To obtain a high yield of each crop, a decisive factor is high indicators of germination energy and laboratory germination of their seeds. In the article on the example of four species of ornamental plants Lilium pensylvanicum, Delphinium grandiflorum, Scutellaria crassifolia and Bergenia crassifolia the course and results of calculations to establish the timing of determining the germination energy of their seeds are outlined. In general, the main sowing qualities of 24 species of ornamental plants recommended for wide propagation for landscaping of settlements of Yakutia were determined. The work was carried out on the basis of the collection of natural flora of Yakutia at the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biological Problems of Cryolithozone SB RAS. Seeds of different years of collection were tested. In total, the number of samples ranged from 5 Dianthus superbus to 55 Papaver nudicaule subsp. gracile. It is shown that the character of germination of seeds of the studied species is ambiguous, the terms of determining the germination energy of their seeds are also different, which vary from 3 days for Dianthus versicolor to 15 days for Aquilegia sibirica. Statistical and mathematical processing of experimental data using MS Excel program was carried out. The obtained data are of considerable interest for use in ornamental floriculture, research work in the study of seed quality, as well as in other experiments in the practice of seed science.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the physical properties of substrates on the rhizogenesis of black currant cuttings. The experiments were conducted in the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe at the Garden Center of the Agrarian University LLC in 2017–2019. The black currant variety Minusinskaya Stepnaya was propagated by green cuttings according to the generally accepted method of M.T. Tarasenko. One-year-old shoots were cut from mother plants in the first ten days of July, cut into cuttings with two internodes, kept for 12 hours in a solution of indole-3-acetic acid and planted in protected soil, maintaining a placement pattern of 7 × 7 cm. The basis for the formation of substrates is a peat-sand mixture, high-moor acidic peat (pH_H2O = 3,1) and sand were used in a volume ratio of 1 : 1 (control). Sapropel (pHH2O = 7,4) was used at a rate of 10, 15 and 20 t/ha to neutralize peat acidity and enrich the substrate with nutrients. In some variants, ammonium nitrate was additionally added at a dose of 30 kg active ingredient/ha. The laid substrates were used continuously for three years. It was shown that the addition of sapropel at a dose of 20 t/ha and ammonium nitrate at a dose of N30 to a mixture of peat and sand promotes an increase in the rooting of cuttings to 86 %, a decrease in the density of the solid phase of the substrate to 2,57 g/cm³ , the bulk density to 0,66 g/cm³ and an increase in the total porosity to 74 %. A strong direct relationship between the physical condition of the substrates and the rooting ability of black currant cuttings (R = 0,85) has been proven, in which the value of total porosity has a significant effect on rhizogenesis (p = 0,043).

To determine the optimal doses of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers for growing meadow clover (Pochinkovets variety) in 2022–2024, a field study was conducted on sod-podzolic medium loamy soil of the Smolensk region (pH 5.4) with a low humus content (2.0 %), increased phosphorus (142–148 m/kg) and medium potassium (98–105 mg/kg). The effect of various combinations of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and foliar top dressing of plants with kelik-K-Si on yield, the content of crude protein, phosphorus and potassium in hay was To determine the optimal doses of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers for growing meadow clover (Pochinkovets variety) in 2022–2024, a field study was conducted on sod-podzolic medium loamy soil of the Smolensk region (pH 5.4) with a low humus content (2.0 %), increased phosphorus (142–148 m/kg) and medium potassium (98–105 mg/kg). The effect of various combinations of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and foliar top dressing of plants with kelik-K-Si on yield, the content of crude protein, phosphorus and potassium in hay was studied. The maximum yield was achieved at a dose of R48K48 in 2022 (GTK 1.55) and in 2024 (GTK 1.80) – 20.0 and 12.5 t/ha of hay, respectively. In the dry year of 2023, the best indicators (8.3 t/ha) were observed in the R80K32 variant. Foliar top dressing of clover with a 1% solution of the drug significantly increased the yield. The maximum crude protein content (13.0–14.0 %) was observed in variants with an increased dose of phosphorus and its combination with potassium (P48, P48K48 and P80K32). The phosphorus and potassium content in hay corresponded to zootechnical standards and remained stable due to genetically fixed mechanisms of regulation of the chemical composition of plants. On average, 1 ton of clover hay contains Pochinkovets: 12.7–12.9 c of crude protein, 4.8–5.3 kg of P2O5 and 14.6–14.9 kg of K2O. These values can be taken as removal standards for meadow clover in the development of varietal agricultural machinery on sod-podzolic soils of the Smolensk region and to assess the fodder advantages of hay. According to the totality of agronomic and economic efficiency indicators, the best options are R48K48 and R48K48+ foliar top dressing with kelik-K-Si. Non-root top dressing can achieve a noticeable effect, minimize environmental risks and can be easily integrated into the existing system of agrotechnical measures.

An assessment of the reserves of inorganic carbon (SIC) in the soils of the dry-steppe zone of the Volgograd region on the territory of the Nizhnevolzhskaya station for breeding tree species (branch of the Federal Research Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kamyshin city) was carried out. The study was conducted for soils of two biogeocenoses: under forest vegetation (protective forest plantations, dry pine forest) and natural steppe vegetation (postagrogenic soils of the dry steppe). The samples were taken from 31 soil sections in 10-centimeter layers to a depth of 150 cm. A total of 180 soil samples were examined. The content of carbonates and bicarbonates, as well as density, humidity, pH, and organic matter content in the soil were determined in the samples. The soils are assessed as compacted, extremely poor in the presence of soil moisture and organic matter. A significant spatial variability of the carbonate content (more than 200%) under forest vegetation has been established. According to the content of carbonates and pH, the soils are divided into four clusters, one of which includes statistical “emissions”. Significant differences in the reserves of inorganic carbon in the soils under forest and steppe vegetation are noted. Reserves of inorganic carbon in the 0-150 cm layer under dry pine trees leave 25.2±9.5 tons ha-1, under steppe vegetation – 54.2±16.7 tons ha-1, which is 2.1 times higher. The inorganic carbon in the studied soils is in the form of calcium carbonates and bicarbonates. The main reserves of inorganic carbon for both biogeocenoses are recorded in the soil from a depth of 50 cm.

