Rational Animal Research Articles

Minimal metaphysics in moral and political philosophy

The aim of this paper is to apply the methodology of minimal ontological commitments to moral and political philosophy. As minimal metaphysics in the philosophy of science endorses scientific realism, so we subscribe to moral realism, arguing that the presumption of liberty is the fundamental assumption defining a person. What needs to be justified then are restrictions to liberty and, in particular, the application of coercion upon persons. In examining knowledge claims about normative facts going beyond the presumption of liberty, such as, for instance, facts about a common good, we show that an ontological commitment to such normative facts is at odds with minimal metaphysics. We thus show how minimal metaphysics vindicates a Kantian deontological stance in moral and political philosophy: moral realism is limited to the obligations that follow from extending the presumption of liberty to all human beings in virtue of them being rational animals, hence to respect every person as an end in itself.

Misinformation, observational equivalence and the possibility of rationality

ABSTRACT In vice epistemology, bad epistemic outcomes, such as maintaining false beliefs, are interpreted as indicators of blameworthy irrationality. Conversely, a growing trend in philosophical psychology advocates for environmentalist explanations, suggesting these outcomes emerge because rational cognitive processes of faultless individuals falter due to polluted environmental inputs. Building on concrete examples, I first offer a systematic analysis of the relative explanatory merits of that environmentalist project. I then use this analysis to advance the rationality debate, which has recently been identified as stagnating due to an observational equivalence between environmentalist and vice accounts. Although the conceptual imprecision of vice epistemology has frequently been critiqued, the framework developed here reveals that environmentalism is (also) unable to meet various theoretical desiderata. I show why this is so and argue that, to make progress, environmentalism needs a more substantive conception of epistemic rationality. To this end, I propose that a closer engagement with questions of cognitive agency – how rational creatures can “make up” their minds about what to believe – could enable the necessary progress.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the influence of the feed product Vinassa on milk productivity and rumen indicators of cows during the period of increasing the milk yield

By-products of processing of various industries in the agro-industrial complex with an optimal level of their introduction into the ration of farm animals make it possible to increase the productivity of farm animals by optimizing ruminal digestion. The purpose of the research was to assess the eff ectiveness of the infl uence of the feed product Vinassa on milk productivity and rumen indicators of cows during the period of increasing the milk yield. In order to conduct the experiment lactating fresh cows were selected during the period of increasing the milk yield (n=45), which were divided into three groups of 15 heads in each according to the method of pair-analogs. The introduction of diff erent levels of sugar processing products and domestically produced yeast production into the ration of cows in the 1st experimental group in the amount of 500 g/head/day and in the 2nd experimental group 1000 g/head/day has been examined in the work. The introduction of the feed product Vinassa in the amount of 1000 g/head/day as part of a totally mixed ration contributed to the optimization of rumen pH. The level of volatile fatty acids increased in the rumen contents of cows of the 2nd experimental group by 2.27 mmol/l, and the concentration of ammonia decreased by 4.48 mg% compared to the control group. Improving indicators of ruminal contents contributed to the growth and development of bacteria and ciliates. Thus, in cows of the 2nd experimental group the number of dry matter of ciliates was higher by 0.7 g/100 ml of dry matter of rumen contents. It was found during the experiment that optimization of ruminal digestion leads to increased milk productivity. Thus, in cows of the 2nd experimental group during the period of increasing the milk yield, the increase in the gross milk yield of milk with 4 % fat content for the period of increasing the milk yield was found to increase by 7.1 % and the increase in the gross yield of milk fat by 7.1 % (p < 0.05).

Caretakers of value: A theory of human personhood

AbstractAccording to a traditional view, humans are superior to their non‐human terrestrial companions because they alone are “rational animals.” Although the traditional view is presupposed by our social and legal institutions, it has been called into question by modern science: Darwin himself claimed that humans differ in degree rather than in kind from animals, and recent discoveries in comparative animal cognition have seemed to confirm Darwin's assertion. Sustaining the traditional view in light of these discoveries calls out for a careful comparison of the human mind with its precursors, the vertebrate mind and the mammalian mind. Psychological capacities shared across the animal kingdom are repurposed in humans, rendering humans uniquely capable of rationality. To be rational is to respond appropriately to value. Humans as such are not rational animals, but have the potential to become rational animals. This potential marks a morally relevant difference in kind between humans and non‐human animals.

