Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies Lviv

This study quantifies nitrate content in dairy products depending on heat treatment, technological features, and seasonal factors. The task addressed was to assess the nitrate content in dairy products in order to prevent the entry of high concentrations. It was found that in the summer period, the nitrate content in drinking milk with different heat treatments did not exceed 5 mg/l. However, in the winter-spring period, an increase in the nitrate content in drinking milk was found, on average by 2.1 times, compared to milk in the summer period. This indicates that the nitrate content in drinking milk is mainly influenced by the seasonal factor. It has been shown that the nitrate content in fermented milk products (yogurt, kefir) was practically similar to that in drinking milk. At the same time, in fermented milk cheese, an average of 2 times less than in yogurt and kefir was found. This indicates that nitrates pass into whey during the production technology of fermented milk cheese. However, the influence of starter cultures used in the production technologies of yogurt, kefir, and fermented milk cheese on the content of nitrates was not detected. It was found that in soft cheeses in the winter-spring period, the amount of nitrates was on average 2 times higher, 16.5‒21.3 mg/kg, than in the summer period, while the effect of the season on the content of nitrates in hard and processed cheeses was not detected. In powdered milk, the concentration of nitrates was the highest ‒ 50‒80 mg/kg, compared to other dairy products, which indicates the concentration of dry substances during production. Thus, dairy products met the requirements of the EU regulation on the content of nitrates; the high concentrations detected in powdered milk indicate the need to control this product, especially when used for baby food

Abstract Background Mammary tumours are a prevalent malignancy in female dogs. Successful treatment of this pathology requires early diagnosis using molecular genetic methods. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes such as GSTP1 may serve as potential diagnostic markers. This study aimed to identify associations between polymorphisms in the 5'-untranslated region and the proximal promoter of GSTP1 in dogs and mammary tumour occurrence, and to examine their relationship with the Ki-67 proliferation index. Methodology This study included 50 female dogs diagnosed with mammary tumours. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes and refrigerated until DNA extraction. Surgically excised tumour tissues were examined histologically. DNA was extracted from blood, amplified by PCR, and the resulting PCR products were purified and sequenced by Sanger method. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate Ki-67 expression. Results A polymorphism was identified in the proximal promoter region, and twelve polymorphisms, including nine SNPs and three deletions, were found in the 5'-UTR of GSTP1 . These polymorphisms were grouped into seven haplotypes, and the combined haplotype group showed a statistically significant difference compared with healthy dogs (OR 21.176, 95% CI 2.548-175.974, P<0.001), although individual haplotypes were not statistically significant. Immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 in 18 epithelial mammary tumour samples revealed the lowest proliferation index in Hap0 (15.95% ± 5.11), which was significantly lower than the mean proliferation index in the other affected dogs (24.09% ± 3.49). Conclusions This study confirms significant associations between polymorphisms of the 5’-UTR of GSTP1 and canine mammary tumours, particularly within haplotype groups. The lower Ki-67 proliferation index in Hap0 suggests potential prognostic relevance for these polymorphisms.

The meniscus is an important part of the knee joint. The crescent-shaped soft tissue structure plays a major role in providing significant stability, cushioning, and lubrication of the joint. In general, meniscus damage is one of the most common knee joint injuries, the relevance of which is significantly increasing in the conditions of modern military operations. Meniscus surgery is a common surgical intervention aimed at restoring the function of the knee joint after injury. However, the operation itself is not the end of treatment. The effectiveness of the postoperative recovery period is determined by the complexity and structure of the physical therapy program aimed at gradually restoring the patient's functional capacity. Меніск є важливою частиною колінного суглоба. Серпоподібна структура м'яких тканин відіграє основну роль у забезпеченні значної стабільності, амортизації та змащування суглоба. Загалом, пошкодження меніска належить до найчастіших травм колінного суглоба, актуальність яких істотно зростає в умовах сучасних воєнних дій. Операція на меніску є поширеним хірургічним втручанням, спрямованим на відновлення функції колінного суглоба після травми. Однак, сама по собі операція не є кінцем лікування. Ефективність відновлення післяопераційного періоду визначається комплексністю та структурованістю програми фізичної терапії, спрямованої на поступове відновлення функціональної спроможності пацієнта.