The research was carried out in 2022–2024 at the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution FANTS of the North-East. The purpose of the research is to study the naked oat breeding lines of the FANTS of the North-East for the formation of grain with husk under unstable climatic conditions of the Kirov region. It was revealed that all genotypes formed of grain with husk, their quantity depended on weather conditions by 42.3 %. Favorable conditions for the formation of grain with husk of were formed at an average daily air temperature of 18.6 °C during the period “stooling – milk maturity”, and at an air temperature of 19.7 °C, the 61h21 and 4h18 lines had only husker grains. The formation of grain with husk was facilitated by drier conditions during the “seadling – tillering” and “tube–sweeping” periods with precipitation totals of less than 15 mm. A weak reaction <to a change in the year position (bi < 1) was detected at the lines of 5h18, 6h18, 58h21, 1h18, 64h21, 72h21, 3h18, 63h11, 4h18. Stable formation of grain with husk was noted in five lines (3h18, 64h21, 6h18, 58h21, 1h18) and varieties Percheron, Nizhegorodets, Vyatsky. The variability of the formation of grain with husk in naked oat genotypes also depended on the interaction of the factors “genotype and conditions of the year” by 50.2 %. According to GOST R 70794–2023, 5 genotypes were identified, which regulated up to 6 % of grain with husk (6h18, 1h18, 64h21, 72h21, 4h18). Lines 1h18 and 4h18 were distinguished by high yields and grain size, and lines 1h18, 6h18, 64h21 and 72h21 had high non-specific resistance to the main fungal diseases in our region.

For wide economic introduction of crested wheatgrass, it is necessary to permanently breed new adaptive varieties and develop effective agrotechnical methods of their cultivation in relation to certain zonal soil and climatic conditions. One of the most effective methods of increasing the yield of wheatgrass seeds is a scientifically based system of using mineral fertilizers, primarily nitrogen-containing ones. The purpose of the work is to conduct a comparative assessment and identify the optimal timing and rates of application of mineral nitrogen fertilizer on seed crops of comb-wheatgrass 1-2-go g.p. of the new variety Nenarokovskiy in the steppe zone of the Central Black Earth Region. It was established that on leached chernozem soils with an average supply of mobile forms of phosphorus and increased exchangeable potassium, the use of P60K30 contributed to an increase in seed yield by 19 % relative to the control. Against the background of P60K30, autumn or spring application of mineral nitrogen in doses from N30 to N90 resulted in an increase in seed yield by 27–77 %. The maximum seed yield of 362–375 kg/ha, or 77-84% more than in the control, was obtained with fractional autumn-spring application of mineral nitrogen at the rate of N75 (N30+45) and a single spring dose of N60. With fractional application of the N60 rate (N30+30), the seed yield was 342 kg/ha, which exceeded the control by 68 %. Along with this, a high yield of 322 kg/ha, or 58 % higher than in the control, was obtained with a single spring application of N45. Autumn use of N45 and N60 was less effective, but also provided a reliable increase in seed yield of 28 and 43 %. According to the change in the indicators of individual components of the structure of the seed grass stand of the 2nd year of production, the value of the level of actual collection of comb-wheatgrass seeds, the transition between the doses, rates and timing of application of nitrogen and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers was statistically significant.

Plants respond to the spectral ratio of the intensity of photon fluxes and this allows them to influence biomass, morphogenesis, the content of nutrients and secondary metabolites. The specific and varietal characteristics of plants, as well as the methods of their cultivation, determine the requirements for the type of lighting, and its choice can be made experimentally. Objective: to evaluate the effect of the spectral composition of lighting commercial vertical farms with LEDs Miniferner 1.3 Quantum board 180 x 390 Samsung lm301b 3500K+660nm Osram SSL + UV380+FR740 +IR850 on morphogenesis, accumulation of biomass and essential oil of basil, Ocimum basilicum L. Stella varieties. The spectral composition of the studied illumination is characterized by a greater proportion of the red (600–700 nm) and far red (700–800 nm) parts of the spectrum, but with a smaller amount of green (500–600 nm) light (172.96 and 155.19; 25.06 and 16.19; 117.92 and 139.01 micromol/m² ·c for the variant and control, respectively), ultraviolet (380 nm) and infrared (850 nm) radiation are present. The ratio of red to far red is 6.90 and 9.59 in the variant and control, respectively, the illumination intensity had no effect on the wet weight of plants: 30.7±4.2 and 31.0±3.7 g (150-200 mmol/m² ·c), and 27.7±1.5 and 27.7±1.5 g (>300 mmol/m² ·c) in option and control, respectively. The change in the lighting spectrum led to an increase in the average height of plants on the 14th, 20th, 22nd and 28th days after sowing. At the time of cutting (37 days), the proportion of plants with the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th pairs of leaves, with lateral shoots and the onset of the budding phase increased. The dry weight of the crop increased from 3.43% to 5.17 %, and the yield of essential oil increased by 1.7 times (from 3.81 to 4.03 mg/kg). According to the component composition of the essential oil, the Stella variety can be attributed to the linalool-eugenol chemotype. Conclusion: The realization of the biological potential of the ordinary Stella basil by using lamps with a higher proportion of the red and far red spectrum compared to lamps used on commercial vertical farms with the presence of ultraviolet and infrared radiation accelerates the passage of the phenophases of the vegetative stage, helps to increase the yield of dry plant mass, which ensures an increase in the amount of essential oil obtained with a high content of linalool, eugenol and 1,8-cineol.