AUTO CRITIC WESTERN WORLDVIEW ABOUT ECONOMIC MAN CONCEPT IN THE NEOCLASSICAL ECONOMIC ERA

Western thought’s worldview of the concept of man has influenced much of the theoretical basis of science. Without realizing it, the Western interpretation of the human concept still raises debates just like the concept of the economic man. The West’s failure to understand the concept of the economic man had an impact on economic problems in the neoclassical era. This study aims to analyze the worldview analogy of Western thinking about human nature from various figures and relate it to the context of economic problems in a neoclassical era. This study uses a conceptual approach. Western interpretations of human nature tend to be based on the nature of animals such as rational animals, zoon politicon, and homo sapiens. Meanwhile, in an economic aspect, humans are considered selfish, materialistic, self-interested, greedy, and always want to gain power. The worldview of various Western figures in interpreting human economics leads to the rationality of materialism. It can be said that the Western worldview fails in understanding the human concept. Failure to understand this concept raises complex economic problems in the neoclassical era such as scarcity, climate crisis, poverty, and welfare. Because human nature is uncontrollably exploiting nature through production activities to increase wealth is a main factor.

Metasmart in the rations of young sheep of Kuibyshev breed

Realization of the productivity potential of sheep is possible only under the condition of balanced feeding based on the characteristics of their nutrition and metabolism. Maximum gains in live weight and high-quality wool can only be obtained as a result of adequate feeding, balanced with all currently known nutrients including amino acids. The use of synthetic amino acids in particular methionine when feeding ruminants is diffi cult, because with a lack of energy and nitrogen in the feed, protein and amino acids are partially degraded in the forestomach. Therefore, the use of synthetic amino acids as part of the ration of ruminant animals becomes less eff ective and is unjustifi ed from an economic point of view. The purpose of the research was to study Metasmart (protected methionine) in the rations of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. The experiment was carried out on three groups of young animals (control and two experimental) from 3 to 9 months of age per 12 heads animals in each group. Scientifi c and economic experiment was divided into two periods, the fi rst period from 3 to 7, the second period from 7 to 9 months of age. For animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups in the fi rst period (from 3 to 7 months of age), Metasmart was included in the feed at the rate of 1,5 and 2,0 g/head/day. In the second period (from 7 to 9 months of age) Metasmart was included in the compound feed at the rate of 2,0 and 3,0 g/head/day in the experimental groups. It was established that feeding protected methionine (Metasmart) to meat-wool young sheep helped reduce feed intake for a gain of 1 kg of live weight, which had a positive eff ect on the prime-cost of growth and meat productivity of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. Analysis of parameters of wool productivity of haggerels showed that the inclusion of Metasmart in the compound feed in an amount of 2,0 g/head/day in the fi rst period and 3,0 g/head/day in the second period had a positive effect on the wool productivity of animals and the quality of wool.

Beef Cattle Barn Design for Cold Climates; Case of Van Province

Livestock operations generally deal with dairy or beef cattle. Although sufficient attention is paid in design and construction of dairy barns since modern technology, mechanization and labor are used intensively in dairy barns, beef cattle barns are still constructed in traditional styles. However, in cattle barns planned for meat production, which is one of the most important protein sources of human beings, desired conditions should be provided at optimum levels. Working conditions of the workers should be improved, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of animal rations should be improved and hygienic production environment should be provided. Therefore, beef cattle barns should be designed and constructed in accordance with modern technologies and technical standards and regional conditions should be taken into consideration. In this study, planning and design criteria of beef cattle barns for cold climate regions were determined and 100 and 200-head capacity beef cattle barns were developed and designed for Van Province conditions.