Food safety is one of the key public health priorities and a global challenge of modern society. A significant proportion of food safety incidents are caused by poisoning resulting from chemical contaminants in food products. Chemical hazardous factors in food represent diverse groups of substances of anthropogenic and natural origin that may enter food products at all stages of the food chain, from primary production to consumption. The main categories of chemical hazards include residues of agrochemicals, veterinary medicinal products, heavy metals, mycotoxins, technological contaminants, food additives added in excessive amounts, as well as substances migrating from packaging materials. The aim of this study was to analyze complaints regarding the presence of chemical hazardous factors in food products and raw food materials exported from Ukraine to the European Union market. The analysis of problems related to chemical hazardous factors in food products and raw food materials was carried out by monitoring notifications from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) database. The monitoring of notifications revealed low effectiveness in the implementation of internationally recognized practices by some domestic food business operators, such as Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), Good Veterinary Practice (GVP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. The majority of complaints concerned improper use of food additives and agrochemicals, residual levels of which exceeded the maximum permissible limits. A fairly common issue was the use by domestic food business operators of food additives prohibited in the European Union, particularly colorants and preservatives. Isolated cases of excessive levels of chemical hazardous factors of natural and technological origin were also recorded. However, it should be noted that the number of hazardous domestic food products imported into the international market does not exceed that of other exporting countries.

The results of a study of the cumulative properties of the drug “Devivit Carnitine” are presented. The determination of cumulative properties was conducted on white rats weighing 205–220 g according to the “subchronic toxicity” test method by K. S. Lim et al., as modified by K. K. Sydorov. For this purpose, control and experimental groups were formed. To assess the influence of the drug on the organism of laboratory animals, blood samples were collected on day 17 of the experiment, as well as on days 7 and 14 after discontinuation of the tested product. The drug was administered daily in increasing doses for 16 days, fasting, intragastrically, using a metal probe for laboratory animals. In the experimental group, administration began with a dose of 5000 mg/kg, which represented 1/10 of the maximum administered dose. Every four days, the dose was increased 1.5-fold. No mortality was recorded during the entire study period; the accumulation coefficient of the drug was 3.25. It was established that the administration of Devivit Carnitine did not cause pathological changes in internal organs. Temporary fluctuations in the weight coefficients of the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, and kidneys were physiological or adaptive in nature and normalized within 7–14 days after discontinuation of the drug. Body weight indicators also remained within normal limits. Hematological parameters (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, hematocrit, platelet count, leukocyte formula) were generally within physiological limits; observed deviations were temporary, adaptive–compensatory, and normalized by the end of the experiment. The biochemical blood profile (total protein, albumins, creatinine, urea, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH activity, cholesterol level, triglycerides, Ca, P, Cl, bilirubin) revealed no signs of hepato- or nephrotoxicity. A moderate metabolic activation of protein, lipid, and nitrogen metabolism was noted without the development of pathological changes. Thus, the results of comprehensive morphological, hematological, and biochemical analyses indicate that Devivit Carnitine does not exhibit toxic properties, has good biological tolerability, and promotes activation of key metabolic processes without adverse effects on the functional state of the organism.

Goal. To analyze the spread of quarantine species of pests, plant disease pathogens, phytoparasitic nematodes, and weeds based on data from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Methods. Official data on the spread of quarantine harmful organisms were interpreted using the analytical-comparative method. Results. As of 01.01.2025, the spread of nine species of plant pests (five from List A-2 of the List of Regulated Harmful Organisms and four from List A-1), eight diseases (five from List A-2 and three from List A-1), one species of nematode (from List A-2), and nine species plus one genus of weeds (from List A-2) was recorded in Ukraine. Quarantine pests and weeds were more widely distributed in the southern and eastern regions, while the distribution range of diseases was more shifted toward the western part of Ukraine. In 2024, an expansion of distribution areas was recorded for the western corn rootworm, American white moth, potato tuber moth, South American tomato moth, emerald ash borer, and the brown marmorated stink bug; among weeds — for common ragweed, creeping knotweed, Cuscuta spp., and particularly field dodder. A decrease in infested areas was recorded for potato wart disease, golden potato cyst nematode, and tobacco ringspot nepovirus. Conclusions. As of 01.01.2025, the western corn rootworm and American white moth were the most widespread among quarantine pests, flax rust among diseases, and common ragweed among quarantine weeds. The situation is alarming regarding the spread of species listed in List A-1 of the List of Regulated Harmful Organisms, particularly the emerald ash borer and the brown marmorated stink bug. To prevent the introduction and spread of quarantine plant pests, all business entities engaged in plant production must strictly adhere to relevant phytosanitary measures.