White cabbage is one of the most common vegetable crops in Russia. The culture is in demand due to its rich biochemical composition and wide range of applications. Cabbage contains macro- and microelements, it is rich in fiber, amino acids, phytoncides and vitamins, especially ascorbic acid. Cabbage is eaten fresh, as part of hot dishes, used for pickling and pickling. Cabbage is distinguished from other vegetable crops due to its potentially high yield and long-term storage. In this work, two hybrids of white cabbage Atria F1 and Megaton F1 were used, which used different doses of mineral nitrogen fertilizers. As a result of the work, the positive effect of fertilizers on the structural elements and crop yields as a whole has been established. Thus, the use of nitrogen fertilizers increases the head size and weight by 2-3 times by 30% or more compared to the control. At the same time, the maximum yield structure indicators were noted on the Megaton F1 hybrid, with a NH₄ NO₃ application rate of 80 kg/day, where the head weight averaged 7.7 kg over 3 years, which is 2 times higher than the Atria F1 hybrid. On average, over three years, the use of nitrogen fertilizers had a directly proportional effect on the yield of white cabbage, when even the minimum doses of N40 fertilizers provide an increase in yield of 30 % for the Atria F1 hybrid and 65 % for the Megaton F1 hybrid, while the maximum doses provide an increase in yield of up to 74 and 200 %, respectively. In addition, it was found that the biochemical composition of white cabbage differs slightly in both varieties and experimental variants. There are deviations only in individual indicators between the control and the treated background up to 7–10 %.

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don) is a valuable and promising plant for the perfumery, cosmetics, food industry, pharmacy and medicine. The aim of the study is to conduct phytochemical screening of Helichrysum italicum plants grown in the foothills of Crimea for the content of essential oil and other types of biologically (BAS) active substances by vegetation phases and plant organs. The objects of study are freshly harvested and air-dried raw materials of H. italicum (selection sample EOA-81). The methods of research are generally accepted. The studies revealed variability in the content of BAS by vegetation phases and plant organs. It has been established that H. italicum plants synthesize a whole complex of biologically active substances during the vegetation period: essential oil – 0.50–1.49 % on an absolutely dry weight (a. d. m.); extractive substances – 22.47–36.79 %; total phenolic compounds – 2.25–6.26 %, phenolic carboxylic acids and flavonoids – 1.34–5.92 %; tannins – 0.24–1.34 %. It has been determined that the main oil-synthesizing organs of H. italicum are leaves and inflorescences. The greatest amount of essential oil was contained in the leaves – 2.01 %, and in the inflorescences – 1.73 %. The predominant components of the essential oil of H. italicum were monoterpene hydrocarbons, the sum of which reached a maximum in the phases of the beginning of budding - beginning of flowering 87.41–92.71 % with a predominance of α-pinene 69.93–76.17 %. This selection sample EOA-81, according to the component composition of the essential oil, belongs to the α-pinene chemotype. The optimal time for harvesting H. italicum raw materials for obtaining essential oil is the phase of complete budding, which is characterized by the highest content of essential oil of characteristic quality. The optimal time for harvesting H. italicum for obtaining medicinal raw materials is the phase of the end of budding, when the content of extractive substances; total phenolic compounds, the sum of phenol carbonic acids and flavonoids is maximum and the regrowth phase - for tannins. Based on the data obtained, the above-ground part of H. italicum plants can be recommended for use as essential oil and medicinal raw materials.

Larch (genus Larix Mill.) is one of the key representatives of coniferous trees in the boreal forests of Siberia, which plays a very important ecological and economic role. The formation of entomofauna specific to larch in green areas is an area of scientific interest and requires study. Therefore, the purpose of the research was to identify and determine the species composition of larch pests in the plantations of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS. As part of the research, a complex of phytophages was identified and divided into pests of fruits and seeds: (Lasiomma laricicola Karl., Dioryctria adietella Denis & Schiffermuller), pests of needles: (Diprion pini L., Adelges laricis Vallot.) and pests of kidneys: (Dasineura laricis F. Low.). As a result of our research, it was revealed that the most common species are Adelges laricis Vallot., Dasineura laricis F. Low., Diprion pini L., which were found during examinations on more than 5 samples of larch of different origin (Larix sibirica Ledeb., Larix gmelinii Rupr., Larix gmelinii Rupr., Larix decidua, Larix kampferi). Rare specimens (Lasiomma laricicola Karl.) were found on two species of larch Larix cajanderi Mey. and Larix sibirica Ledeb. A very rare species of phytophagus, Dioryctria adietella Denis & Schiffermuller, was found on a single sample of Larix sibirica Ledeb. As a result of the research, entomophages, representatives of the orders Coleoptera, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, have been identified, which can potentially be used to protect larch from populations of the most dangerous pests, contributing to the preservation of decorative plants and improving the aesthetic appearance of plantings.