Applying a Mathematical Model for Calculating the Ideal Nutrition for Sheep

The principal economic sector devoted to the breeding, raising, and production of farm animals is known as the livestock industry. There are precise standards for making high-quality feed in animal husbandry. Precision livestock feeding is a crucial component, with the potential to significantly impact the profitability of livestock; it permits the provision of diets to animals that are precisely tailored to their specific daily nutritional needs. Through simulation modeling, a single model can be created for automated systems to determine daily rations for farm animals. For the purposes of this document, precision livestock feeding refers to the practice of tailoring feed to individual animals or groups of animals, taking into account their changing nutritional needs over time and individual differences in terms of nutritional requirements. The practice aims to optimize animal health and performance while reducing feed waste. This paper presents a formal model for determining the quantities of components needed to achieve a minimum cost mixture that satisfies compositional and quantitative criteria. The present research calculates the amount of hay and silage required to feed an animal per day at the most economical cost by applying an optimization approach that involves defining and solving an optimization problem. The problem is solved using a well-known software package, which is necessary for the practical application of the resulting model. Real data from livestock production in Bulgaria are used to numerically test the model.

The influence of sunflower meal in feed on slaughter and meat quality of pigs

Currently, the problem of providing protein nutrition for animals and reducing the cost of pork production is relevant. The choice of effective and, at the same time, cheap protein components for animal rations is one of the foundations of high-performance animal husbandry. The purpose of the work was to determine the effectiveness of using compound feed with the introduction of sunflower meal of increased feed value and a different structure of the grain group on the slaughter and meat quality of pigs. Our research has proven the preservation of the level of productivity of pigs and obtaining a sufficiently high level of profitability of pork production when feeding compound feed based on barley and sunflower meal of increased feed value with or without wheat. In the control group, which received barley-corn-wheat compound feed, the average daily gains during the scientific and economic experiment amounted to 683 g. The maximum deviation in the experimental groups was +2.8 %. The difference was statistically improbable. At the same time, a slight increase in feed consumption per 1 kg of growth was observed in the experimental group, which was fed combined feed based on barley and sunflower meal. A tendency to increase the slaughter yield of piglets of the research groups and a probable increase in the meat yield from the carcass in animals whose combined feed was injected with 15 % by mass of sunflower meal of increased fodder value was noted. Feeding young pigs with two-component combined feed with barley grit + 15 % sunflower meal of increased forage value contributes to a decrease in lard thickness by 2.5 %. The longest back muscle of these animals is characterized by a 1.0% higher content of adipose tissue, an 8.3 % intensity of muscle fiber staining, as well as a 6.1 % lower caloric content, an amount of calcium (P ≤ 0.05), active acidity (P < 0.01). At the same time, a tendency to a slight increase in the moisture content of lard by 0.9 % and a decrease in the melting temperature of lard by 1.5 °C was noted. The research results on the chemical composition of animal meat during the transition to low-component compound feed indicate that the dry matter content was practically at the same level. Protein was found the most in the meat of the second group of guinea pigs (20.64 %), which is 0.76 % higher than the control analogs. At the same time, the fat content in muscle tissue samples decreased in the second and third groups relative to the control by 0.17 % and 0.70 %, respectively. Specific changes in the chemical composition of animal meat in the third experimental group, compared to the control group, resulted in a 6.5 % decrease in its caloric content, coinciding with recent trends regarding the production of leaner pork. When switching to low-component compound feed with sunflower meal of increased fodder value, there is a tendency to an inevitable increase in losses during the culinary processing of pig meat, with a simultaneous decrease in its tenderness. The change in these indicators occurred due to the reduction in the moisture-retaining capacity of muscle tissue in the second and third experimental groups.

The nature of human practices and the importance of practical reason: why law cannot be a moral practice only

ABSTRACT I will advance two criticisms and one comment to Hershovitz's Law is a Moral Practice. First, I will argue that the idea that law is a moral practice because it rearranges our moral relationships tends to be circular, unless a conception of practical reason connected to morality and human practices are advanced. Second, I will problematise the predominance of a backward-looking legal reasoning that focuses on rights and wrongs only. Finally, I will explore Bernard Williams diagnosis regarding ‘the problem of the morality system’ and scrutinise how his reflections might have implications for the key premises advanced by Hershovitz. I demonstrate that any explanation of law as moral practice needs to explain the role of our engagement with the law as the kind of creatures we are, i.e. rational creatures. This means that any account of the relationship between law and morality that does not explain the character of practical reason and how it engages with the law is deficient and unsatisfactory. Hershovitz is eager to show that law cannot be neutral and he tells us that it is instead a moral practice that deals with rights and wrongs in a robust manner. However, his account cannot explain to us how the judge and legislator make this possible through the law. Therefore, within this conception, there is no mediation or bridge between law and moral practice qua rational (and not qua practice). Hershovitz seems to discard the ancient philosophical platitude, namely that we cannot understand and engage with right and wrong, good or bad, except through the mediation of reason.

