Feed Units Research Articles

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ БИОПРЕПАРАТА БИОСТИМ НА ПОСЕВАХ КУКУРУЗЫ РОСС 140 СВ

The studies were conducted to study the effect of mineral fertilizers and the certified biopreparation Biostim Corn on the growth of the Ross 140 SV corn hybrid under irrigation. The field experiment was carried out in the conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2021-2023. The object of the study was the Ross 140 SV hybrid zoned in the seventh region (Middle Volga region), bred by Krasnodar Research Institute of Agriculture named after P.P.Lukyanenko. In the experiment, various schemes for using the Biostim Corn preparation separately and in combination with Maksim Gold fungicide were studied. The use of Biostim Corn as a seed dressing before sowing at a dose of 2 l/t helps to increase the productivity of green mass. Its combined use with Maksim Gold seed dressing is even more effective. Against the background of the application of the calculated rates of mineral fertilizers, this ensures the formation of an additional 1.8 t/ha of green mass and an excess of the planned yield of 50 t/ha. Replacing Maksim Gold seed dressing with Biostim Corn increases the efficiency of using mineral fertilizers and foliar feeding. The profitability of green mass production of corn in the variant with the integrated use of agrochemicals is 73.3%, the conditional net income is 33.9 thousand rubles/ha, the cost of 1000 feed units is 4.6 thousand rubles. The use of the biopreparation Biostim Corn in the technology of cultivating the hybrid crop Ross 140 SV on irrigation allows you to improve the quality of seeds, increase the productivity of green mass and reduce the cost.

Addressing deficits in malnutrition care in northern Sierra Leone; an educational intervention

Abstract The 2017 Sierra Leone National Nutrition Survey reported poor practice regarding the medical management of severe acute malnutrition and the provision of emergency food to patients, particularly in the northern city of Makeni. We developed a training package for paediatric nurses, aiming to design an easily reproducible format which could be utilised nationally. Our aims were to empower and educate staff to provide more consistent care by challenging the negative cultural perception of malnourished patients and increasing knowledge of key guidelines. A two-day course based around UNICEF guidance on malnutrition was developed with the financial support of the Sierra Leonean office of the World Health Organisation. We sought the advice of local staff on issues impacting the quality of malnutrition care, including cultural barriers, educational limitations and supply issues. Lectures and practical sessions were devised covering recognition, assessment and management. Communication skills were taught using role play, focussing on the key role of nurses in parental education, and nursing skills were reinforced using practical tasks. Local staff identified for their strong teaching and leadership were recruited as instructors and to provide feedback on session design and content. 21 candidates attended from across the region, with the majority based in inpatient feeding units. Candidates completed a pre- and post-course written examination and a qualitative feedback form. Pre-course exam results ranged from 35%-85% with an average of 65%; post-course results showed improvement with a range of 55%-100% and an average of 88%. Candidates rated the course on average 9.7 out of 10 and the written feedback was positive. We subsequently observed positive changes in clinical practice in the inpatient feeding units across the region. Based on these assessments the course achieved its aims. Further study is needed to know if noted clinical improvements were sustained. Key messages • Challenging local cultural perceptions of malnourished patients is crucial to establishing improvement in medical care for this group. • Sustainable educational intervention requires local instructors who can independently deliver teaching, and establishing this cohort at the course inception is critical to its ongoing success.

Assessment of nutritionality and normative indicators of granulated vitamin-herbal four for agricultural animals, prepared in the conditions of the Vologda region