In a stationary two-factor experiment in 2011–2020 in the conditions of the Middle Urals, the moisture regime of dark gray forest heavy loamy soil was studied depending on the type of precursor of spring wheat in crop rotations and the nutrition background. Soil moisture in the arable and subarable horizons largely depended on the conditions of the previous year and precipitation in the winter-spring period. Minimum moisture reserves in the spring in the 0–20 cm layer at a level of 21–30 mm were noted in 2011 and 2013, which was preceded by drought conditions. The combination of mineral and organic fertilizers in crop rotations provided a reliable increase in the moisture content of the arable layer by 4.0–5.8 mm compared to the control, in relation to the mineral nutrition background - by 1.8–3.1 mm. This trend persisted during the period from germination to heading. A direct relationship was established between moisture reserves in the 0–20 cm layer at the beginning of the growing season and wheat yield, the correlation coefficient was 0.626–0.840. No significant differences in moisture accumulation in the arable layer were found between the predecessors. During the interphase period from sowing to tube emergence, soil moisture in the 0–20 cm layer decreased by a total of 13–15.0 mm compared to the sowing period (29.0–36.4 mm), mainly due to water evaporation with an open soil surface. On cultivated dark gray soil under favorable weather conditions (GTC – 1.31), it is possible to obtain a grain harvest of 3.0 t/ha or more in the control variant. With uniform distribution of precipitation against the background of moderate air temperatures during the growing season in 2017, with the application of fertilizers, the maximum wheat yield was achieved in the range of 5.45–5.76 t/ha, which is close to the potential of the Krasnoufimskaya 100 variety (6.0 t).

According to the bioclimatic potential and soil conditions, the territory of Western Siberia is suitable for growing spring rapeseed. In 2024–2025, research was conducted to develop the main elements of the varietal technology for growing the new variety of spring rapeseed 00-type Ladny for comprehensive use in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. The vegetation period of the Ladny variety in the forest-steppe zone is 2–4 days shorter than that of the SibNIUK 198 and Sibirskiy varieties, and ranges from 103 to 105 days. The growth of lateral shoots begins from the base of the main shoot, and the lower internodes are shortened, which increases the plants’ resistance to lodging. The elements of the technology were tested in a changing climate in a moderately warm, insufficiently humid agro-climatic region of Western Siberia. The moisture and heat availability indicators varied greatly during the research years, but were generally acceptable for the growth and development of rapeseed plants. The article presents the results of studies on the influence of sowing dates, seeding rates, and methods of sowing spring rapeseed varieties SibNIIM 198, Ladny, and Sibirskiy on yield and its structure elements in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia. The influence of technology parameters, meteorological conditions of the growing season, and the characteristics of the variety on seed yield has been revealed. The maximum grain yield of the Ladny variety is achieved when sown in the second and third decades of May (14.1–14.5 centners per hectare) using the row and wide-row sowing methods with a seeding rate of 1.0–1.5 million seeds per hectare. On average, over the two years of research, the seed yield of the Ladny variety exceeds the standard (the SibNIUK 198 and Siberian varieties) by 21 %. The purpose of the research is to develop the basic techniques of varietal cultivation of spring rapeseed in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia.

Legume crops are traditionally considered to be rich in health-beneficial bioactive compounds. One of the most promising legumes massively grown in the Kaliningrad region is white lupine. The aim of this work was to study the physico-chemical properties of lupines growing in the Kaliningrad region. Seeds of various lupine species were collected in July from 2020 to 2024 in the Kaliningrad region. The technological indicators, physical composition, physicochemical characteristics and chemical profile of the presented samples were studied. More than 20 lupine samples were examined. All experiments were carried out in triplicate. The arithmetic mean values obtained over 5 years of research (2020–2024) were taken for interpretation and discussion. It was found that the variation step of the anatomical parts of lupine seeds varied from 0.11 to 0.42 %, the average diameter value for the species L. angustifolius, L. albus and L. luteus varied from 5.5 ± 0.1 to 6.8 ± 0.1 mm. A high nature value was noted for L. albus. It was observed that the highest values of thousand-grain weight belong to L. albus. Analysis of the chemical composition of lupine seeds showed that the protein content in studied samples varied from 30.58 to 33.78 %, with the highest amount being present in L. albus. The highest accumulation of lipids was observed in lupine L. angustifolius. The starch content in the studied samples ranged from 19.34 to 22.39 %, with the highest value observed in the L. albus variety. It has been established that among the studied varieties, L. albus stands out as a raw material for producing functional and personalized food products due to its chemical substance content.

Sunflower is an important oil crop for the Novosibirsk region. However, it is very susceptible to various diseases that can lead to a decrease in the quantity and quality of the harvest, weakening of the plants and their death. The use of biological preparations to stimulate plant growth and protect plants from pathogens is relevant in conditions of pesticide stress in agroecosystems. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the effectiveness of pre–sowing seed treatment with biological preparations on sunflower in the conditions of the Novosibirsk region. The tasks included conducting field tests on the effect of biological preparations on morphometric parameters: plant height, number of leaves, diameter of capsules, weight of 1000 seeds, biological effectiveness of preparations in reducing the prevalence of diseases of sunflower capsules. As a result of studies conducted in 2023–2024 on the grounds of the Novosibirsk State Agricultural University’s «Michurintsev Garden» it was found that the biopreparation Fitop 8.67 based on the bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis and the bacterial-humic complex AFG had a growth-stimulating effect on sunflower variety «Yenise». It was found that the Fitop 8.67 contributed to an increase in plant height (by 1.4 times) compared with the control during the initial growth period. The weight of capsules increased by an average of 24.0 % (Fitop 8.67) and 11.8 % (AFG) in 2 years. The biological effectiveness of biological products in reducing the prevalence of the capsular form of white and gray rot was 46.9 % and 41.6 %. The obtained data may be of interest for the development of sunflower cultivation technologies in organic, environmentally friendly and integrated farming systems.