Determination of Phytase-hydrolyzable Phosphorus in Selected Animal Feed Ingredients by In Vitro Digestion Method

Feed phytase is one of the most successful biotechnological applications that led to better farm performance and effective phosphorus (P) reduction in animal excrement. Better estimation of phytase-hydrolyzable P (PHP) in feeds can further improve the estimation of animal rations for higher productivity. PHP in yellow corn, feed wheat, wheat pollard, rice bran, soybean meal, copra meal, and monodicalcium phosphate (MDCP) was determined by in vitro digestion. To determine if PHP values of feed ingredients are additive, three formulated diets were also subjected to the same method. The procedure consisted of phytase, pepsin, and pancreatin digestion periods – each of which simulated the different sections of poultry’s gastrointestinal tract. After these three incubations, the P contents in the dialysate and residual fluids – with and without enzyme – were analyzed. Results showed that yellow corn contained the highest PHP value with 52.54% of its total soluble P – followed by soybean meal, rice bran, copra meal, and feed wheat with 52.32, 39.86, 26.77, and 21.9%, respectively. Wheat pollard and MDCP had –58.47 and –2.63%, respectively. On the other hand, formulated diets 1, 2, and 3 contained actual PHPs of 32.3, 14.02, and 38.68% – as well as calculated values of 33.22, 29.13, and 40.1%, respectively. Statistical analyses showed no significant difference between the actual and calculated values. Therefore, PHP is additive when used in diet formulation. Lastly, comparing the P in the dialysate from the experiment and the available P present in the seven feed samples based on literature indicated that the experimental values were lower than those of the literature data for all samples. This discrepancy can be attributed to the type of samples analyzed; the experimental data were obtained upon in vitro assay of individual feeds, whereas the literature values were based on an as-fed basis, which may contain other components normally fed to animals.

Prediction of chemical compositions of crushed maize used in meat animal ration using near infrared spectroscopy and multivariate analysis

The aim of this study was to test the ability of near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy to predict the proximate components in crushed maize which is used in meat animal ration. In total 100 samples were prepared among these 75 samples were in calibration set and 25 samples were in validation set. For detection of chemical composition of crushed maize, spectra were collected using DLPNIR scan Nano Software. Partial least square regression (PLSR) model for calibration and validation were developed through The Unscrambler X software. Accuracies of the calibration models were evaluated using the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEc), root mean square error of validation (RMSEv), coefficient of calibration (R2 c) and coefficient of validation (R2 v). Generally, the accuracy (i.e. the closeness between actual and the predicted values) of regression model is considered as excellent when the R2 ≥ 0.90. Predictive ability of the PLSR model is assessed by co-efficient of determination of validation (R2V) and root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSEV). The best model for each trait is selected on the basis of the highest co-efficient of determination of validation (R2V) and the lowest root mean square error of validation (RMSEV). R2 v 0.972, 0.971, 0.971, 0.957, 0.960, 0.968 for DM, moisture, CP, EE, CF and ash respectively; and RMSEV values are 0.26, 0.26, 0.24, 0.15, 0.12, 0.19, for DM, moisture, CP, EE, CF and ash, respectively. From the findings it can be concluded that crushed maize proximate components can be predicted through PLS model from reference values using The Unscrambler X software.

“Belief” and Belief

AbstractOur interest in understanding belief stems partly from our being creatures who think. However, the term ‘belief’ is used to refer to many states: from the fully conscious rational state that partly constitutes knowledge to the fanciful states of alarm clocks. Which of the many ‘belief’ states must a theory of belief be answerable to? This is the scope question. I begin my answer with a reply to a recent argument that belief is invariably weak, i.e., that the evidential standards that are required for belief are low. Although one state we refer to using the term ‘belief’ fits this profile, other ‘belief’ states do not. Crucially, when ‘belief’ is heard in a weak sense, it attributes a state that only a rational creature can be in. I will use this observation as a starting point for an argument that the study of (our) belief should not be constrained by the requirement that the illuminated state be held in common with any non‐rational being. This lends support to the Transformative Theory of Rationality, according to which rationality does not merely add powers or complexity to the animal mind, but transforms it into a different kind of mind altogether.