Feed analysis was carried out in a chemical laboratory using the equipment of the Center for Agricultural Research and Biotechnology at the Voluntary Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The testing procedure for most agricultural feeds is established by GOST 50817-95. To determine the crude protein content using the Kjeldahl method using a semi-automatic analyzer UDK 159 (VELP, Italy), GOST 13496.4-2019 was used, GOST 31675-2012 was used to determine the crude fiber content using an automatic analyzer FIBE-6, GOST 13496.15-2016 was used to determine crude fat content using the Soxhlet apparatus., GOST 32933-2014 is used to determine the crude ash content. An evaluation test of herbaceous unnaturally dried feed according to the quality class was carried out in the following sequence: when more characteristics were agreed upon for any one class, vitamin-grass meal (VHM) was assessed according to this class. When studying the energy nutritional value, the amount of dry matter in granulated vitamin-herbal flour was established within the range of 867.00–917.69 g, metabolic energy – 9.25–10.57 MJ/kg, digestible protein – 69.9–119.6 g/kg and feed units – 0.71–0.85 kg. Thus, checking the usefulness of the samples that were selected and sent to us showed that feed from alfalfa and clover helps to obtain high-quality nutritious feed that is easily absorbed by the body and corresponds to class II–III indicators. The quality of prepared flour from vetch-oat grass and a mixture of herbs leaves much to be desired. As a result of studying the quality of these artificially dried grass feeds, we can conclude that their nutritional value is not high enough, as a result of the low content of the main characteristics: such as metabolic energy (9.25–9.39 MJ/kg) and protein (11.69–12.83 %), which is necessary take into account when organizing proper feeding of cattle. The quality of feed is a fundamental condition on which productivity depends.

Оптимизация пастбищной нагрузки на степные экосистемы аридной территории Ставропольского края

Abstract. The article considers the issues of rational use of grass of steppe phytocenoses in their pasture use; the correspondence of pasture capacity and the number of grazed livestock. The purpose of the study is to assess the current state of steppe communities used as pasture lands for grazing existing livestock of large and small cattle and to propose ways to optimize pasture livestock breeding in the arid territory of the Stavropol Territory. Methods. A statistical analysis of the number of cattle and small cattle in the study area was carried out. The expeditionary study of natural herbages was carried out in 2021–2023 on accounting sites (100 m2) according to the requirements of methods generally accepted in phytocenology. The results of the study. Statistical analysis showed that by the beginning of 2000, the number of sheep in the territory under consideration had decreased by 2.6 times, and cattle by 1.6 times. In subsequent years, with the gradual recovery of the livestock industry from the crisis, a steady increase in the number of small and large cattle was noted in this zone to 1306.1 and 74.8 thousand heads, respectively. It was revealed that the vegetation of natural lands used in pasture farming in the arid zone of the Stavropol Territory is secondary, stunted and monotonous in terms of flora composition and plant associations. The capacity of the pasture lands does not correspond to the feed needs of the grazed livestock. At the moment, the shortage of pasture feed is 323.7 thousand tons of feed units. On such pasture lands, animals do not receive food in sufficient quantities. It is recommended to optimize pasture management by limiting the pasture load and bringing the number of grazed livestock in line with the feed capacity of pasture lands. This will help to provide the existing livestock with food that meets their regulatory needs. Scientific novelty. New data have been obtained on the current state of steppe communities in the arid territory of the Stavropol Territory and the correspondence of the number of grazed livestock to the pasture capacity.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ ШТАММОВ МОЛОЧНОКИСЛЫХ БАКТЕРИЙ СЕЛЕКЦИИ ГОРСКОГО ГАУ ПРИ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕ ЗАМЕНИТЕЛЯ ЦЕЛЬНОГО МОЛОКА

An effective raw material for the production of probiotic products for young farm animals and poultry are whole milk replacer (WMR), which are prepared on the basis of skim milk. The work was carried out at the Research Institute of Biotechnology of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Gorsky State Agrarian University. The article presents the results of using a whole milk replacer (WMR) based on skim milk fermented with strains of lactic acid microorganisms selected by the Gorsky State Agrarian University in feeding young farm animals. The increase in live weight in calves of the experimental group receiving the probiotic product was 13.3 % higher than that of their peers. Replacing 50 % of whole milk for calves with a lactobacilli preparation is an economically advantageous technique, because experimental calves consumed 11.93 % less feed units per 1 kg of gain than animals in the control group.