The issues of food security of the Russian Federation are basic for the country’s agricultural production in the context of the elements of national security. To address these issues, a primary analysis of the fundamental conditions of food production in the country’s regions is necessary. The Republic of Khakassia is one of the regions with complex soil and climatic components of the territory for high-commodity agriculture. The limiting factor for the main agricultural zone, the steppe zone, is moisture availability, while for the subtaiga zone it is the sum of active temperatures. Due to such conditions, specific indicators of agricultural land fertility are formed. The weighted average content of humus varies by region from 3.8 to 7.9 %, mobile phosphorus – from 9.7 to 21.2 mg/kg, exchangeable potassium – from 251.5 to 417.5 mg/kg. According to statistics, about 3 % of the total area of cultivated land is used for potatoes and vegetable crops for collective and peasant (farming) farms. Under the condition of applying 5.6 kg of the active substance of mineral fertilizers and 0.1 tons of organic fertilizers per hectare, there is a low yield of potatoes – from 6.64 to 12.8 tons per hectare. According to the results of the potato variety study by the Department of Agricultural Technologies and Veterinary Medicine, the yield of potato tubers in individual varieties can reach 29.2 t/ha (Lina) and 30.9 t/ha (Sarma). The results of the variance analysis showed that the contribution of the “grade” factor was 53.8 %, meteorological conditions during the growing season – 36.2 %, and the interaction of the “grade” and “year” factors was 10 %. The use of highly productive varieties of high reproductions, precise observance of deadlines and agrotechnical requirements of crop cultivation technology, provision of nutrition elements for a programmable harvest based on agrochemical survey results contribute to an increase in gross potato yields by 186.3–272.9 %.

The large-scale use of breeding material from foreign selection in Russian dairy farming creates biological uncertainty due to the pronounced “genotype-environment” interaction effect. The study aimed to assess the realization of the genetic potential of foreign-bred sires under the conditions of breeding farms in Western Siberia. Based on productivity data from 28,065 first-calf heifers, 21 Holstein bulls were evaluated. The initial data were adjusted for the influence of year and season factors, and the farms were stratified into two categories based on productivity levels. The local breeding value was calculated as the mean of paired differences between the milk yield of daughters and the weighted average milk yield of their herdmates, with outliers iteratively removed. To assess the comparability with the foreign breeding value index, a categorical classification method by sign and a correlation analysis were applied. A strong “genotype-environment” interaction was established, manifesting in the re-ranking of sires across different farm categories. The analysis of sign concordance showed that the agreement between the local estimate and the foreign catalog’s forecast was no more than 50 %, which is equivalent to a random event. A complete sign match across all three estimates, including both local categories and the foreign index, was recorded for only 25 % of the sires. These findings were confirmed by a correlation analysis, which revealed a statistically insignificant relationship between the local breeding value estimate and data from the foreign catalog. The study concludes that the direct use of data from foreign catalogs for making selection decisions is unreliable. A local assessment of breeding value that considers specific production conditions is an indispensable tool for the objective selection of sires and for improving the efficiency of breeding programs.

The aim of this work was to study the associations of BMPR-IB gene polymorphism with the concentration of macroelements (Na, Mg, K) in the blood serum of Romanov sheep. The level of macroelements in animal organs and tissues is one of the important indicators for a comprehensive characterization of the interior. The BMPR-IB gene, which encodes a receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins, plays a key role in reproductive function; however, its influence on mineral metabolism has not been sufficiently studied. The study used a sample of sheep (n = 58) kept under the same conditions and on a standard diet. Using PCR-RFLP and non-parametric statistics, statistically significant differences in sodium concentration between the ++ and M+ genotypes were revealed (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.00192; Dunn’s post-hoc test, p = 0.0014). It was found that heterozygous (M+) animals had a significantly higher sodium concentration by 43 % (136.30 vs. 95.15 mmol/L) compared to wild-type homozygotes (++), with a large effect size (r = 0.54). The statistical significance remained after correction for multiple comparisons (p_FDR = 0.0058). No significant associations with the genotype were found for magnesium and potassium. The obtained data indicate a pleiotropic effect of the BMPR-IB gene on mineral metabolism and reveal the potential of using the M+ genotype as a molecular marker in breeding programs for optimizing the metabolic status of sheep. The identified association suggests a possible involvement of this gene in the regulation of kidney function and water-salt homeostasis, opening new directions for fundamental research in animal physiology. The results of the work emphasize the importance of comprehensive study of genetic markers for developing effective breeding strategies for farm animals.

The data on the effect of the fir wood greenery extractive substances composition on the immunological status of neonatal calves are presented in the article. The effect of the composition on the main hematological and immunological blood parameters of individuals in the control and experimental groups was assessed. The blood parameters of animals remained within the normal values during the experimental period. It was recorded that the content of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, lymphocytes and platelets had insignificant variability over the entire study period. Leukocytes in calves of the experimental group by the end of the study were at the level of 9.20±0.64 109 /l, which is 1.2 times higher than in the control, where this indicator tended to slightly decrease during the experiment. The relative and absolute number of lymphocytes had a more pronounced increase in animals of the experimental group. The content of T-lymphocytes in the blood of experimental calves was at a stable level, whereas in the control group the dynamics of changes in this indicator in different periods of the study was more pronounced. The absolute value of B-lymphocytes during the study period increased in the experiment from 0.82±0.22 109 /l to 2.05±0.30 109 /l (2.5 times). In animals of the experimental group, by the end of the experiment, an increase in the absorption capacity of phagocytes by 1.2 times was observed in the phagocytosis system compared to the first day of life, in contrast to the control group, where such a pattern was not revealed.