Enterosorbent from modified glauconite concentrate in the feeding of young cattle

Currently, the fi rst place is taken by the qualities of feed additives used in feeding highly productive cattle, such as biological and sorption activity, harmlessness and bioavailability. For this reason, recently there has been a significant increase in scientific and practical interest in the use of feed additives that help not only increase the productivity of farm animals, but also improve their health. The purpose of the work was to study enterosorbent from a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in feeding young cattle. A study of glauconite from the Bondar deposit in the Tambov region as a feed additive in the ratrions of young cattle was carried out. New knowledge has been obtained about the sorption properties of this mineral, its eff ect on the absorption and excretion of various metals from the body of animals, including micro- and macronutrients, as well as metal pollutants. Safe eff ective doses of its introduction into animal rations have been determined. It was experimentally fed to older replacement young animals as part of a mono feed. It has been established that the use of enterosorbent based on a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in the ration of young cattle at a dose of 0,2 g/kg of live weight helped to remove nickel from the body of animals up to 60 %, and lead up to 36 % of the total amount, which on average was excreted in feces. The sorbent showed average effi ciency in relation to copper approximately 13 % of its amount is bound and excreted in feces. In this case, the mineral accumulated in the digestive tract of animals for 3–4 days. Under conditions of copper defi ciency in feed, sorbent retention promoted better absorption of inorganic forms of this nutrient consumed with mineral additives.

Биохимические и гематологические характеристики крови коров красной степной породы Павлодарской области Казахстана

To predict the breeding and productive characteristics of cattle, along with molecular genetic markers, biochemical and hematological indicators are used. The purpose of the study is to conduct a hemato-biochemical analysis of the blood serum of red steppe cows in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan. Deviations of protein level from the norm indicates metabolic disorders in the body, ration of animals. The total protein in the blood serum of cows is in the upper limit of reference values and makes 81,07±4,28 g/L. Determination of bilirubin content in blood allows to find out the ability of the liver to secrete bile. Total bilirubin amounted to 1,58±0,26 umol/L, which does not exceed the specified values. Urea is the end product of protein metabolism. Its content in blood increases with delayed excretion by kidneys. In the blood serum of cows the concentration of urea is 4,91±0,22 mmol/L. In biochemical analysis, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase are an indicator of cell damage in internal organs. Aspartateaminotransferase was 105,9±8,46 U/L, is within the reference values, indicating the absence of disorders in nitrogen metabolism. The concentration of alanine aminotransferase enzyme was 47,3±4,07 U/L, also indicating the absence of damage in the liver. Cholesterol as an important structural element of cell membrane participates in the formation of complexes with proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Total cholesterol content – 4,72±0,32 mmol/L. Decrease in blood sugar level is a symptom of serious disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism and lack of glycogen reserves in liver and muscles. Decrease of sugar content in blood of cows can be considered as a result of mismatch of energy intake with feed and its expenditure on metabolic processes and milk formation. Glucose concentration was 2,00±0,31 mmol/L. Insignificant deviation from the reference values of amylase enzyme, which hydrolyzes starch and glycogen, was detected. The level of these blood proteins is characterized by great stability and is subject to small fluctuations under normal conditions. The concentration of the enzyme totaled 73,7±6,37 U/L.

Impact of ImarsilTM Adsorption on Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) Levels in Cow's Milk: Analyzing Hematological Parameters and Histopathological Alterations

The efficacy of ImarsilTM in mitigating the effects of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in cow's milk on hematological and histopathological parameters was investigated in this study. Seventy-two albino rats were randomly allocated to four treatment groups A - D in a six-week study. Rats in all groups were fed standard ration. In addition, 2 mL of clean distilled water, 2 mL of milk, 2 mL of AFM1 contaminated milk (456 ng/L), and 2 mL of AFM1 contaminated milk (456 ng/L) treated with ImarsilTM at 2% dosage rate were added to the ration of animals in groups A, B, C, and D respectively. The results of the investigation showed that rats in Group C developed a significant (p<0.05) lower weight. Packed Cell Volume (%), Hemoglobin (g/dL), Red Blood Cell (106/mm3), Mean Corpuscular Volume (fL), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (pg), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (g/dL) were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the different groups. In group C, a significant reduction (p<0.05) occurred in the white blood cell (103/mm3) (12.90 - 8.63), and lymphocytes (87.00 - 74.33%) counts while the neutrophils (%) increased from 13.00 to 25.67. In contrast to those in Group C, tissue sections from Group D showed no histological lesions. Therefore, ImarsilTM represents an effective and safe adsorbent for the remediation of AFM1-contaminated milk.

