Federal Scientific Center for Biological Systems and Agricultural Technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The article presents the results of a study of the physiological parameters of the gas exchange of the leaves of the squat elm (Ulmus pumila L.) in conditions of protective forest belts. The aim of the work was to evaluate the features of Co₂ assimilation, transpiration, and stomatal regulation, as well as their significance for the implementation of the climate-regulating function of protective forest belts. During field measurements, CO₂(A) assimilation, transpiration (E), intercellular CO₂ (Ci) concentration, chamber CO₂ (Ca) concentration, stomatal conductivity (gsw), leaf temperature (Tleaf), water vapor pressure deficiency (VPD) and illumination level (Qimb) were determined. The analysis of the obtained data showed that the parameters of gas exchange are in close functional relationship and reflect the influence of microclimatic conditions and seasonal condition of plants. It has been established that at the end of the growing season, there is a decrease in assimilation activity and a relative predominance of respiratory processes, which limits the absorption of atmospheric CO2. At the same time, the preservation of active stomatal regulation and transpiration indicates the participation of woody plants in the formation of the microclimate of agricultural landscapes. The results obtained emphasize the importance of the physiological characteristics of tree species in assessing the climate-regulating function of protective forest stands and justify the need for similar studies during the active growing season. Keywords: ASSIMILATION, TRANSPIRATION, STOMATAL CONDUCTION, ULMUS PUMILA L, PLANT GAS EXCHANGE, CLIMATE-REGULATING FUNCTION

The objective of the study is to identify the influence of agricultural crops and crop rotation links on the organic matter regime of southern chernozem in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals and to develop biological methods for its stabilization. The studies were conducted as part of a long-term stationary field experiment in the arid steppe conditions of the Orenburg Cis-Urals. The soil of the experimental plot is southern chernozem, low-humus, medium-deep, carbonate, heavy loamy with a humus content of 4.4 % and a slightly alkaline reaction of the soil solution (pHH2O – 7.8). The experimental design included seven crop rotation links of different composition and fertilizer system with a rotation of 3 years. The experiment was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. The placement of options is systematic in two tiers, the area of the experimental plots is 486 m2. The experiment was repeated three times in time and four times on the territory. A comparative assessment of field, forage crops and crop rotation links was carried out in terms of productivity, the amount of plant organic matter entering the soil and the volume of newly formed humus. For the conditions of dry farming in the steppe zone of the Southern Urals, a wider use of green manure and by-products of plant growing was proposed as additional resources of plant organic matter for the reproduction of soil fertility, effective crop rotation links were developed to ensure stabilization of the humus state of the soil, and recommendations were given for optimizing the structure of crop rotations. The largest input of stubble and root residues into the soil (22.18–22.91 t/ha) was provided by the links with forage grasses. For a positive humus balance in the agrocenoses of the steppe zone, it is necessary to include forage grasses and green manure crops in the composition of field crop rotations, use by-products as an additional source of plant organic matter, use occupied fallows instead of clean fallows, or apply manure at a rate of at least 20 t/ha.

Background and Aim:The global demand for efficient poultry production necessitates alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel four-component organic-mineral feed additive (OMFA), comprising lactulose, arginine, ultrafine silicon dioxide particles, and succinic acid, and a three-component variant (without lactulose) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, elemental tissue composition, and the cecal microbiota of Arbor Acres broiler chickens.Materials and Methods:One hundred and five one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated into three groups: Control, Group I (four-component OMFA), and Group II (three-component OMFA). Growth metrics were recorded weekly over a 42-day period. Nutrient digestibility was assessed through balance experiments, while elemental tissue composition was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cecal microbiota profiling was conducted using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing on the MiSeq platform. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.Results:Group I showed an 11.2% increase in body weight gain and a 9.6% reduction in feed conversion ratio compared to controls (p = 0.074; p = 0.063). Group II demonstrated superior weight gain (17.9%) but incurred a 3.6% increase in feed costs. Digestibility of crude fat and protein improved significantly in Group II (p = 0.037). Elemental analysis indicated that lactulose supplementation enhanced the accumulation of magnesium, calcium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and chromium in muscle tissue. Microbiota analysis revealed that Group I increased Ruminococcaceae abundance and suppressed Pseudobdellovibrionaceae, while Group II favored the proliferation of Helicobacteraceae, Rikenellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae.Conclusion:Both OMFA formulations enhanced productivity and modulated gut microbiota. The four-component OMFA improved feed efficiency and mineral deposition, while the three-component version elicited greater weight gains. These findings support the incorporation of OMFA as a strategic tool in antibiotic-free poultry production. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the metabolic interactions among additive components and their long-term effects on gut health and performance.