Зависимость кормовой ценности эспарцета песчаного от листовых подкормок

In the feed production system of the Lower Volga region, more than 60% of forage crops are located on irrigated lands. Only these lands can be considered a guaranteed source of sustainable food supply. More than 80% of the feed from their gross production is harvested from irrigated lands, therefore, studies on the dependence of the feed value of sandy esparcet on leaf fertilizing are certainly relevant. The aim of the research was to increase the efficiency of esparcet cultivation in the conditions of the Lower Volga region by improving the use of mineral fertilizers. Experiments to study the dependence of the feed value of esparcet in the form of green mass on leaf fertilizing with water-soluble mineral fertilizers were conducted from 2017 to 2023 on irrigation in the zone of light chestnut soils in the Prigorodnoye SEC of the Svetloyarsky district of the Volgograd region. Mineral fertilizers were applied in the form of leaf fertilizing during the period of active growth of the esparcet according to the following schemes: 1. Control (without leaf dressing); 2. Monophosphate at the rate of 0.5 kg/ha per top dressing; 3. Monophosphate with adhesive at the rate of 0.5 kg/ha per top dressing. As a result of the experiments conducted, it was found that in the variant using potassium monophosphate, the yield of the green mass of the Rusich variety was 8.2 t/ha, or 18.8% more, and in the variant using potassium monophosphate with an adhesive by 11.7 t/ha, or 26.8% more compared to the control variant. The largest accumulation of feed units of 12.8 t/ha was found in the Rusich variety on the variant of leaf fertilizing with potassium monophosphate with an adhesive, which turned out to be 0.6 t/ha more than in the experiment from 2017 to 2019. The highest content of digestible protein of 2.21 t/ha was found in the Rusich variety on a variant of leaf fertilizing with potassium monophosphate with an adhesive. The largest amount of metabolic energy of 101.7 GJ was contained in the Rusich variety on a variant of leaf fertilizing with potassium monophosphate with an adhesive. The lowest amount of metabolic energy was contained in the Sandy 22 variety in the control variant without leaf fertilizing and averaged 70.3 GJ for 2021-2023.

ТРАВОСМЕСИ ДЛЯ СОЗДАНИЯ ВЫСОКОКАЧЕСТВЕННЫХ ИНТЕНСИВНЫХ СЕНОКОСОВ В ПОЛУПУСТЫННОЙ ЗОНЕ РОССИИ

The purpose of the study is to improve the species composition of grass mixtures under irrigated conditions to increase their productivity, longevity and provide livestock with high-quality feed. The experiments were performed in 2019-2022 on old plowed lands located in the right-bank steppe of the north of Astrakhan region under irrigation. Irrigation method: sprinkling, 10 vegetation irrigations per season. The soil is light chestnut, medium loamy with a humus content of 0.90...1.00%. mobile phosphorus and potassium (according to Machigin) – 69 and 361.5 mg/kg, respectively. We studied 6 variants of grass mixtures: control (creeping wheatgrass, angustifolia bluegrass, awnless brome, coastal sedge, swamp grass, California cocklebur); grass mixture 1 – 25:25:25:25% (blue hybrid alfalfa, meadow clover, meadow timothy, meadow fescue; grass mixture 2 – 30:40:30% (meadow clover, multi-cut ryegrass, meadow fescue; grass mixture 3 – 50:50% ; (meadow clover and reed grass); grass mixture 4 – 25:25:25:25% (eastern goat’s rue, meadow clover, multi-cut ryegrass, meadow fescue; grass mixture 5 – 25:25:25:25% (meadow clover, meadow timothy) , multi-cut ryegrass, common beckmania); grass mixture 6 – 50:25:25% (meadow clover, festulolium, intermediate wheatgrass. The most productive were grass mixtures No. 1 and No. 2 – 147.6 and 156.3 t/ha of green mass, which higher than the control by 134.3 and 143.0 t/ha, respectively. All studied options were distinguished by high nutritional value - the content of feed units per 1 kg of dry biomass varied from 0.75 kg per 1 kg of feed for grass mixture No. 2 to 0.85. kg per 1 kg of feed for grass mixture No. 5. When feeding all grass mixtures with hay, the animals had a higher average daily weight gain (1.2...1.7 higher) in terms of nutritional value, compared to feeding with hay from natural grass. The high productivity and price of hay of legume-grass grass mixtures determine the high profitability (177%) of its production, which is 3.3 times higher than natural haymaking.

