Agrarian Bulletin of the Black Sea Littoral

CARCINOGENIC ACTIVITY OF A FEED ADDITIVE BASED ON HUMIC SUBSTANCES UPON REPEATED ORAL ADMINISTRATIO

Mykhailo Broshkov — 2025-06-30

Humic acids are polyanionic in nature and bind ions by various mechanisms, both chemical and physical. Compared to inorganic adsorbents (zeolites), their adsorption capacity is seven to ten times higher. Due to the heterogeneous nature of humic substances, the toxicological assessment of one specific substance was considered insufficient for extrapolation to the group as a whole, although efforts were made to identify an appropriate model substance. The aim of the research was to establish the carcinogenic effect for oral administration of sodium humate solution (feed additive "Гумівет") using a micronucleus test. For the preparation of the oral form, brown coal from the Cherkasy deposit (Ukraine) with the following characteristics was used as raw material: humidity - 24.36%, ash content - 24.1%, organic matter - 51.5%. The prediction of the carcinogenic effect of oral administration of the feed additive "Гумівет" was carried out using the micronucleus test (a method for assessing genotoxicity by detecting micronuclei in mammalian bone marrow cells). Male and female white nonlinear mice with a body weight of 24.0-27.0 g were taken as an experimental model. In the first series of the experiment, the feed additive "Гумівет" (solution for oral administration) in doses of 0.80 and 4.0 ml/kg of body weight was administered intragastrically via a probe once only to male mice (n=6) with fixation of the cellular material 24 h after administration. In the second series, the tested feed additive was similarly administered to male and female mice (n=6) daily for 5 days. The fixation of the cellular material was carried out 24 h after the last administration. To conduct an experiment based on the principle of analogues, two control groups (positive and negative control) of 6 mice each were also formed. With a single administration of the feed additive “Гумівет” at the rate of 0.8 ml per kg of live weight, no changes in cytogenetic activity were detected, as evidenced by the absence of a significant increase in polychromatophilic erythrocytes. The positive obtained result indicates that the substance induces chromosomal damage and / or disruption of the mitotic apparatus of cells in experimental animals. The proportion of polychromatophilic erythrocytes from all erythrocytes should not normally exceed 0.2%. Analysis of the cytogenetic effect of the feed additive “Гумівет” with oral administration for five days showed that in mice from the positive control group (that received cyclophosphamide at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight) the proportion of polychromatophilic erythrocytes was (0.667-0.683)%.

ANALYSIS OF BLUETONGIC INCIDENCE IN THE WORLD FOR THE PERIOD 2020-2025

Svetlana Gujvinska — 2025-06-30

Monitoring studies have been conducted on the spread of bluetongue in countries around the world from 2020 to 2025.
The distribution of the bluetongue pathogen in the world was determined by analyzing data from the World Organization for Animal Health.
The spread of the bluetongue pathogen was mainly through vectors - midges of the genus Culicoides. The causative agent of the disease was diagnosed in the following animals: cattle, sheep, goats, domestic camels, domestic and red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, Pyrenean chamois, and western roe deer.
It was found that between 2020 and 2025, the disease was recorded in 23 countries around the world. In 2020, blue tang was recorded in 7 countries: Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Algeria, North Macedonia, Romania, and Luxembourg. In 2021, the disease was observed in 8 European countries: Serbia, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Portugal, Germany, and one African country: Algeria. In 2022, 6 countries were unfavorable for bluetongue: Albania, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Mayotte. In 2023, the disease was recorded in Montenegro and Cyprus. The disease spread and in 2024 was detected in 14 countries: Great Britain, Denmark, Iraq, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden and Croatia.
An analysis of reports from the World Organization for Animal Health over five years showed that 467184 favorable animals were registered, of which 147094 (31.49 %) were registered in 2020, 9278 (19.9 %) in 2021, 11786 (2.52 %) in 2022, 1378 (0.29 %) in 2023, and 297648 (63.71 %) in 2024. The number of cases of the disease was 21022, of which 4620 (21.98 %) were in 2020, 173 (0.83 %) in 2021, 264 (1.26 %) in 2022, 20 (0.09 %) in 2023, and 15945 (75.84 %) in 2024. The total number of animal deaths was 5706 animals, of which 1699 (29.78 %) were in 2020, 8 (0.14 %) in 2021, 52 (0.91 %) in 2022, and 3947 (69.17 %) in 2024.
In the first quarter of 2025, 481821 cases were registered, of which the number of susceptible animals was 467057 (96.9 %), the number of diseases was 12354 (2.6 %), and deaths were 2410 (0.5 %).

MORPHOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ENDOMETRIAL FORMATION IN CATTLE FETUES

Irina Bondarenko — 2025-06-30

The results of scientific research do not provide a complete understanding of the morphological and histological features of endometrium formation in bovine fetuses. This knowledge is crucial for selecting methods of correction and stimulation during pregnancy, especially for the formation of the maternal part of the placenta during estrus. The data obtained will help to improve herd reproductive rates and, as a result, maximize the efficiency of meat and dairy production. Since the endometrium provides for all the needs of the zygote before the placenta forms, as well as the biophysical component during implantation, detailed knowledge of its development during the embryonic stage, long before other components of the reproductive system are established, is necessary. The specific features of the morpho-histological development of the uterine mucosa in female fetuses provide fundamental knowledge of complex biological processes such as the formation of the maternal part of the placenta during the excitation phase, implantation, and pregnancy. Understanding the physiological features of the histogenesis of the endometrial epithelium, which creates the internal uterine environment, is necessary to comprehend its corrected influence on the conditions of the external postnatal environment.
The results of a study on the endometrium of bovine fetuses at 3 months of gestation show that in the female fetus, the uterine horns and body are completely separated, and the laying down of all membranes begins. The endometrium is covered with a single-layered columnar epithelium. The formation of uterine glands begins in bovine fetuses that are 22 cm long, in the 4th month of intrauterine development. Caruncles (placentomes) are laid down as small elevations of the mucosa in the 4th month of intrauterine development. In the 5th month of intrauterine development, the caruncles have a mushroom-like shape, protrude into the lumen of the uterine horn, and their epithelium consists of a single layer of narrow and tall cells. In the 5th month of intrauterine development, the caruncles have a mushroom-like shape, protrude into the lumen of the uterine horn, and their epithelium consists of a single layer of narrow and tall cells.

REFERENT ANALYSIS OF “PWL” AND SILK SUTURE MATERIALS IN SKIN-MUSCLE JUNCTIONS

Ivan Mokiienko — 2025-06-30

The presented article provides the results of a study dedicated to comparing the effectiveness of two types of suture materials—a polymeric material, PWL (polyvalerolactone, monofilament), developed by NGO “Biopolymer,” Poltava, and traditional silk—for suturing skin-muscle wounds, particularly in operations with access through a median incision of the abdominal wall. During the surgical procedure, special attention was paid to the nature of postoperative wound healing. It was established that tissue regeneration by primary intention occurred significantly more effectively in the group of animals where the PWL thread was used for suturing. Specifically, in 90% of cases in this group, normal healing without complications was observed. In contrast, when a combination of catgut and silk was used, the primary intention healing rate was only 70%. This indicates a higher biological inertness of the polymeric material PWL, which reduces the likelihood of inflammatory complications. The frequency of ligature granuloma detection (a sign of the body's reaction to a foreign material) when using traditional silk was twice as high as when using PWL. In 30% of animals whose wounds were sutured with silk and catgut, serious complications were observed, including purulent suture infections and healing failure, which were not registered in cases using PWL. The study also showed that as early as the second postoperative day, animals whose wounds were sutured with PWL thread had a significant reduction in wound exudation. This led to the disappearance of inflammatory edema and promoted faster tissue defect growth. The less pronounced local reaction to the suture material, in turn, contributed to the overall improvement of the postoperative period.
Thus, the obtained results prove that the choice of suture material is of fundamental importance for the course of the postoperative period and the final result of a surgical intervention. PWL is a promising alternative to traditional suture materials, as it ensures fewer complications, accelerates the healing process, and demonstrates high biocompatibility with the body's tissues.

HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE LIVER IN BUFO BUFO TOADS DURING THE REPRODUCTIVE PERIOD

Hanna Ovcharenko — 2025-06-30

The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and immunity in amphibians. Its histological structure reflects its functional state and can change under the influence of physiological and environmental factors. The study of sex differences in the liver structure of Bufo bufo frogs during the active reproductive period (April) is important for understanding the adaptive mechanisms associated with the different physiological needs of males and females.
Comparative assessment of the histological organization of the liver in male and female Bufo bufo frogs during the reproductively active period (April).
Methods: liver samples (n=10: 5 males, 5 females) from captured frogs were fixed, processed using standard histological techniques, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Light microscopy was performed to describe the general histological structure. Quantitative analysis of melanomacrophages was performed using CellProfiler software on 46 histological images, followed by a comparative analysis of morphometric parameters depending on sex.
The histological structure of the Bufo bufo liver is characterized by a single-layered lamellar organization of hepatocytes forming cluster structures with a well-developed sinusoidal network. Melanomacrophages were found in moderate numbers in both sexes without signs of pathological pigmentation. Morphometric analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the size and number of melanomacrophages between males and females. No pathological changes in the liver structure (fibrosis, necrosis, inflammatory infiltration) were observed. The obtained data provide baseline information on the morphological state of the liver of Bufo bufo frogs in the spring period. The absence of pronounced sex differences in the histological structure and pathological changes may indicate a relatively favorable ecological condition of the studied population at the time of sampling. The results can be used for comparative ecotoxicological studies aimed at identifying sex-specific features of the amphibian liver response to pollutants. The histological organization of the liver in male and female Bufo bufo in April does not show significant sex differences and is characterized by signs of physiological norm. Quantitative and morphometric parameters of melanomacrophages also do not demonstrate dependence on sex. The absence of pathological changes indicates the lack of significant toxic effects on the studied individuals. The obtained results are an important basis for further study of the influence of environmental factors on the amphibian liver, taking into account sexual dimorphism.

MANAGED BEE POLLINATION – A KEY PREREQUISITE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN AGRICULTURE IN UKRAINE

Dina Lisohurska — 2025-06-30

The article examines managed bee pollination as a key agrotechnical tool with both ecological and economic rationale, offering significant potential for ensuring the sustainable development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector amid global challenges and the increasing demands of the European Green Deal. It substantiates that the targeted use of honey bees for pollinating entomophilous crops contributes to increased yields, reduced dependence on chemical plant protection products, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced resilience of agroecosystems. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing analysis of scientific literature, statistical data, as well as practical case studies and educational initiatives. It reviews global and national experiences in organizing bee pollination, particularly its application in crop production technologies for such crops as sunflower and rapeseed. The main barriers to the wider adoption of bee pollination in Ukraine are identified: low awareness among farmers about the economic benefits of pollination, weak communication between agricultural producers and beekeepers, lack of regulatory frameworks, and absence of certification mechanisms for pollination services. The article presents the example of the BeesAgro online platform, which provides methodological, legal, and digital support to pollination market participants. It also describes the experience of implementing the academic course “Managed Bee Pollination” at Polissia National University as a tool for developing the environmental competence of agricultural specialists. The study emphasizes that the implementation of a managed pollination system aligns with the key objectives of the European Green Deal: reduction of pesticide use, development of organic farming, minimization of environmental impact, and achievement of climate neutrality. It concludes that managed bee pollination is a promising direction of innovative agricultural policy, integrated with the goals of sustainable development and Ukraine’s European integration.