The use of marker-associated selection methods in sheep allows to increase meat productivity indices in a short period of time. This requires genotyping for polymorphisms in various genes associated with growth and development of muscle tissue. Whole-genome association searches in sheep have identified a number of new candidate genes, one of which is FRY, which encodes a microtubule-associated protein. The study of the FRY gene structure based on the results of full genomic sequencing in Manych Merino sheep revealed more than 4800 polymorphisms of different types, most of which are represented by single nucleotide substitutions and are included in international databases. A significant association was found between complex genotype by polymorphisms of the FRY gene and most of the estimated lifetime parameters of meat productivity, such as live weight and body measurements. Analysis of the distribution of polymorphisms between the groups of studied animals allowed us to identify 21 single nucleotide substitutions, genotypes for which significantly differed in animals with high and low meat productivity. Most of these substitutions (19 SNPs) were located in introns of the gene, two polymorphisms were detected in exons. Animals with higher scores had homozygous genotypes for the common allele of the identified substitutions. Low performing individuals carried heterozygous and mutant homozygous genotypes. The identified single nucleotide polymorphisms can be used as molecular genetic markers in genotyping to predict meat productivity and in breeding work with merino sheep breeds.

The administration of the investigated metabiotic feed additive to calves demonstrated a positive impact on growth performance. The inclusion of this additive into the diet, which comprised culture fluids with metabolites from Bacillus pumilus B-13250 and Kluyveromyces lactis in a 50:50 ratio, resulted in a statistically significant increase in the live weight of the experimental group compared to the control group. By the end of the first month, the experimental calves were heavier by 4.5 kg (7.2 %, p < 0.05). This difference increased to 7.6 kg (9.3 %, p < 0.05) at the end of the second month and reached 15.2 kg (14.7 %, p < 0.001) by three months of age. The average daily gain (ADG) during the initial application period (0–1 month) was significantly higher in the experimental group by 123.8 g (20.3 %, p < 0.01). From the first to the second month, the ADG remained significantly elevated by 100.0 g (16.2 %, p < 0.01), and between the second and third months, the ADG in the experimental group was 995.2 g, which exceeded the control by 257.1 g (34.8 %, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the calf survival rate was 100 % in the experimental group, compared to 90 % in the control group. The specific metabolite ratio from B. pumilus and K. lactis also positively modulated the gut microbiota in the large intestine, leading to a 6.7 % increase in mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms, a 93.5 % rise in lactic acid bacteria, alongside a 52.2 % reduction in coliform bacteria and a 16.7 % decrease in microscopic fungi.

Summary An integral part of the effective production of agricultural products is the full-fledged feeding of animals, for which various feed additives are used. Biologically active substances of natural origin, which are more suitable for the animal body, are non-toxic and have no side effects, in particular fulvic acid, have an undoubted priority among them. The article examines the effect of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of pregnant cows on the biochemical parameters of blood serum. The experimental part of the work was carried out in the farm Ermolinskoye in the Novgorod region on the stock of old-age dry-resistant Holstein cows. Three groups of animals were selected (n=10), the control group consumed a basic nutritionally balanced diet (RR) for this category, the first experimental group consumed RR + fulvic acid (20 ml/head/day), the second experimental group consumed RR + fulvic acid (25 ml/head/day). The research results showed that the concentration of the studied metabolic products in the blood of animals was mostly in the range of normal values, but there were intergroup differences. Thus, an analysis of the parameters of the protein index showed that the use of fulvic acid in a dosage of 25 ml in the diet led to a decrease in its value below the recommended values, and amounted to 0.84 versus 0.9 in the control and first experimental groups. An increase in the mass dose of the supplement to 25 ml also led to a decrease in the urea content in the blood serum compared with these groups. The decrease in the ratio of AST to ALT in the experimental groups, especially in the first one, can be regarded as a reduction in pathological changes in the liver and a manifestation of the hepatoprotective therapeutic effect of fulvic acid. The study of experimental data allows us to conclude that the use of fulvic acid in the diets of deeply pregnant cows did not have a critical effect on the composition of blood serum. The results obtained allow us to recommend fulvic acid for use in the diets of deeply pregnant cows on farms in the North-Western region in the amount of 20 ml per head per day.

The infectious bronchitis viruses of chickens and SARS-CoV-2 are similar, therefore, the mechanism of entry of the IBD virus into the lungs through the intestine is considered as a simulation of the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the body. To conduct a laboratory experiment on the study of infectious bronchitis in chickens, Beaver cross chickens at the age of 14 days were inoculated with a 10-fold dose of the vaccine strain of infectious bronchitis in chickens. In this study, experimental birds were divided into one infected control group and two experimental groups (to evaluate the preventive and curative effectiveness of the supplement). The most pronounced pathoanatomic changes were noted in the group in which the drug was administered to the bird for therapeutic purposes. In the experimental group, in which the drug was administered before the introduction of an infectious agent (for preventive purposes), inflammatory processes were less pronounced, which may indicate the preventive effectiveness of the drug. When studying the number of viral particles, it was revealed that there was no suppression of the virus in the thymus of birds receiving the supplement for therapeutic purposes, as a result of which systemic circulation of viral particles throughout the body was observed. In the group receiving the drug for preventive purposes, through the use of a dietary supplement, the effect of the viral agent on the thymus was prevented until the virus entered the body, thereby ensuring a smoother course of coronavirus infection. An increase in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines was noted in both experimental groups. It has been established that the use of biologically active food additives “Gold of the Emperor. Immunity” causes activation of NFkB production in the thymus, lungs and intestines when the drug is used for therapeutic purposes. Application of biologically active additive “Gold of the Emperor. Immunity” caused a more intensive production of proinflammatory cytokines, however, in the case of its use for the purpose of pharmacoprophylaxis, the body’s reaction from the immune system, the course of coronavirus infection was the most favorable for the body as a whole.