How methods to assess land-use changes influence the resulting global warming potential and cost of optimized diets: a case study on Danish pigs applying life cycle assessment methodology

PurposeMeeting the demands of a growing and increasingly affluent population necessitates a deeper understanding of the environmental and economic implications of production. This implication is most relevant in key production sectors including agriculture and livestock. This article is intended to provide an understanding of the influence of methods of assessing land-use change (LUC) with respect to minimizing both the global warming potential (GWP) and the monetary costs of pig feed formulation.MethodsFeed mixtures intended for slaughter pigs were generated for minimal cost and GWP impacts by applying four differing LUC assessment methods. The objective function was the Danish slaughter pig feed unit, minimized for cost in Danish crowns (DKK), with GWP impacts constrained in multiple steps. Attributional LCA methodology was applied using the Agri-footprint 6.3 database, with GWP impacts calculated excluding land use changes, including direct land-use changes and including the carbon opportunity cost. Analyses of the functional relationship between the optimal cost and the GWP impact were conducted, followed by a comparative LCA of the cost of comparable feed mixture by applying two sets of functional units: 100 slaughter pig feed units and 1 kg of pig live weight.Results and discussionA similar relationship between cost and GWP impact was observed across all methods, although variability of GWP impact magnitude depending on method was observed. Reducing at an equivalent cost, GWP reduction ranged from 5.6 to 27% based on the pig feed functional unit, and 2.4 to 13% based on the pig live weight functional unit. Optimizing feed mixtures for GWP impacts resulted in significantly increased contributions to other impact categories, including a 56% increase in terrestrial ecotoxicity. Despite the increased contributions to other impact categories, all optimized feed mixtures achieved a reduction in endpoint indicators and single score. Endpoint reductions to the feed unit were 2.3–25% for ecosystem damage, 7.4–15% for human health, and 6.0–16% based on a single score value.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the key importance of addressing LUC when optimizing the GWP of agri-food production. Suggestions are provided for areas of improvement in future optimization studies applying a dietary unit as the objective function, including additional midpoint impact categories and/or extended optimization covering whole areas of protection. The findings suggest that GWP impacts may be reduced at no additional cost if included or embedded in the pig feed formulation procedure.

Assessing the safety and efficacy of probiotics in improving the gut microbiome of premature infants

Introduction and PurposeThe gut microbiome is crucial to infant health and development. For premature infants, microbiome development differs from full-term babies, posing long-term health risks. Factors such as delivery method, feeding, antibiotic treatment, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment significantly influence the microbiome of premature infants. Probiotics, especially Bifidobacterium strains, show promise in enhancing health and reducing risks of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS).Material and MethodsThis review is based on articles from the PubMed database, covering the years 2004-2023, using keywords: gut microbiome, premature infants, probiotic, microbiome development, and neonatal intensive care unit.ResultsCurrent research indicates probiotics, particularly Bifidobacterium strains, positively impact the gut microbiome of premature infants, improving immunity and metabolism, and providing protection against NEC and LOS. Multi-strain probiotic preparations combining Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilaceae strains appear promising, but further research is needed to fully understand their effects. Addressing food intolerance (FI) in premature infants is another potential application of microbiome-focused therapies.ConclusionsWhile probiotics show promise in improving the microbiome of preterm infants, comprehensive research on single and multi-strain probiotics and their specific mechanisms of action is needed. Controversies persist regarding the safety, FDA regulation, and selection of specific probiotics and formulations. There is no consensus on the optimal timing for introducing probiotics. Further research is required to optimize probiotic selection and determine the best benefits. Enhanced standardization and oversight are essential to ensure safe and effective use of probiotics in neonatal healthcare.