VETERINARY AND SANITARY INSPECTION OF MILK PRODUCTION

Valerii Voicehivskiy — 2025-06-30

Food safety and quality are critically important issues that should be given more attention worldwide, primarily from the perspective of nutritional quality and consumer health. Factors that can be a source of potential hazards in food products are accompanied by improper agricultural practices and a poor hygienic environment at all stages of the food chain. Doctors and scientists are vitally dependent on each other in promoting both public health and social justice for the benefit of all, and that the state of health cannot improve without access to clean water, quality food, and hygienic living conditions. A key issue to consider whether a given milk is of high quality and safe is the knowledge of the chemical, microbiological, and physical standards for dairy products. Thus, food safety is extremely important to protect the consumer from infectious agents, such as bacteria and parasites, which can be transmitted through the consumption of milk. Through safe food handling, the spread of diseases and deaths can be prevented. Safe food handling begins at the production stage and continues throughout the production process. We conducted a hygienic control of the conditions of keeping lactating cows, an analysis of the effectiveness of the implemented sanitary measures, and a study of milk for the content of somatic cells for the purpose of diagnosing mastitis, including its subclinical form. The compliance of milk with DSTU 3662 2018 raw cow's milk. Technical conditions was determined. The conditions of milk production were determined - the conditions of animal keeping, comparative features of microclimate indicators in typical premises and modern ones built for lactating cows. The studies proved that in the summer period of the year, the air temperature of cow sheds fluctuated within 25°C in typical premises and 23°C in modern designed premises, the level of relative air humidity exceeded the normative levels by 8%. The results obtained showed that the level of somatic cells in the milk of cows in the spring period was in the range from 90 to 400 thousand/cm$^3$, with 84% of the total number of studied samples corresponding to extra grade, 14% to higher and first-grade milk, and 2% with a somatic cell content above 501 thousand/cm 3 In the winter period, the percentage of extra-grade milk increased to 82% and to 12% of higher and first-grade respectively, according to the requirements of DSTU 36 62 2018. The absence of milk with a somatic cell content from 501 to 1500 thousand/cm 3 was noted, which can be explained by the high effectiveness of sanitary means for pre-milking and post-milking udder treatment.

CHANGES IN THE BIOCHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF BLOOD IN METASTATIC FORMS OF MAMMARY GLAND DISEASE IN DOMESTIC CATS

Kyrylo Teliatnikov — 2025-06-30

A study of biochemical and morphological changes in the blood composition in cats with malignant mammary tumors with metastases was conducted.
For the research conducted during the period 2022-24 at the Department of Surgery, Obstetrics and Small Animal Diseases of the Odessa State University and the Aibolit Veterinary Hospital, Odessa, 19 cats with malignant mammary tumors were selected. X-ray diagnostics of the chest cavity of cancer-infected animals was used to detect metastases in the lungs, which indicated metastatic forms of the lesion in cats. X-ray diagnostics of lung metastases in cats with oncopathology was performed in lateral projection using the X-ray diagnostic digital complex KRDC-02-Alpha.
In order to finally determine the nature of the tumors, histological studies of the surgical material were performed with fixation in 10% neutral formalin followed by staining with hematoxylin-eosin, of previously prepared paraffin sections, according to the author's method.
Biochemical parameters of blood of cats with cancer were analyzed on an automatic biochemical analyzer Chemray 240 using 15 standard parameters. Studies of the morphological composition of blood of cats with cancer were conducted on an HTI Micro CC-20 Plus hematological analyzer using 20 standard parameters.
It was diagnosed that 6 cats out of 19 had metastatic forms of mammary gland lesions; which amounted to 31.5% of the total number of animals studied, with the histological picture mainly revealing infiltrating lobular mammary gland carcinoma.
According to biochemical blood parameters, a significant increase in the serum levels of: urea, alkaline phosphatase, alpha amylase, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and cholesterol was found in cats with metastatic mammary gland lesions.
In addition, a correlation was found between the metastatic form of mammary gland lesions in cats and morphological blood parameters: thrombocytopenia, increased ESR, lymphocytopenia, and segmental neutrophilia.

SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF SOMATIC CELL CONTENT IN MILK OF COWS FROM HOMEHOLD FARM

Olha Piven — 2025-06-30

The article presents the results of monitoring the seasonal dynamics of the content of somatic cells in raw cow's milk during 2024-2025. During the research period, samples of raw cow's milk taken at the agri-food markets of Odessa, as well as samples of raw cow's milk taken at the city's spontaneous markets, were examined. The obtained research results showed that for most of the year, samples of raw cow's milk sold at the agri-food markets of Odessa, in terms of somatic cell content, meet the requirements for high-quality raw materials, according to the current Ukrainian standard DSTU 3662:2018 "Raw cow's milk. Technical requirements", which regulates the safety and quality of this product of animal origin. In particular, it was found that the largest number of somatic cells in raw cow's milk from agri-food markets was detected during June, October and November, respectively - 420.0±3.5; 425.5±3.2 and 429.8±3.8 thousand/cm3. All these values, according to the current DSTU 3662:2018, correspond to first-grade raw milk. At the same time, samples of cow's milk from the spontaneous markets of Odessa, in most cases, can be attributed to first-grade and non-grade raw materials. In addition, the study found an increase in the content of somatic cells in both types of raw cow's milk samples in the fall (October-November) and in the spring (April-May). Thus, the average content of somatic cells in raw cow's milk sold at the spontaneous markets of Odessa exceeds the average annual indicators in samples taken at agri-food markets by 21%. The increase in the content of somatic cells in raw cow's milk is in most cases associated with the presence of subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle, which often does not have pronounced clinical manifestations, however, milk from such animals is dangerous for consumption by humans and animals, as it contains an increased number of microorganisms. The presented research results also proved the feasibility of combating spontaneous markets, because the products sold in them are not subject to veterinary and sanitary inspection and in most cases pose a threat to the health of consumers, causing outbreaks of food infections and toxicosis.

SPIRULINA PLATENSIS AS A MEANS OF INCREASING IMMUNE RESPONSE AND RESISTANCE TO DISEASES IN SERVICE DOGS

Lesіa Bondarenko — 2025-06-30

The article investigates the effect of Spirulina platensis on key aspects of the immune system and the level of morbidity in service dogs undergoing chronic stress. The aim of the work was a comprehensive assessment of the potential of this microalgae as a natural immunomodulator for optimizing the immune response and increasing resistance to diseases in animals whose work is associated with high physical and psychological stress. The study was conducted on 20 service dogs of the German Shepherd breed (aged 3-5 years), which were regularly exposed to stressful influences. The animals were divided into two groups: control and experimental. During the experiment, the indicators of humoral (IgA, IgM, IgG), cellular (number of T-, B-, O-lymphocytes, FAN) immunity and nonspecific resistance (lysozyme activity of blood serum) were monitored. The frequency and duration of acute respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal disorders were recorded separately. The results of the study demonstrated an increase in the experimental group of IgA (by 34.4%), IgM (by 26.47%) and IgG (by 25.55%) compared to the control group. Analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations revealed a significant increase in the absolute number of T-, B- and O-lymphocytes (by 25%, 25% and 25.58%, respectively). FAN was higher in the experimental group by 37.1%, and lysozyme activity of blood serum increased by 44.0%. Clinically, this was accompanied by a decrease in the frequency (by 66.7% for ARI and by 80% for SCI) and average duration (by 51.2% for ARI and by 61.5% for SCI) of diseases in the experimental group. The results obtained indicate a pronounced positive effect of Spirulina platensis on various components of the immune system of service dogs undergoing chronic stress. This justifies the prospect of using Spirulina platensis as an effective and safe functional feed additive to maintain health and increase resistance to diseases in service dogs, which is an important aspect of their professional activity.