INFLUENCE OF THE GRANULATION PROCESS ON THE QUALITY OF THE PROBIOTIC FEED SUPPLEMENT

The modern development of animal husbandry and poultry farming is impossible without compound feed, which is balanced in terms of energy indicators, nutrients and biologically active substances. The presence of biologically active substances in the rations of animals leads to an increase in the cost of compound feed, which affects the cost of livestock products. However, an insufficient amount of biologically active substances leads to the occurrence of diseases that exclude the possibility of further effective use of animals. Probiotic feed products based on live cultures of microorganisms are used to ensure the body's need for biologically active substances of farm animals. Probiotic feed supplement EnzActive based on active yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is widely used in feeding farm animals. This supplement is able to increase the assimilation of nutrients by blocking the negative impact of harmful microorganisms on the condition of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, on the processes of digestion and removal of the end products of metabolism. Based on theoretical and experimental data, a structural scheme for the production of granulated compound feed using EnzActive probiotic feed additive is proposed, which involves stepwise dosing and mixing of microcomponents with EnzActive probiotic feed additive, further mixing with prepared and dosed components of compound feed to ensure high uniformity of EnzActive distribution in the finished product. The technology for the production of granulated combined feed products using the EnzActive probiotic feed additive has been developed, which allows for the production of highly homogeneous finished products with a fixed stable composition that meets the physiological needs of farm animals. The physical properties of loose and granulated compound feed with the EnzActive probiotic feed additive were experimentally determined, which indicate that, compared to loose, granular compound feed with the EnzActive probiotic feed additive, it has a smaller angle of natural slope, better flowability, and greater volume, which leads to space saving during transportation and storage. The main quality indicator of the granulated compound feed is the fragility of the granules, which was 27%. It has been established that the introduction of probiotic feed additive EnzActive into the compound feed does not affect the change in the physical properties of the finished compound feed products. Microbiological indicators were determined, which indicate that the number of yeast cells in the granulated compound feed with the EnzActive probiotic feed additive is 51.6% compared to the number of yeast cells in the loose compound feed with the EnzActive probiotic feed additive.

Influence of different diets and sorbents on the accumulation of Cd in the muscle tissue of young cattle and pigs

The article, based on scientific research, examines an important problematic issue regarding the quality and safety of beef and pork during their production in the Polissia zone of Ukraine, affected by the Chornobyl accident. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the effect of different diets and saponite sorbent on the level of Cd accumulation in the muscle tissue of young bulls and pigs kept in the territory belonging to the third zone of radioactive contamination. Two scientific and economic experiments were conducted. When growing Ukrainian black and white dairy young bulls, the influence of different silages (4-component cereal-bean mixture and Echinоchloa frumentаcea silage) on the content of Cd in the longest back muscle was studied (experiment 1), and optimization of the protein nutrition of animals was carried out at the expense of various feeds with a high protein content (narrow-leaved lupine and fodder beans) (experiment 2). In the third experiment, young pigs were fed various amounts of the natural mineral saponite as part of their diet, and its influence on the ecological quality of products was studied. Since different types and amounts of feed components were used when feeding the animals of the studied groups, it was necessary to balance the rations according to the content of nutrients for each of the presented groups. Regulation and verification of the nutritional value of the rationed feed was carried out monthly. When changing rations for animals, their growth, live weight, zootechnical analysis of feed, their nutritional value and feeding rates were taken into account. Sample preparation of fodder and muscles was carried out according to GSTU 7670:2014 with the help of dry mineralization, the concentration of the toxicant was determined by the atomic absorption method. The transition coefficient of Cd in the chain «diet – muscle tissue» in this study is within the established standards. At the same time, feeding by Echinоchloa frumentаcea silage contributed to a decrease in the coefficient of transition of Cd into the muscle tissue of young bulls by 0.68 % (absolute). The introduction of 30 % (by mass) of fodder beans into the grain mixture instead of a similar amount of lupine for young cattle (cattle) for fattening in the territory of radioactive contamination (the third zone) contributed to a significantly lower accumulation and transition of Cd into the muscle tissue of animals – on 25.0 % and 0.71 % (absolute), respectively. The inclusion of the natural sorbent mineral saponite in the amount of 3–7 % by mass of concentrated feed in the diet of growing and fattening pigs contributed to a reduction of Cd in the longest muscle of the back by 21.8– 37.9%, while at the same time it was better in terms of the sorption efficiency for excretion of Cd, which turned out to be a saponite dose of 7 %. Key words: young bulls, pigs, nutrition, different diets, saponite, accumulation of Cd.

