore, the fastest result in increasing productivity can be achieved through the intensification of targeted breeding work. This is precisely what the state needs to focus on when leaving programs for the development of the agro-industrial complex. Increasing the genetic potential of a region (territory) and its use should be the basis for drawing up targeted programs. The purpose of the study is to formulate the concept of the genetic potential of the region and determine the possibility of increasing it through commodity lending. Among the instruments of state support for agriculture, the use of commodity lending in livestock farming will make it possible to quickly disseminate favorable breeding achievements throughout the region. For example, in the Samara region, out of 98.8 thousand heads 29.6 thousand cows belong to the population with low genetic potential (29.9%). According to calculations, with minimal financial investments it is possible to completely replace an unproductive herd in the region.

ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ ОТБОР КАК ФАКТОР ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ АЛЬТЕРНАТИВНЫХ ИСТОЧНИКОВ ЭНЕРГИИ В СОВРЕМЕННОМ СКОТОВОДСТВЕ

Experts believe that global animal husbandry is an obstacle to the environmental safety. It is estimated that meat and milk production has increased from 758 million tons in 1990 to 1247 million tons in 2020, and continues to grow. At the same time, biogas emitted by animals provides energy for cars and space heating: 7.5 million vehicles in the world run on methane, 27 million on propane-butane. (Research Purpose) The research purpose is studying technological breegin as a factor in producing biogas, an alternative source of renewable energy. (Materials and methods) Carried out an analysis of literature data, theoretical and practical developments of the issue under consideration in the Russian Federation and foreign countries with developed dairy and beef cattle breeding. Methods of creating statistical groupings using system and statistical models, comparison, generalization and analysis of parameters and modes given in scientific and reference literature and obtained in industrial practice were applied. (Results and discussion) It was established that the selection of cattle to increase productivity is also manure breeding: in 1865, a cow gave 40 kilograms of methane per head per year with a productivity of 5,000 kilograms of milk per lactation, with an increase in milk yield to 8-9 thousand kilograms of milk, it produces almost 60 kilograms, that is, several gas cylinders daily. It has been shown that intensive animal husbandry increases not only milk yields and weight gain, but also gas exhaust. It was determined that technological features are taken into account in breeding plans and programs for the development of herds. (Conclusions) It was revealed that under the Kyoto Protocol, through the use of advanced technologies, a number of European countries plan to reduce emissions and become climate neutral in the following periods: Finland by 2035, Sweden by 2045, Germany to reduce emissions by 95 percent by 2049, Russia by 2050.

THE INFLUENCE OF FEMALE ANCESTORS ON MILK PERFORMANCE IN FIRST- CALF COWS OF THE HOLSTEIN BREED DAIRY CATTLE OF DOMESTIC SELECTION

The results of studies on the influence of female ancestors on the milk performance in first-calf cows of the Holstein breed of dairy cattle of domestic selection are presented. The highest values of milk yield, the amount of milk fat and protein, as well as the mass fraction of protein in milk were observed in daughters whose mothers’ milk yield was over 10,000 kg and amounted to 9295 (p≤0.01), 341.3, 313.3 (p≤0.01) kg, 3.37% (p≤0.05), respectively. First-calf cows with a milk yield of MM 9001-9500–9227 kg (p≤0.001) have a high degree of abundant milk production. They also had the highest amount of milk fat and protein, which amounted to 344.8 (p≤0.01) and 309.4 (p≤0.001) kg, respectively. The highest milk yield, milk fat and protein content were in first-calf cows with a milk yield of MF over 14.000 kg. The realization of the genetic potential for milk yield over 305 days of lactation was 102.1%.

Typification and differentiation of smallholder dairy production systems in smallholder mixed farming in the highlands of southern Ethiopia.