Over the past two decades, the dairy cattle population in the Sverdlovsk region has undergone a transition from Black Pied to Holstein breeds, raising questions about its consequences for the genome structure. Analysis of linkage disequilibrium is a key tool for evaluating genetic structure, efficiency of genomic selection, and preservation of genetic diversity. A comparison of two generations of female stock in the Sverdlovsk region revealed that younger animals have 20–35 % higher values of linkage disequilibrium compared to older ones. The average values of determination coefficient (R²) across the genome were 0.10 and 0.08, while normalized coefficients (D’) were 0.59 and 0.50 for younger and older generations, respectively. Despite differences in mean values, the overall pattern of distribution of linkage disequilibrium along chromosomes remains consistent (Spearman correlation coefficient >0.94). Linkage disequilibrium peaks are observed on chromosomes BTA14, BTA16, and BTA20, where loci associated with milk productivity and health are located. The rate of decay of linkage disequilibrium is higher in the older generation compared to young individuals. These findings indicate an increase in selection intensity and greater homogeneity of the genome in modern populations, which is important for optimizing regional programs of genomic selection.

This paper presents the results of a study examining the probiotic potential of microbial strains isolated from the natural microbiota of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus). The strains studied were Enterococcus muntdii, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bacillus licheniformis 2336 and 162 St. The study was conducted using groups of similar in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for 60 and 70 days. The impact was assessed using the following parameters: average weight, absolute, average daily, and relative gain, mass accumulation coefficient, and relative growth rate. Feeding rates were calculated based on the feed manufacturer’s recommendations, and preparations containing the strains were sprayed onto the feed. Weighing was performed every 10 days. According to the results of the first experiment, high values of relative increase were shown by the groups of young sterlet fed with Enterococcus muntdii – 20.50 %, Lactobacillus plantarum – 16.61 % and the relative growth rate was Enterococcus muntdii – 1.55 %, Lactobacillus plantarum – 1.28 %. According to the results of the second experiment, the control group showed the lowest results in terms of average weight (123.2 ± 5.21), the highest values were in the experimental group using the strain 162 St – 130.58 ± 5.33, in the Bacillus licheniformis 2336 group – 128.31 ± 7.63. In terms of relative increase and relative growth rate, the experimental groups also outperformed the control. A conclusion was made about the need to study the isolated strains both with an increase in the observation period and with an analysis of hematological parameters, an analysis of the intestinal microbial community at the end of the studies.

In the context of the dynamic development of aquaculture, optimizing diets and maintaining fish health are of paramount importance. This work is devoted to the study of the effect of the protein-mineral feed additive DREAMFID® on the physiological status of fingerlings of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the dynamics of accumulation and resorption of key trace elements in their tissues and organs. The experimental mixed feed with DREAMFID® was characterized by an increased protein content (64.3 %) and a reduced fat level (8.9 %) compared with the control sample. Trace element analysis revealed a significant increase in the concentrations of copper (299 mg/kg) and potassium (7290 mg/kg) in the experimental group, while in the control feed the values were 11.3 mg/kg and 4480 mg/kg, respectively. In fish treated with DREAMFID®, stable blood glucose levels were observed, ranging from 4–5.7 mmol/l, which corresponds to the optimal range (5.0–6.0 mmol/l). Analysis of the leukogram revealed an increase in rod-shaped neutrophils (12.9 %) and monocytes (8 %) in control individuals, which may indicate the development of inflammatory processes. In the group receiving DREAMFID®, these indicators were within the normal range. The study of the dynamics of macro- and microelements in tissues and organs demonstrated general trends, however, specific differences due to different composition of diets were also recorded. The results of the study confirm the effectiveness of using the feed additive DREAMFID® to improve the physiological state of the Nile tilapia and increase its productive characteristics.

A transcriptome, being a complete set of RNA molecules transcribed by the genome of a cell or organism at a specific time, is a dynamic and informative object of research in modern biology. Its variability and ability to reflect responses to internal and external stimuli make transcriptome analysis an indispensable tool for understanding fundamental biological processes, developing diagnostic approaches, and applying it to fields such as agriculture, ecology, and biotechnology. Studying the transcriptome makes it possible to identify the differential expression of genes in response to various factors, decipher the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention, and optimize biotechnological processes. This study presents an analysis of the evolution of transcriptome technologies in the 21st century, covering a range of methodological approaches from traditional gene expression analysis methods, such as reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and microarrays, to modern high-throughput next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq) methods. A comparative assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each method is provided, with a focus on their specific applications in various fields, including medical diagnostics, agriculture, environmental research, and the food industry. Special attention is paid to discussing the capabilities and limitations of each technology in the context of solving specific problems, such as identifying disease biomarkers, studying the adaptation of organisms to changing environmental conditions, and optimizing biotechnological processes.