Design and Optimizing Top Cover Feeding Unit Modular Production System and Pick & Place Station

Design and Optimizing Top Cover Feeding Unit Modular Production System and Pick & Place Station

Urea in the Diets of Dairy Cows

In most farms of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the basis of the feed balance of cattle consists of roughage, straw, hay, relatively less succulent feed and a very small part - fresh grass and fortified feed. That is why animals on these farms in winter stall conditions consume less digestible protein by an average of 40-55 g or more per unit of feed. On farms, urea was used to provide sufficient protein for cattle. During the experiment, cows of both groups (experimental and control) were fed in stall conditions and received the same number of feed shares according to their nutritional value. The only difference was that each cow in the experimental group was given an additional 80 g of urea per day. The results of our experience show that the daily milk yield of each cow that received 80 g of urea in the feed ration is on average 1,15 kg or 29,9% more compared to cows that did not receive urea, and the fat content of milk is from 0.1 up to 0,39%. The live weight of each cow receiving urea (over 123 days of experiment) was on average 17,47 kg greater than that of cows not receiving urea. The use of urea in livestock farming not only increases milk and meat productivity, but also reduces the cost of production.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PRACTICES FOR GROWING CORN FOR GRAIN UNDER DIFFERENT PREDECESSORS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE UKRAINIAN STEPPE

An important factor that determines the grain yield and productivity of corn is the previous crop. In the conditions of insufficient moisture in the Steppe region of Ukraine, the significance of the predecessor is determined by the accumulated moisture reserves. It is believed that the best predecessors for corn in the Steppe conditions are winter wheat and leguminous crops, while satisfactory ones are corn and barley, with sunflower considered a poorer predecessor. Corn can be grown in both repeated plantings and monoculture, but the agronomic practices affecting crop productivity in such crop rotations have not been studied sufficiently. A stationary study was established in 2005 at the Institute of Agriculture of the Steppe NAAS, with soil and climatic conditions corresponding to the Northern Steppe zone of Ukraine. A simple modified mid-ripening hybrid DK Veles was sown in the study. Seed inoculation was carried out with the biopreparation Mycofriend. The research results indicate that the predecessor was a significant factor influencing the formation of grain yield and productivity indicators of corn. When growing corn after soybeans, the average grain yield was 5.31 t/ha, after sunflower and corn predecessors it was 3.03 t/ha and 3.25 t/ha respectively, with no significant difference in yield between sunflower and corn predecessors. There was no significant increase in corn grain yield due to the action of the biopreparation factor, with a yield increase ranging from 0.01–0.06 t/ha, but a more active effect of the biopreparation was noted with the sunflower predecessor. Higher productivity indicators for grain units yield, feed units yield, and digestible protein units were achieved when growing corn after soybeans – 6.43 t/ha, 9.65 t/ha, and 0.573 t/ha respectively. There was no significant difference in productivity indicators between the sunflower predecessor and repeated corn cultivation. The highest indicators for grain units yield, feed units yield, and digestible protein units were obtained under the condition of seed inoculation with the biopreparation after the soybean predecessor – 6.44 t/ha, 9.68 t/ha, and 0.575 t/ha respectively.