The present study aimed to classify smallholder dairy production systems by analyzing land allocation for various crop types and characterizing them based on integration with specific crops which is gap in earlier studies. A total of 360 smallholder farmers were interviewed to generate firsthand information in addition to using secondary data sources. The classification utilized K-means clustering, while discriminant analysis was applied to accentuate the distinct characteristics of dairy production systems (DPSs). Subsequently, for a particular crop to be considered dominant, the minimum farmland allocation had to exceed 30%. Based on this, the 360 respondent farmers in the study areas were categorized into four distinct DPSs: diversified crop-based (DCB) at 31%, enset-based (EB) at 28%, cereal-based (CB) at 24% and cash crop-based (CCB) with coffee, khat, vegetables, fruits, and sugarcane accounting for 17%. Within the CCB dairy production system, where cash crops were cultivated most dominantly, averaging 56% of the farmland, farmers reported the highest annual income and, consequently, acquired more improved dairy cows, facilitating their entry into intensive dairy production. Ownership of improved dairy cattle breeds, use of agro-industrial byproducts as feed, practicing stall feeding and better housing are observed practices in this DPS that relate to the intensification of dairy production. This positive relationship was observed between the commercialization of crops and the intensification of dairy production in the CCB dairy production system. In the EB dairy system, enset dominates with a 33% area share, leading to increased residues for cattle feed. They keep large herds of local cattle, limited crossbreeding experience, and prefer conventional feeding. The CB system allocates 47% of land to cereals, justifying cereal residues as primary dairy feed. Cultivating grasses like Pennisetum pedicellatum and Phalaris arundinacea is also highly valued in the system. The DCB system, with diverse crops (none exceeding 30%), implies varied residues for dairy feed. These findings reveal unique characteristics across dairy systems, indicating a positive correlation between crop commercialization and dairy intensification. Hence, understanding each type of DPS and its characteristics will help development experts or those in charge of designing agricultural policy to establish the best strategic plans for enhancing the productivity of dairy cattle under smallholder conditions.

Breeding and productive qualities of Ayrshire cattle

In the current conditions of livestock development in the country, dairy cattle breeding requires animals having not only high genetic potential, but also characterized by a high level of milk production. The purpose is to study the breeding and productive qualities of Ayrshire cattle bred in the conditions of the Republic of Mari El. The research was carried out at CJSC Mariiskoye in the Republic of Mari El. The test subject is Ayrshire dairy cattle. Currently, Ayrshire cattle bred on the farm are purebred and have an elite-record class. The herd is young, the average age of the cows is 3.4 calvings. On average, one cow produces 6,876 kg of milk per lactation with a milk fat content (MFC) of 4.5% and a milk protein content (MPC) of 3.34%. The level of cow's milk production exceeds the requirements of the class 1 standard for milk yield by 76.5%, for MFC by 3.4%, and for the amount of milk fat by 26.2%. The cows significantly exceed the established standard for live weight by 12–20% and have an excellent exterior for dairy cattle. Currently, in the herd, there are animals belonging to 5 lines. The cows of the Urho Errant and O.R. Lichting lines yielded more than the average for the herd (7,017 kg and 6,930 kg, respectively). The cows of the S.B. Commander line were giving milk with high fat content and the cows of the Sniperum SRB line were giving milk with high protein content. In the herd, the production is ensured by daughters from 19 bulls.

ПРОБЛЕМЫ КОНТРОЛЯ УЧЕТА И ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ КОРМОВ В СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯХ

In order to sustainably meet the needs of the livestock industry for feed, their production should be carried out at a faster pace. Only if this condition is met, we can talk about the successful development of the agro-industrial complex and the production of the necessary amount of livestock products. These aspects determined the relevance of the research topic. The author identifies the main problems in the field of accounting and control of the feed base, and also examines the statistical data of farms in Russia and the Sverdlovsk region based on data from the Ministry of Agriculture and the consumer market of the Sverdlovsk region, which revealed a commonality in the problems of feed use, their accounting and control. The main problems were the disproportion between the increase in the selling price and the increase in cost; incorrect feed planning; irrational and inefficient management methods; an unbalanced feed base. An important problematic aspect remains insufficient control of internal business processes of feeding, which ultimately can destroy the effectiveness of measures taken to improve the use of feed. The purpose of the study is to identify problems of controlling the accounting and use of feed in agricultural organizations of dairy cattle breeding of agricultural enterprises. Research methods: abstract-logical, monographic, computational-constructive, economic-statistical. Scientific novelty: The scientific significance of the study consists in substantiating theoretical provisions for improving the feed base of dairy cattle breeding in agricultural enterprises. The practical significance of the research lies in the exchange of experience with agricultural enterprises and the use of feed in agricultural organizations.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ СКОРОСТИ ВЫХОДЯЩЕГО ВОЗДУШНОГО ПОТОКА И ДАВЛЕНИЯ В ВОЗДУХОВОДЕ АВТОМАТИЗИРОВАННОЙ СИСТЕМЫ ДЛЯ СНИЖЕНИЯ ТЕПЛОВОГО СТРЕССА КРС