Hubeni Yu.Ye., Zelisko N.B., Raiter N.I. IMPLEMENTATION OF ESG STRATEGIES AS A FACTOR IN STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES Purpose. The aim of the article is to provide a scientific substantiation of the theoretical and methodological foundations and to develop practical recommendations for the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as a key tool for increasing the economic potential and competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in the context of global transformations. Methodology of research. A complex of general scientific and special methods was used in the research process: the method of systematic analysis to study the components of economic potential; methods of induction and deduction to determine the impact of non-financial indicators on financial stability; comparative analysis to evaluate international experience in implementing ESG standards in agriculture; and the graphical method for visualizing of the ESG factor influence model. Findings. It has been proven that the integration of ESG strategies into the operations of agricultural enterprises transforms the traditional business model, orienting it toward long-term value. It has been established that the environmental factor (E) promotes cost reduction through resource efficiency; the social factor (S) enhances labour productivity and community loyalty; and the governance factor (G) minimizes operational risks. Furthermore, the implementation of such strategies is identified as a prerequisite for attracting foreign investment and gaining access to international capital markets within the context of Ukraine’s European integration. Originality. The definition of the “economic potential of an agricultural enterprise” has been further developed through the prism of sustainable development, where non-financial indicators (environmental footprint, social capital) are considered active drivers of market value growth. A conceptual model for the implementation of an ESG strategy has been formed, which, unlike existing ones, takes into account the specifics of agricultural production and land relations. Practical value. The formulated recommendations can be utilized by executives of agro-holdings and farming enterprises to develop internal sustainable development policies. The proposed model of ESG factors enables the monitoring of resource potential utilization efficiency and the preparation of non-financial reporting in accordance with international standards. Key words: ESG strategy, economic potential, agricultural enterprises, sustainable development, investment attractiveness, environmental responsibility, agribusiness.

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the harmonization of national standards of Ukraine with international requirements regarding the quality and safety of food additives. The role of food additives in food production processes is considered, including their function in stabilizing structure, organoleptic properties, and extending product shelf life. The current regulatory framework of Ukraine, which governs the use of food additives, including national standards (DSTU), technical regulations, and sanitary norms, is analyzed, and discrepancies with international requirements of Codex Alimentarius, EU Regulations No. 1333/2008 and No. 231/2012, as well as ISO 22000 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards, are identified. Special attention is given to the metrological support of food additive control, including the determination of analytical method accuracy, verification of method reliability, and adherence to the principle of measurement traceability. The absence of unified methodological approaches and the limited availability of certified reference materials complicate comparability of results between laboratories and the integration of Ukrainian control procedures into international practice. Classification and labeling of food additives are analyzed, revealing inconsistencies between national terminology and the European “E-code” system and EFSA risk assessment principles. The practical implementation of harmonized standards faces challenges such as the lack of a unified approach to additive classification, insufficient number of accredited laboratories with confirmed metrological traceability, fragmented control methods, limited availability of reference materials, and low integration of information systems. The main directions of harmonization are identified, including updating additive classification according to EU Regulation No. 1333/2008, creating an integrated database of control methods, accrediting laboratories under ISO/IEC 17025, and developing interagency cooperation for a coordinated policy on food additive regulation. The article summarizes regulatory, metrological, analytical, and managerial aspects of harmonization, which determine mechanisms for ensuring measurement uniformity and reliability of food additive control results.