Optimization of Sodium-Potassium Ratio in Cow Diets

In the conditions of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, research has been carried out on the prevention of metabolic disorders and optimization of the sodium-potassium ratio in the feed ration of cows. The diets were identical in composition and nutritional value, but the ratio of sodium and potassium in the groups was different due to different amounts of table salt. During the stall period of the experiment, the ratio of sodium and potassium in group I was 0.36, in group II — 0.43, and in group III — 0.48. It should be noted that this attitude in groups II and III contributed to a greater consumption of roughage and succulent feed than in the control group. During the grazing period, cows of all groups also received the same rations. However, the ratio of sodium and potassium in them was different. Thus, in group II it was 0.32, in group III — 0.41 versus 0.24 in the control. In group I for 1 feed units sodium accounted for 5.7 g, in II — 7.6 and III — 10.0 g. Cows of groups II and III consumed more grass on pasture by 4.8 and 9.6%, and green fertilizer by 3.2 and 7.6% compared to control. The amount of grass eaten on pasture was determined using the reverse calculation method. On average, per lactation in groups II and III there was 1.4 and 3.0 g more sodium per feed unit, respectively, than in group I. The nutritional value of the diets corresponded to the needs and level of productivity of the animals. Thus, optimizing the sodium-potassium ratio in the diets of highly productive cows by increasing the rate of sodium chloride by 40% in the stall and by 100% in the grazing periods with excess potassium in the diets ensures improved mineral metabolism, increases the use of nutrients and increases milk yield by 4%. Fat content by 8,8% on average per lactation.

Intake profile, milk production, and energy balance of early-lactation spring-calving Holstein Friesian and Jersey × Holstein Friesian dairy cows in high-utilization pasture-based systems

Early lactation is a critical period for dairy cows as energy requirements rapidly increase with the onset of lactation, however, early lactation dry matter intakes (DMI) in pasture-based systems are under-measured. The objectives of this study were 1) to measure and profile total DMI (TDMI) and animal performance of dairy cows during early lactation in a pasture-based system 2) to investigate early lactation energy balance in pasture-based systems and 3) to examine production efficiencies including TDMI and milk solids production per 100 kg bodyweight. Eighty spring-calving dairy cows were allocated to a grazing group as they calved over a 2 year period (2021 and 2022). Cows were offered a daily herbage allowance to achieve a post-grazing sward height of 4 cm with silage supplementation when necessary due to inclement weather. Total DMI was measured using the n-alkane technique over a 12 week period from 1st of February to the 23rd of April. Total DMI and daily milk yield were significantly affected by parity with both variables being greatest for third parity animals (17.7 kg DM and 26.3 kg/cow/day, respectively), lowest for first parity (13.2 kg DM and 19.6 kg/cow/day, respectively) and intermediate for second parity animals (16.8 kg DM and 24.1 kg/cow/day, respectively). Peak TDMI was reached on wk 10 for first parity animals (14.6 kg DM), wk 11 for second parity animals (19.3 kg DM) and wk 12 for third parity animals (19.9 kg DM). Parity also had a significant effect on UFL (feed units for milk) feed balance as first parity animals experienced a greater degree of negative energy balance (-3.2 UFL) compared with second and third parity animals (-2.3 UFL). Breed and parity had an effect on production efficiencies during the first 12 weeks of lactation as Jersey x Holstein Friesian cows had greater TDMI/100 kg bodyweight and milk solids/100 kg bodyweight compared with Holstein Friesian cows.

Economic efficiency of cultivation of stubble cruciferous crops

The paper presents the results of studying the productivity of stubble cruciferous crops and their impact on the yield of the subsequent crop in crop rotation. It was established that when cultivating stubble white mustard feed units yield was 16.9 c/ha and oil radish – 17.6 c/ha. Under their influence the grain yield of subsequent barley increased by 3.0 c/ha (8.1 %) on average and maize grain – by 1.8 c/ha (2.6 %). When cultivating white mustard the net income was 17.71 rubles/ha and profitability – 2.8 %, with oil radish it was 24.11 rubles/ha and 3.6 %. Taking into account their effect on the subsequent crop in rotation, those indicators increased and were 139.00 and 105.90 rubles/ha (21.2 and 15.8 %).