ТHE СALCULATOR FOR AGRICULTURAL ANIMAL RATIONS – AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR IMPROVING THEIR FEEDING

Valerii Borshchenko — 2025-06-30

Balanced nutrient provision is a critically important factor for maintaining the optimal physical, productive, and psychological state of farm animals. Significant support in optimizing animal diets is provided by an innovative development – the software application "Farm Animal Ration Calculator," implemented on the Microsoft Excel platform by the scientific and pedagogical team of Polissya National University. This tool is designed for formulating feeding rations for a wide range of species, age-sex, and physiological groups of farm animals, including lactating and dry cows, breeding bulls, young cattle for fattening, sheep and goats, pigs (all age and physiological categories), as well as poultry (laying and meat-type chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail). The application's structure within the Microsoft Excel environment includes three discrete worksheets for each of the aforementioned animal groups: "Feeds," "Feeding Standards," and "Ration," each performing a key function in the process of calculating and adjusting feed provision. The basic "Feeds" sheet contains a verified database on the nutritional value of various feeds and feed additives, characterized by the possibility of user editing based on empirical data or laboratory analysis results. This ensures a high level of diet adaptability to the specific needs of individual animals, which significantly enhances feeding efficiency. A distinctive feature of the developed calculator is the integration of the simplex method for ration optimization, which allows for setting quantitative constraints and performing precise adjustments to the ration composition to achieve an optimal balance between essential nutrients. The user interface provides the ability to quickly adjust the ration in real-time, facilitating a rapid and effective response to the dynamic needs of animals.
This software tool is a valuable resource not only for veterinary medicine and nutrition specialists but also for students of relevant specialties. The significance of the development lies in promoting a deeper understanding of the physiological needs of animals for nutrients and providing the opportunity to achieve high standards in the field of feeding. The use of this calculator contributes to maintaining an adequate level of health and welfare of farm animals, as well as potentially ensuring an increase in their productivity and lifespan.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF STARTER CULTURES AND CASINGS ON THE QUALITY OF "ZOLOTYSTA" SALAMI

Martin Knicky — 2025-06-30

In modern sausage production, starter bacterial cultures are widely used to enable targeted control of the fermentation process, accelerate technological procedures, and obtain high-quality products. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of various starter cultures and types of sausage casings on a range of technologically significant quality indicators in the production of dry-cured salami «Zolotysta». The research was conducted at the premises of individual entrepreneur V.G. Kolesnik, trademark «Ovidopolski Sausages». To study and research the peculiarities of the technology for producing Zolotysta salami dry-cured sausage, the main minced meat, prepared according to the recipe, was divided into four equal parts by weight, and further technological processes were carried out in accordance with the characteristics and recommendations for the use of specific starter cultures and casings. The research showed that the use of the Bactoflavor SafePro® Flora Italia LC starter culture allows for a shorter maturation period and improves the taste, color, and texture of the sausages. Although BioSTART Plus 50 slows the process, it promotes faster meat batter tightening, more active pH reduction, and consistent ripening. The collagen casing Fabios demonstrated better physical-mechanical and hygienic properties, while the polymer casing NaloFerm, despite extending the maturation time, had a positive effect on appearance, shape stability, and aromatic characteristics of the product. The best organoleptic scores were observed in samples made with the combination of Bactoflavor SafePro® Flora Italia LC and NaloFerm casing. BioSTART Plus 50 led to a more intense reduction in moisture and acidity, whereas Bactoflavor SafePro® Flora Italia LC ensured stable pH levels and contributed to a milder flavor profile. The highest microbiological activity and concentration of lactic acid bacteria were found in samples from groups I and III, indicating the effective action of Bactoflavor SafePro® Flora Italia LC. In contrast, samples from groups II and IV showed lower microbiological values, likely due to the use of BioSTART Plus 50 or the NaloFerm casing, which may partially suppress microbial development.