Statistics serves as a fundamental instrument in financial management, enabling the analysis of diverse statistical data, forecasting of financial indicators, risk modeling, and profitability assessment. It is utilized for time series analysis, the application of econometric models, and the making of informed decisions in the management of a company's assets, investments, and cash flows. The application of statistics in financial management encompasses: analysis and forecasting; risk management; investment appraisal; cash flow modeling; and financial planning. The following key statistical concepts are employed in this context: time series analysis; econometrics; and correlation and regression analysis. The primary objectives of statistics in financial management include: analysis of the financial condition; study of financial resources; forecasting and planning; efficiency evaluation; and control and management. Core statistical methods include: aggregation; dynamic series; regression and correlation analysis; and the index method. Statistical methods in financial management involve monitoring financial indicators, calculating mean values, ratios (relative and absolute), and analyzing time series to identify trends and patterns. The main statistical methods used in horizontal, vertical, trend, and ratio analysis of financial statements to evaluate a company's liquidity, solvency, profitability, and overall efficiency are: observation and data collection; calculation of mean values; calculation of ratios; and time series analysis. The key features and directions for the use of statistics in financial management are: time series analysis; risk assessment and management; forecasting; investment and efficiency evaluation; cash flow management; correlation analysis; and decision-making. Statistics is crucial to financial management as it allows for the analysis, forecasting, and evaluation of financial indicators, the identification of market trends and patterns, and the adoption of informed management decisions based on objective data regarding cash flows, profits, and losses.

The article presents data on the effectiveness of the new domestic antiparasitic drug "Fiproen Bio" (drops for external use), the pharmacological properties of which are due to the active substances: fipronil and etofenprox, when used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for ectoparasitic invasions of dogs and cats. According to the results of entomological research of dogs of the experimental groups, it was established that their bodies were parasitized by fleas of the species Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans with an invasion intensity of 112 to 140 fleas per dog with an average invasion intensity of 126.2±4.06 specimens per animal. After using the studied drug "Fiproen Bio" (drops for external use), its effectiveness for siphonapterosis in dogs on the 2nd day was 94.7%, and already on the 7th day after treatment of animals, its effectiveness for siphonapterosis in dogs was 100%. According to the results of acarological research of dogs of the experimental groups, parasitization of the ear mite Otodectos cynotis with an intensity of 68 to 94 specimens per animal with an average intensity of invasion of 79.7±3.96 specimens per animal was established. Clinical signs of infection were manifested by itching, redness of the auricle, tilting of the animal's head towards the affected ear and discharge in the ear canal. After using the studied drug "Fiproen Bio" (drops for external use), its effectiveness for otodectosis in dogs on the 2nd day was 93.7%, on the 7th day after application – 97.7%, and on the 14th day after repeated treatment its effectiveness for otodectosis in dogs was 100%. According to the results of entomological research of cats of the experimental groups, it was estab+lished that their bodies were parasitized by fleas of the species Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex irritans with an invasion intensity of 48 to 61 specimens per animal with an average invasion intensity of 54.7±2.01 specimens per animal. After using the studied drug "Fiproen Bio" (drops for external use), its effectiveness for siphonapterosis in cats on the 2nd day was 95.4%, and already on the 7th day after treatment of animals, its effectiveness for siphonapterosis in cats was 100%. According to the results of acarological research of cats of the experimental groups, it was established that they were parasitized by the ear mite Otodectos cynotis with an intensity of 38 to 68 specimens per animal with an average intensity of invasion of 49.5±4.62 specimens per animal. Clinical signs of infection were manifested in the form of itching, redness of the auricle, tilting the animal's head towards the affected ear. After using the studied drug "Fiproen Bio" (drops for external use), its effectiveness for otodectosis in cats on the 2nd day was 91.6%, on the 7th day after application – 99.7%, and on the 14th day after repeated treatment its effectiveness for otodectosis in cats was 100%. According to general clinical observations, it was found that the insectoacaricidal drug "Fiproen Bio" (drops for external use) after external use, individually, in the doses recommended by the manufacturer, did not cause side effects during the experiment and did not have a toxic effect on ectoparasitic invasions in dogs and cats.