Molybdenum (Mo) is an important microelement for animals and humans. The requirements of productive animals for this element are not well defined, in particular for beef cattle, since its deficiency has not been recorded under practical feeding conditions. There is limited evidence that inclusion of molybdenum in the diet of sheep and cattle can improve diet digestibility. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Mo on the rumen microbiota and the course of metabolic processes in the rumen using an in vitro method. In the experiment, Mo nanoparticles (NPs) (size 50 nm, 99.7% molybdenum, 0.3% O2, 14 m2/g Ssp, obtained by plasma-chemical synthesis) were used at doses of 1.0, 1.7, and 2.0 mg/kg dry matter (DM). Mill offal was used as a feed substrate (in the control without the inclusion of NPs). The study of metabolic processes in the rumen of ruminants was carried out by the in vitro method using the ANKOM DaisyII incubator (modifications D200 and D200I) according to a specialized technique. The use of supraphysiological doses of molybdenum in the artificial rumen system can disrupt the balance of microorganisms, reducing the number of ciliates by 9.3–15.4% and the biomass of protozoa in the rumen contents by 18.2–22.7%, while stimulating the growth of bacteria by 19.2–30.8% in doses not exceeding 1.7 mg/kg DM. The inclusion of various doses of molybdenum contributed to an increase in the digestibility of the feed substrate DM by up to 5%, the level of VFA by 12.4–21.1%, and total nitrogen in the rumen fluid by 21.1–1.1% relative to the control values, which allows us to consider this element as a component of a premix for ruminants in order to stimulate metabolism and increase productivity.

SUMMARY Modern agriculture plays a key role in ensuring food security for the world’s population, but faces a global challenge – meeting the growing demand for food products. In this context, industrial poultry farming is an important link in the agro-industrial complex, providing the population with balanced meat and eggs. To improve the efficiency and quality of products, researchers have turned to the use of nanobiotechnology, including biosynthesised nanomaterials. A nanoparticle is a microscopic particle, its size ranges from 1 to 100 nanometres. Due to their small size and high surface area, nanoparticles have unique physical and chemical properties that differ from those of macroscopic materials. The advantages of using nanoparticles in poultry farming are obvious: they help to improve growth rates, since they are effectively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, exerting an enhanced biological effect on the body. This allows you to increase the nutritional value of products with less toxicity of the agents used and ensure high bioavailability of minerals. The use of nanoparticles to improve feed efficiency and poultry health can have significant potential to reduce the spread of diseases and antibiotic resistance. Nanotechnology can indeed bring innovation to various industries, and research in this area is a new way to optimise processes and increase efficiency in poultry production. It is important to consider potential negative consequences, such as possible accumulation of nanomaterials in the environment, the emergence of new forms of pollution and potential toxic effects on animals and humans. For the successful implementation of nanotechnology in poultry farming, it is necessary to conduct additional research and develop strict control measures for the use of nanoparticles in order to minimise possible risks to health and the environment. The purpose of the review was to analyse, summarise and present modern approaches to the use of ultrafine and nanoparticles as components of feed additives in poultry farming.

Improvement of productive qualities of beef cattle is an important direction of livestock breeding development in the Russian Federation. The hormonal status of farm animals plays an important role in the development of their productive and reproductive qualities.The present study provides data on productive qualities of Hereford cattle steers depending on their hormonal status. To assess the hormonal status of animals, their hair can be used. The content of estradiol in hair allowed to divide animals into groups, different in concentration of this hormone and to give an estimation of productive qualities of bulls in the context of such division. Each group of animals was closely monitored. Live weight and its average daily gain were controlled. It was found that the growth rate of live weight of steers was higher in groups with high reference values of hormone content in hair. After slaughtering the morphological and chemical composition of carcasses of experimental animals was determined. On the basis of multivariate analysis the informativeness of hair as a biosubstrate for estimation of hormonal status of beef steers was determined.

Poultry farming is one of the most dynamically developing branches of agriculture in Russia. To ensure high productivity of poultry and improve product quality, poultry farmers use various feed additives. However, now, due to the difficult situation in the country and many sanctions imposed, the offers on the domestic feed additives market may cause difficulties in choosing the best option. In this regard, the purpose of this article was to analyze feed additives with components of plant origin that exist in our country and are used in poultry farming (as of 2023). An analysis of literary data, data from the state register of feed additives produced on the Russian market made it possible to assess the situation in the field of feeding agricultural poultry. The supply and demand for these additives were studied, and research data on various types of additives with plant components on the body of agricultural poultry are provided. It should be noted that more and more attention in the modern production of feed antibiotics for farm animals and poultry is paid to the use of components of plant origin, the so-called phytobiotics. The article provides solutions to the problem and development prospects for the domestic feed additives market, and also indicates the potential for improving the quality and diversity of supply. It is concluded that the analysis is important for feed additives manufacturers, as well as specialists and researchers in the field of poultry farming.