DEPENDENCE OF MICROCLIMATE PARAMETERS AND REPRODUCTIVE QUALITIES OF SOWS ON THE USE OF CLIMATE BOXES IN FARROWING FACILITIES IN SPRING

Igor Moisei — 2025-06-30

In this study, we compared microclimatic conditions in farrowing pens equipped with and without climate boxes during the first three weeks of piglet life. The main objective was to assess the temperature regimes in key areas where piglets, sows, and staff are located and determine the efficiency of heating systems.
The results of the study show that in the spring period with significant differences in night and day temperature of the external environment, the use of farrowing pens with climate boxes provides a more stable and warmer microclimate, especially in the area where piglets are located during the first two weeks of life. The most significant differences were observed in the air temperature at the level of lying and standing of piglets and in the temperature of heating elements, which is critically important for their survival, comfort, and energy balance. Therefore, using farrowing pens with climate boxes is an effective and energy-saving technological solution for maintaining optimal conditions for growing young animals. It has been proven that more comfortable conditions for keeping piglets, provided by using machines with climatic boxes, indirectly influenced the reproductive qualities of sows that farrowed and raised offspring in such situations. It was found that machines with climatic boxes did not affect the total number of piglets born, multiparity, large-scale fertility, and the weight of the piglet litter at birth or the weight of one piglet at weaning. At the same time, the presence of climatic boxes contributed to the improvement of piglet survival by 7.69%, which caused a 10.2% increase in the number of piglets per sow in the litter at weaning and, in turn, led to the rise in the weight of this litter at weaning by 10.9%. Improved survival in climate-controlled farrowing pens resulted in a 6.8% increase in weaned piglets per farrowing pen and a 7.5% increase in weight. The study shows that using climate-controlled farrowing pens significantly improves piglet microclimate in the first two weeks of life, especially in the spring period with large temperature fluctuations. This provides more stable and comfortable conditions, critical for piglet survival. Thus, using climate-controlled farrowing pens is a highly effective solution that provides more comfortable conditions for young animals and has a positive impact on economic indicators, improving piglet survival and increasing weaning performance without negatively affecting the reproductive performance of sows.

MULTICRITERIA OPTIMISATION OF PORK PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ON MEDIUM-SIZED FARMS

Maria Pushkina — 2025-06-30

The development of scientific and technological progress in the field of pig production is inextricably linked to the continuous improvement of technological equipment, space-planning solutions for industrial buildings and farm development. Large-scale farms and complexes are being built to improve the forms and methods of pig production around the world. In order to choose the most rational option for certain conditions, it is necessary to apply criteria by which to compare the options under consideration. The right list of criteria plays a significant role in choosing the best solution. A large number of different technologies with a wide variety of technological means requires the availability and use of evaluation criteria that can be used to assess and select the most efficient technologies and the most rational design and technological solutions for pig farms. While standard designs can be used for the construction of new pig farms and complexes, the reconstruction and modernisation of existing ones requires a personal approach to designing in accordance with the terms of reference. The selection of a project for further financing takes place in several stages. The relevance of the benchmarking tasks, as well as the selection, is determined at the preliminary stage by considering a fairly wide range of project alternatives (or projects themselves). Moreover, their detailed analysis can lead to significant expenditure of resources and time. If several investment projects have been formed, and each of them meets the requirements in terms of its financial and economic indicators (the final stage of investment research), it is also necessary to solve the problem of their comparative analysis, which is associated with the selection of one best project (option) or some combination of them for further implementation. If several best projects are to be selected from the portfolio, the total amount of financing, taking into account the investor's capabilities, can be determined by applying the Pareto selection rule. According to this rule, the best option would be the one that would be no worse than the first one in all respects, and at the same time at least one indicator better than it. The efficiency of the developed space-planning solutions was assessed using mathematical methods of multi-criteria optimisation. The following evaluation criteria were applied: the cost of the area intended for meat production; the use of production area per average pig; and the workload of the machine part of the pigsty. The criteria for payment for the area intended for meat production, the use of the amount of production area per average annual pig, the use of the machine (useful) area of the pigsty and specific labour costs for projects for 168, 200 and 200 main sows were calculated. Based on the data obtained, it was found that the most efficient from both technological and economic points of view is the first project of a pig farm designed for 200 main sows.