Development and performance evaluation of a mini plastic crushing machine

Global plastic production has seen a significant surge owing to its versatile applications resulting in a large volume of plastic waste polluting the environment. However, the high cost and size of plastic crushers have hindered efficient plastic recycling efforts. This research focused on creating a cost-effective, portable plastic crusher tailored for local use. The machine comprises four main units: the feeding, grinding, power, and framework units. A 3D model was crafted using Solid Works software (2017 version 25), and essential components were constructed from mild steel. The feeder has a capacity of 837480 mm3, a 20 mm diameter shaft with a power rating of 2.078 kW, and an outlet volume of 748692 mm3. Performance tests using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) indicated throughput capacities of 2.83, 2.71, 6.00, and 1.60 kg/h, respectively. The machine has efficiencies of 73.3%, 53.85%, 60%, and 50% for HDPE, LDPE, PVC, and PET, respectively. Notably, the portable plastic grinding machine excels in grinding HDPE, making it highly recommended for small and medium-sized enterprises. This innovation focused on bolstering plastic recycling efforts in localized contexts.

Theoretical substantiation and development of ecologically friendly farming system in Ukraine

Intensive farming has caused soil degradation, including the loss of humus, soil structure breakdown, compaction, and a decrease in both potential and effective fertility. Therefore, research into farming systems is highly relevant. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to scientifically substantiate, develop, and implement an ecologically friendly modern farming system under Ukrainian conditions. The primary methods used to determine the effectiveness of various farming systems and ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental data were field, laboratory, and statistical methods. The study substantiated that an industrial farming system with the input of approximately 12.0 tonnes per hectare of crop rotation area of organic matter (8.0 tonnes per hectare of manure and 4.0 tonnes per hectare of plant residues) produces about 0.81 tonnes per hectare of humus, although 1.33 tonnes per hectare of it is mineralised, leading to a negative humus balance in the soil. The output of grain units in this system is 8.21 tonnes per hectare, feed units – 9.63, and digestible protein – 0.86 tonnes per hectare, with stability at 91.2% and profitability at 88.0%. The organic farming system, which includes the use of 24 tonnes per hectare of organic fertilisers and biological products to control weeds, diseases, and pests in agrocenoses, does not ensure a positive humus balance in the soil (-0.14 tonnes per hectare) and has significantly lower productivity. The no-till system, which involves the application of 12 tonnes per hectare of organic fertilisers in the form of root and stubble residues, by-products of crop production, and mineral fertilisers during sowing and foliar feeding, ensures a positive humus balance (+0.12 tonnes per hectare) but has productivity levels comparable to the organic system. The ecological system provides stable, economically viable, and resource-adequate productivity of arable land, enhances the quality indicators of products, and preserves and restores soil fertility. It increased the output of grain units by 8.9%, feed units by 7.2%, and digestible protein by 8.1%, ensuring high stability at 94.1% and an increase in production profitability by 8.5% compared to the control. The materials in this study are of practical value for agricultural enterprises of various ownership forms and will serve as technological guidelines for the implementation of modern, ecologically safe, economically and energetically justified agricultural production

Productivity and nutritional value of perennial cereal grasses in the Middle Cis-Urals