The influence of coniferous-mineral additive on the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers under conditions of Yakutia

The purpose of this work was to carry out the infl uence of a coniferous-mineral feed additive on the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia. The results of a research to study the influence of the coniferous-mineral feed additive on the milk productivity of Simmental first-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia have been presented in the article. The selection and testing of animals for the experiment was carried out according to generally accepted livestock technical methods. The inclusion of experimental feed additives in the rations of animals of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups made it possible statistically signifi cant to increase the average daily milk yield of milk by 5,46 %, 5,96 and 5,83 % and the milk yield for the experiment (lactation) in these groups was more by 5,41 %, 5,96 and 5,80 %, respectively, compared to the 1st control group. The use of feed additives from local natural raw materials in the rations of experimental group of animals aff ected the digestibility and absorption of nutrients. Against the background of the use of experimental feed additives, the coeffi cients of nutrient digestibility in animals of the experimental groups increased compared to the 1st control group: for dry matter by 1,47 abs.%, 1,89 and 1,59 abs.%, for organic matter by 1,91 abs.%, 2,66 and 2,45 abs.%, crude protein by 1,49 abs.%, 1,89 and 1,63 abs.%, crude fat by 2,02 abs.% , 2,55 and 2,48 abs.%, crude fi ber by 2,46 abs.%, 3,78 and 3,40 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,70 abs.%, 2,42 and 2,31 abs.%, respectively, by groups. Thus, the use of coniferous-mineral additive helps to improve the digestibility of nutrients in the body of animals and increase the milk productivity of cattle under the conditions of Yakutia.

The effectiveness of coniferous-mineral and zeolite additives in feeding of fi rst-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia

The purpose of the work was to study the complex effect of coniferous-mineral and zeolite additives on the milk productivity of first-calf heifers under the conditions of Yakutia. Data have been presented on the study of the influence of a coniferous-mineral additive in combination with a zeolite additive on the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers of Simmental breed under the conditions of Yakutia. The scientific and farm experiment was carried out in three groups; the selection and testing of animals was carried out taking into account generally accepted methods in animal science. The use of the complex of feed additives in the rations of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups of animals made it possible to increase the milk productivity of fi rst-calf heifers by 9,07 and 7,58 % (P > 0,999), respectively. At the end of the experiment, milk yield in the experimental groups was higher compared to the 1st control group by 9,13 and 7,57 % (P > 0,999). In the milk of heifers of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, the proportion of fat content increased by 0,12 and 0,08 abs.%, as well as the milk protein content by 0,10 and 0,08 abs.% compared to the 1st control group. The most complete picture of the changes caused by the inclusion of experimental feed additives in the rations of experimental animals can be traced in terms of nutrient digestibility. In fi rst-calf heifers of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups, the digestibility coeffi cients of nutrients increased as follow dry matter by 2,78 and 2,23 abs.%, organic matter by 3,01 and 1,42 abs.%, crude protein by 3,10 and 1,99 abs.%, crude fat by 3,46 and 2,72 abs.%, crude fi ber by 3,93 and 0,43 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,52 and 0,52 abs.%, respectively, compared to the 1st control group. Thus, the integrated use of the studied additives in feeding of first-calf heifers improves the digestibility of nutrients and increases their milk productivity under the conditions of Yakutia.