The management of commercial dairy cattle breeding requires optimal maintenance for animals’ genetic potential obtaining. This contributes to high cattle milk production achieving. Microclimate regulation plays a key role at animal’s health and preventing diseases maintaining. The comfortable conditions for animals make it possible their longevity and high milk production creating. Currently, there is the planet’s temperature increasing that affects animals’ negatively, leading to their health and production deterioration. Microclimate control and regulation can be provided with specialized materials and modern equipment helping. Artificial ventilation including supply, exhaust and a control system, minimizes the influence of human factor on indoor microclimate parameters maintaining. Temperature, humidity and ventilation indicators are important for comfortable conditions ensuring. The automated controller contributes to more efficient operation’s system, errors’ risk reducing and regulation’s accuracy increasing. The aim of this study was outgoing airflow velocity calculate methodology developing and automated system’s pipe pressure at cattle thermal stress reducing. Computer designing and data processing programs (Compass-3D and Microsoft Office) were used. This study results allow to determine the air flow rate at the time of duct’s exit from air pipe (0,475 m/s) and pressure changing in duct’s various sections from 34,15 Pa till 17,95 Pa (up to 52,56% of initial pressure). The study is important for animals’ keeping comfortable conditions ensuring and heat stress reducing, that in turn contributes to livestock production and health improving.

Condition of the initial population of black - breed cattle

Intensification of dairy cattle breeding in the conditions of sharply continental climate of Chui valley should be realized by increasing milk productivity of animals. High milk productivity of animals, achieved already at the first lactations, negatively affects the reproductive system of the organism. In turn, deterioration of reproductive health of cows caused by increased milk productivity cannot but affect the quality of offspring.

НЕКОТОРЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА И ПОВЫШЕНИЯ КАЧЕСТВА МОЛОКА

A systematic analysis of the dairy market’s state and literature data reflecting the current milk production situation, as well as veterinary department’s statistics indicating low commercial quality of milk due to mastitis’ clinical and subclinical forms development had given. The Russian cows’ average age is 2,7 lactation. The decisive role in mastitis’ etiology depends on three interrelated factors - infectious agents, macroorganism’s protective properties and environmental influences. The mastitis’ incidence in dairy cows averages about 25%, but the latent mastitis’ form occurs in 50% of lactating cows. The legislative, regulatory and methodological framework for safety ensuring and milk and dairy products quality in our country is largely consistent with international requirements. At the same time some standards for Russian raw milk quality and safety assessing are significantly lower than European ones. The operating and logistics costs increasing, limited of foreign components availability and equipment have led to dairy producers’ costs increasing. High producing costs, the number of cows reducing, import prices rising and processing utilization capacities decreasing are important factors of raw milk prices’ dynamic changing. Measures of efficiency improving and competitive dairy cattle products’ producing volume and consumer’s market saturation increasing are proposed. The main directions of subindustry effective development creating, technical reequipment and dairy farms and complexes’ comprehensive modernization, that capable safe high quality milk producing are highlighted. The economical-and-biological, technical-and-technological, organizational-and-financial factors that dairy cattle breeding resourcesaving technologies development are determined. The reserves of milk production increasing and quality of milk improving, production costs in agricultural organizations’ conditions reducing are considered.

Clinical manifestation of comorbid endometritis and purulent-necrotic diseases in the claw area of highly productive cows

Recently, due to the intensification of dairy cattle breeding, there has been an increase in the concentration of cattle, while unfavorable conditions are being created for the mother herd, helping to reduce their resistance to various unfavorable factors. Therefore, the study of clinical manifestations in the comorbid course of endometritis with purulentnecrotic diseases in the area of the hooves of highly productive cows, as well as a detailed comparison of the obtained indicators with clinically healthy animals and animals with a separate manifestation of endometritis and orthopedic pathology, in our opinion, is a very relevant area for scientific research. The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation Grant No. 24-26-00172, https://rscf.ru/project/24-26-00172/. The experiment was approved by the bioethical commission of the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Russian Biotechnological University, regarding the humane treatment of experimental animals. The research was carried out on the basis of Voskresenskoye JSC, Voskresensky district, Moscow region, with a total population of 1,450 heads of cattle, including 830 cows. The material for the study was cows with endometritis (n=28), animals with orthopedic pathology (n=25) and with a comorbid course of postpartum endometritis and purulent-inflammatory processes in the toes (n=27). Indicators obtained from clinically healthy animals (n=23) were used as control. Using the method of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), we established significant changes in the indicators of rumen contractions (F = 12.44; p<0.001), respiratory movements (F = 19.28; p<0.001), pulse (F = 8.21; p<0.001) and body temperature (F = 41.13; p<0.001).

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ИНТЕНСИФИКАЦИИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА МОЛОКА В СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯХ КРАСНОЯРСКОГО КРАЯ

The authors provide an analysis of the main trends in the development of the dairy cattle breeding industry in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The level of intensification of milk production in agricultural organizations in the region was assessed based on a set of indicators. A direct proportional dependence of the economic efficiency of the dairy cattle breeding industry on the level of its intensification has been revealed.