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a combination of phytobiotic (Quercus cortex) and probiotic preparations (lactobifadol) as feed additives in the growth of broiler chickens. The studies were conducted in accordance with accepted zootechnical methods in poultry farming, under controlled conditions in a vivarium and the Center for Collective Use FRC BST RAS (Orenburg, Russia). The scientific novelty of this study lies in the fact that the primary factor contributing to the enhancement of poultry productivity and the production of quality products is the exclusion of antibacterial drugs from the feed ration. The use of these substances can result in both beneficial and adverse effects. For instance, they may cause toxic or allergic reactions, and the ingestion of antibiotic residues through the consumption of broiler meat is also a possibility. Currently, there is a great deal of scientific and practical interest in the identification and study of alternative feed additives, as well as their combined effects. The results demonstrated that animals receiving supplements consumed less feed and exhibited higher growth rates compared to the control group. The live weight gains of chickens receiving Quercus cortex extract and lactobifidol separately increased by 9.54 and 6.75%, respectively, while feed consumption decreased by 5.68 and 7.01%, respectively. The maximum reliable gain in live weight of broilers (16.9% (p≤0.01)) was observed on the background of combined feeding of Quercus cortex extract and lactobifadol, on the background of reduced feed consumption by 5.68 and 7.01%, respectively.

Introduction. Aquaculture is currently recognised as the most rapidly developing branch of agriculture. Various feed additives enable reduction of the negative impact of the production intensification measures on the hydrobionts and improve their immune status. The natural additives with sorption properties are of particular interest, they are environmentally friendly and cause no dependence. Humic acids, zeolites, aluminosilicates, charcoal, etc. are used as the sorption feed additives for fish. It is necessary not only to find a substance possessing the sorption properties that can be used as a feed additive, but also to determine its dosage, interaction with feed ingredients and other preparations, as well as its safety. The existing publications in the foreign and native scientific literature describe the research held in the certain hydrobionts species on inclusion in their diet of the certain sorption feed additives for a limited period of time. However, in the scientific literature, the review papers analysing the use of such feed additives in aquaculture are not available yet. The objective of the present review is to summarise the data available in the literature on the results of using the feed additives with sorption properties in fish farming.Materials and Methods. To achieve the set objective, a search for the articles published on this topic in the period from 2006 to 2023 in the eLIBRARY.RU, PubMed databases was carried out by the keywords: feed additives in fish farming, fish feeding, feed additives with sorption properties, charcoal, zeolites, humic acids, chitosan, silica, opoka in the feed for hydrobionts. Only sources in Russian and English languages were included in the search. The papers that passed screening were analysed, systematized and presented in the form of a table, chart and PRISMA flow chart.Results. The search yielded with 55 articles, which were included in this review. The information was systematized by the thematic units according to the substances used as feed additives and possessing the sorption properties. It was revealed that the most frequently used sorbents for both freshwater and marine fish were: active feed additive made of charcoal, zeolites, humic acids, humates. The main purposes for using the sorption feed additives were improving the physiological parameters of fish organisms and increasing the profitability of production. According to the literature sources, the natural sorbents were less often added directly to water.Discussion and Conclusion. The summarised data obtained as a result of the review allow us to consider the feed additives with sorption properties as having a good perspective for implementation into fish farming. However, in the numerous studies conducted by the native and foreign authors, the dosages of sorbents included in the diet of the most of fish farming objects are not specified, the mechanism of their impact on fish is poorly studied, as well as there is no information on the duration and frequency of using the sorption feed additives in conditions of the industrial production, the reliable data on non-toxicity, synergism or antagonism of co-usage of the various feed additives is not available either. Thus, a more extensive work in this direction is required.

Importance of the work:The study of the combined effects of the wormwood plant (Artemisia absinthium L.) and trace elements is crucial for understanding their impact on cattle metabolic systems. Objectives:To evaluate the effect of Artemisia absinthium L. and cobalt chelate compounds on the metabolic parameters and mineral metabolism of bulls. Materials and Methods:The study was undertaken at the Federal Scientific Center for Biological Systems and Agrotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences using a sample of 16 Kazakh bulls (white-headed breed, aged 1314 mth).The experiment used a 4 4 Latin square design, comprising four repetitions with four bulls per group, across 17 d periods (10 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling).Blood samples were collected during each sampling period to determine biochemical indicators and trace elements.Biochemical analyses were performed using an automatic biochemical analyzer, while trace element levels in serum were assessed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry.Results: Alterations in feeding conditions significantly affected the metabolism of the Kazakh white-headed bulls.During the experimental period, incorporating a plant-based feed supplement derived from Artemisia absinthium L. was an optimal strategy for enhancing metabolic processes and promoting growth in the bulls.The combined introduction of wormwood and cobalt compounds into the diet resulted in increases in the levels of cobalt (Co) by 67% (p = 0.002), chromium by 80% (p = 0.004) and selenium by 12% (p = 0.05).Furthermore, when Co compounds were administered alone, there was a notable increase in Co levels by 100% (p = 0.002), accompanied by a decrease in iodine levels by 33% (p = 0.007).Additionally, groups receiving wormwood supplements had increased concentrations of heavy metals (nickel and lead) exceeding 10%.Main finding: Feeding a plant-based additive comprising Artemisia absinthium L. and cobalt chloride (CoCl) compounds was optimal for cattle.This combined supplementation effectively enhanced protein, carbohydrate, lipid and mineral metabolism in the bulls.