The purpose of the research was the assessment of feed productivity and nutritional value of 13 new varieties of meadow timothy, meadow fescue and awnless brome when cultivated for green mass in the Middle Cis-Urals. The research was carried out in 2018–2022 on sod-podzolic medium loamy soil of the Udmurt Republic. Meteorological conditions of the growing seasons during the years of the research were different: 2018, 2021 and 2022 were arid (hydrothermal coefficient – 0.89, 0.78 and 0.91, respectively), 2020 – slightly arid (HTC – 1.04), 2019 – waterlogged (HTC – 1.73). The beginning of regrowth of the studied varieties of perennial cereal grasses was noted in the third ten days of April; the grass reached mowing ripeness in 44–60 days. The yield of meadow timothy varieties on average for three years of using the grass stand was at the level of 3.5–3.9 t/ha of dry weight, meadow fescue – 2.3–2.4 t/ha, awnless brome – 4.5–4.7 t/ha. The “year conditions” factor had a primary influence on the variation in yield, density and height of the grass stand – 92.4…97.4 %, 62.9…79.2, 80.3…82.6 %, respectively. The “genotype x year” factor also influenced the number of shoots and their height. Fescue varieties were distinguished by a relatively high content of crude fat (2.5–3.1 %), sugars (15.6–17.7 %), and calcium (0.31–0.36 %). High content of crude fat (2.3–2.6 %), phosphorus (0.68–0.71 %), potassium (2.45–2.52 %), calcium (0.31–0.39 %) noted in plant samples of awnless brome varieties. A positive strong correlation between the yield of dry mass of cereal grasses and the content of phosphorus (r = 0.87…0.96) and potassium (r = 0.69…0.85) in it was revealed. Some varieties of perennial cereal grasses were distinguished by their nutritional value: meadow timothy varieties Sleipnir (Finland), Aturo (Germany) and Tamiza (Germany) with a yield per 1 hectare of metabolic energy of 32.3–34.4 GJ, digestible protein – 0.14–0.16 tons, feed units – 2.41–2.60 thousand; meadow fescue variety Karpatchi (Netherlands) – 21.2 GJ, 0.09 tons, 1.57 thousand; awnless brome variety Gvardeets (Russia) – 35.7 GJ, 0.25 tons and 2.58 thousand, respectively. Cultivation of Karpatchi fescue, Sleipnir timothy and Gvardeets brome is energetically and economically profitable: energy efficiency coefficient – 1.9; 3.0 and 3.6, profitability level – 65; 101 and 161 %, respectively.

Выращивание суданской травы на дерново-подзолистых песчаных почвах в условиях радиоактивного загрязнения

The results of three years of field research on the effect of potash fertilizers on the yield of green and haylage and the quality indicators of Sudanese grass are presented. The yield of green mass of Sudanese grass in the experiment was 10.3–12.2 t/ha, grain haylage — 9.4–11.0 t/ha, depending on the dose of potassium fertilizers. The maximum yield of green mass and grain haylage of Sudanese grass was noted in the variant with the addition of K240. The highest collection of crude protein (214.1 kg/ha), feed units (1.37 thousand) and metabolizable energy (21.3 GJ/ha) and the content of metabolizable energy per 1 kg of feed (8.0 MJ) were noted in the variant with the addition of potassium at a dose of 240 kg/ha. The content of crude protein in green mass increased with increasing potassium dose. The highest content of 137Cs (224 Bq/kg) was observed in the control variant. Potassium fertilizers reduced the entry of radionuclide into the crop. In general, according to the experiment, the content of 137Cs in the feed did not exceed the permissible level (400 Bq/kg).

Steppe ecosystems of the arid zone of southern Russia as a factor in the effective development of livestock farming

The aim of the research is to assess the current state of steppe ecosystems, which are subjected to human impact and to provide scientifically‐based proposals for the conservation and regeneration of their natural potential.The object of the study is the steppe ecosystems of the arid zone in the Stavropol Territory. The research conducted in 2019–2021 included the use of methods and techniques, encompassing the geobotanical, economic and statistical, abstract and logical, computational and constructive.An analysis of the natural resource potential of the steppes in the arid zone of Stavropol Territory showed a discrepancy between the current livestock and the carrying capacity of this territory. The forage for grazing is about 830 thousand tons of feed units, which is 1.5 times lower than the livestock needs. The predominant plant associations are wormwoodbluegrass‐sedge, bluegrass‐sheep fescue‐wormwood, bluegrass‐feather grass‐wormwood, bluegrass‐ wormwood‐salt grass with low species diversity – from 10 to 17 species per 100 m2. The plant cover of the soil is from 30 to 60 %, which indicates its sparseness. The average biological yield of phytomass is 7.0 kg/ha of air‐dry matter. The species diversity of the steppe communities is represented by weed species that have low forage quality. In natural phytocenoses, the cereals dominant in forming cenoses in virgin land, have been lost. There are no any representatives of the legume family in the plant stand.The scientific approach to sustainable development, conservation and regeneration of the potential of natural ecosystems in agricultural landscapes involves the rational use and improvement (rehabilitation) of the remaining low‐yield natural grass stands that have lost the ability of regeneration.