The reproductive system of breast organs in cows and evaluation the function using a mineral adaptogen

Infertility problems still remain an urgent task of practical veterinary medicine. There are many drugs known to have an effect on the organs of the reproductive system, but the search for universal remedies is a priority. The effectiveness of drugs that prevent infertility can be assessed by reducing infertility days and reducing the cost of purchasing sperm products. Restoration, enhancement and prolongation of lactation also ensures the effectiveness of dairy cattle breeding. Therefore, the search for effective means of prevention and treatment is the purpose of this study. The article describes the results of research on the effect of mineral adaptogen on the function of the reproductive system and breast organs in cows. The article presents the results of changes in hematological and biochemical blood tests in cows receiving adaptogen during the dry period and the state of the reproductive system, breast and milk productivity, against the background of taking adaptogen. As a result of the conducted research, a decrease in the incidence of reproductive organs and udders was noted. Reduction of complications in childbirth and the postpartum period. A decrease in the incidence of neonatal pathology in newborn calves was noted. In addition, an increase in dairy productivity.

МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ЖИВОТНОГО В БИОМАШИННОЙ СИСТЕМЕ: ПРАКТИЧЕСКОЕ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ

Due to automated biomachine’s systems on dairy farming, in particular, robotic milking lines appearing, the problem of machinery and animals’ connections and mutual influence study has become relevant. In this case, an animal - is the biomachine system’s main link. The most important characteristic of an animal as biomachine system’s element is the dependence of its production on any factors during the technological process acting. At animals in biomachine systems using, one of the main factors determining the dairy cattle breeding profitability is balanced feed taking into account modern standards’ requirements, and modern functional balance additives in ration using. The prediction one of the feed’s options effectiveness as a new technical solution, in order to its development feasibility assessment and then implementation was carried out by animal production mathematical modeling obtained from the cows’ dry feed additives using. Its recipe the following ingredients: fullfat milk thistle’s seeds as a filler, biologically active substances - as vitamin E, probiotic and betaine using. At each other interacting, they cause a synergistic effect and were sharply needed by high production cows. This experimental additive’s recipe by weight% is: milk thistle’s crushed grain - 92,76; profort - 6,00; betaine hydrochloride (97%) is 1,20; vitamin E (50%) in loose- 0,04 is given. This preparation’s active substance amount in percentage showing. The developed additive in dry cows’ ration at 0,4 kg of dose per head per day was tested. Its use made it possible the cows’ milk production in 4,3% increasing. The animals had had feed additive, calving was easier and the body condition to normal faster had restored. The feed additive based on milk thistle grains and biologically active substances in dry cows’ feed of using had a positive effect on the technological process’s final result.

Innovative technologies used on dairy farms

An analysis of milk production technologies on a dairy farm in the Krasnodar region is presented. Factors influencing the amount of milk produced are considered, such as cutting seams on the floors, installing the «Texas Gate», modernizing the ventilation system and water supply, and using the «Pennsylvania Sieve» when feeding cows. The priority directions of observations during the modernization of technical means to obtain competitive products are identified. The possibilities and feasibility of using methods of technological support for dairy cattle breeding based on innovative technologies are analyzed. It is shown that the tasks of managing dairy farms are multifaceted: from controlling individual machines to making decisions in conditions of limited information.

Microclimate conditions as an indicator of calf welfare quality

Microclimatic conditions in facilities for housing and rearing young category of breeding dairy cattle at the first 30 days after birth, have a significant impact on the quality of welfare, especially in intensive production. The parameters most often taken into account when evaluating microclimate conditions are: temperature and air humidity, the mutual relationship of which represents the THI (temperature-humid index) index; speed of air flow; air quality (presence of dust and ammonia) and level of light in the facility. The quality of the microclimate in the facilities is directly influenced by the climatic conditions in the external environment, therefore study period on 2 farms (A and B) with an intensive production system was divided into 4 seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer). Holstein Friesian calves were observed in the period from birth to 30 days of age. The worst microclimatic conditions were recorded during the summer season on both farms (1129 on farm A and 1114 calves on farm B suffered), while the situation was more favorable during the colder period. Also, the best conditions, on both farms, were provided for calves in the first 7 days of life. The most unfavorable impact was the high air temperature, while the air flow, paradoxically, improved the air quality, especially during that period. The overall welfare quality score was similar on the observed farms, 2.25 on farm A and 2.12 on farm B, which can be considered acceptable. At the same time, it indicates the presence of serious problems, the solution of which must be approached most seriously.