The article presents materials on the concentration of Ca in the liver of the sons of different Holstein bulls. The experiments were conducted on animals bred in the Kuzbass region. Four experimental groups of cattle were provided with identical feeding and housing conditions. The analysis of feed, soil, and water did not reveal any excessive levels of heavy metals in the area where the Holstein cattle were kept. The concentration of Ca in the liver of the bulls was determined using atomic emission spectrometry on an ICP AES IRIS instrument. A genetic component in the variability of the content of the studied macronutrient in the liver was established. Thus, the content of calcium in this organ in bulls of different Holstein breed fathers was at the level of 41–51.3 mg/ kg. Intergroup differences in the content of calcium are shown. In the descendants of bull No. 318, this indicator was 1.2 times lower than in bulls of the manufacturer No. 212 (p < 0.05). The effect of the bulls’ genotype on the level of calcium accumulation in the offspring’s liver was 29 % (p < 0.05). Thus, the effect of the fathers’ genotype on the level of calcium in the sons’ liver was revealed. The phenotypic variability of calcium content in the liver ranged from 9.2 % to 22.3 %. Analysis of the similarity between the descendants of different bulls-producers in terms of the calcium content in the liver revealed two clusters, one of which included the descendants of a bull with a reduced calcium content, and the other included the remaining bulls. The established average population values of calcium concentration in the studied population can be considered the physiological norm for Holstein cattle in the climatic conditions of Western Siberia, and they can be used as indicators for characterizing the interior. The content of calcium and other chemical elements in organs and tissues provides a more accurate representation of the chemical status of dairy cattle.

The research evaluated the results of DNA testing in the selection of parental pairs in young cattle of meat production. The paper describes the heritability of breeding-significant alleles in the GH, TG, and LEP genes responsible for meat productivity, and the association of the presence of desirable marker (GH^V , TG^T , LEP^T ) alleles in young Kazakh white-headed cattle with live weight. So, when selecting cows (n = 20) with complex (GH^LVTG^CCLEP^CC; GH^LLTG^CCLEP^CT; GH^LVTG^TCLEP^CC; GH^LVTG^CCLEP^CT; GH^VVTG^CCLEP^CC; GH^VVTG^CCLEP^CT; GH^LLTG^TCLEP^TT; GH^VVTG^TCLEP^CC; GH^VVTG^CCLEP^TT; GH^VVTG^TCLEP^TT) with genotypes carrying from one to five selectively significant alleles, and breeding bulls (n = 2) with gene complexes (GH^VVTG^TTLEP^CT and GH^LVTG^TCLEP^CC) with five and two marker alleles, parental pairs were formed and offspring (F1) with different gene complexes were obtained. As a result of the genotyping of offspring (F1), it was revealed that individuals with four markers in their gene complex (GH^LVTG^TCLEP^ТT; GH^VVTG^TCLEP^CT; GH^VVTG^TTLEP^CC) desirable alleles for three genes had a greater live weight at 205 days (218.75 kg for bulls and 197.15 kg for heifers) than carriers of one desirable (GH^LLTG^CCLEP^СT) allele – 183.00 kg. The average daily increase was also different and ranged from 775.61 to 933.51 grams, depending on the heritability of the number of breeding-significant alleles for the studied genes.

The development of non-invasive methods for assessing toxic load and understanding the mechanisms by which chemical elements influence metabolism are pressing issues in veterinary and zootechnical sciences. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the elemental composition of organs and tissues and key biochemical markers of protein, lipid, and mineral metabolism in Romanov sheep in Western Siberia. The research was conducted on clinically healthy Romanov rams (n = 24–25). A correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman-Pearson method. A number of statistically significant correlations were established, revealing the mechanisms by which elemental status influences interior parameters. In terms of protein metabolism, negative correlations were found between albumin and copper in muscles (r = -0.492), as well as urea and arsenic in hair (r = -0.421), which may indicate suppression of the synthetic function of the liver. A positive correlation between urea and lead in muscles (r = 0.425) indicates increased catabolism. In lipid metabolism, a high positive correlation was observed between HDL and blood lead (r = 0.612), likely representing a compensatory response to oxidative stress. A positive correlation between cholesterol and zinc in the liver (r = 0.473) emphasizes the role of zinc as a cofactor in its synthesis. In mineral metabolism, copper and zinc accumulation in the myocardium was associated with a K/Na imbalance, likely indicating inhibition of ion pumps. Serum chlorine and magnesium levels were negatively correlated with cadmium and zinc deposition in muscle tissue (r = -0.451 and r = -0.426, respectively). The data obtained can be used to develop early diagnostic and health monitoring systems for sheep exposed to anthropogenic pollution.

Infectious diseases occupy the most important place among all animal diseases, and are characterized by the presence of an epizootic process – a continuous chain of infections following each other (sequential transmission of the pathogen from an infected animal to a healthy one, using various factors) [1, 2]. An analysis of the epizootic situation for socially significant animal diseases in the period from 2019 to 2023 showed that the number of small cattle infected with brucellosis has decreased in the Russian Federation. At the same time, the incidence of tuberculosis and brucellosis in cattle has increased. Despite the downward trend in rabies incidence, high epizootic rates persist among domestic carnivores and wild animals. In 2023 year, there was a decrease in the incidence of leptospirosis in farm animals compared to 2019 year. Only a detailed study of the epizootic situation, the constant vigilance of the veterinary service, the correct and timely application of scientifically developed methods and means of general and specific prevention, the active participation of local authorities and business leaders make it possible to control, contain the spread of these diseases and take concrete measures to eliminate them [3].