IMPROVEMENT OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF COMBINED FEED FOR QUAILS AGE 6 WEEKS AND OLDER

Ihor Riznychuk — 2025-06-30

Grass flour: artificially dried and ground into pieces up to 3 mm feed from grass plants. Artificially dried green feed is prepared from young legume plants, cereals, as well as legume-cereal grass mixtures and is used for feeding animals in pure form or as part of feed mixtures. The modern technology for preparing grass flour includes the sequence of the following processes: mowing grass, drying to 35-40 % moisture, selection of rolls with simultaneous grinding of green mass into particles of 10-30 mm in size, transportation, feeding by conveyor into the dryer drum, drying with a stream of hot air, grinding of the dried mass, cooling, storage in bulk or in granules, taring. In feeding quails, grass flour is used as a protein feed, as well as a source of coloring substances that affect the intensity of the yolk color, give the carcass a yellow color, which is popular with consumers. Grass flour from cereal grasses, clover, alfalfa, in an amount of up to 10% by weight of dry matter, can be added to the composition of compound feeds for quails, starting from 5 weeks of age. According to the results of the analysis of the technological process of producing compound feed for adult quails, it was improved by including grass flour in the feed mixture in the amount of 5% by weight or 50 kg per 1 ton of produced feed. The components in the feed mixture are distributed in the following ratio: wheat grits – 28 %, barley grits (without films) - 10, corn grits - 20, high-protein soybean cake - 25, grass flour - 5, protein and vitamin supplement for adult quails - 5, limestone flour - 5 and sunflower oil 2 %. In terms of nutritional value and physical form, the recommended feed mixture corresponds to the age group and nature of this species of animals, is characterized by high conversion into egg productivity of quails. In order to increase nutritional value and ensure an intense, uniform color of egg yolk, it is proposed to use grass flour in the composition of compound feeds for quails, which meets the requirements of the state standard for artificially dried grass feeds.

TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR FEEDING MANAGEMENT OF HIGH-PRODUCTIVE COWS UNDER HEAT STRESS CONDITIONS

Andrii Zolotarov — 2025-06-30

The current issue of increasing the efficiency of feeding high-yielding cows in the summer under conditions of heat stress, which negatively affects feed consumption, nitrogen balance, health and productivity of animals, is highlighted. The aim of the study was to reduce the negative impact of high temperatures on the body of cows by shifting the time of the main feeding to cooler periods of the day. The experiment was conducted at the “Agrarian firm Petrodolynske” in the summer of 2024 on a technological group of 85 Holstein cows. It was established that when the air temperature increases above +25 °C, and especially above 29 °C, there is a decrease in feed consumption, which directly correlates with a decrease in milk yield. The main attention is paid to optimizing technological solutions in the feeding system, in particular, the mode of distributing the feed mixture throughout the day. During the experimental period, the traditional feeding regime was changed: 80% of the ration was distributed in the morning (5:00–6:00) and evening (21:00–22:00) hours, which made it possible to ensure that the feed was eaten in more comfortable conditions. Analysis of the results showed that the average daily feed consumption is inversely proportional to the air temperature (r = –0.769, p < 0.001), and the rate of morning temperature increase has the greatest influence on daily feed consumption (r = –0.780, p < 0.001). The data obtained showed that changing the time of feeding feed to cooler periods of the day contributes to an increase in the level of feed consumption, maintaining productivity and reducing negative manifestations of heat stress. Thus, in particular, in the experimental period, an increase in feed consumption was recorded compared to the control period - the amount of residues on the feed table decreased on average from 3.37 kg to 2.13 kg per head/day, or by 3.27% of the amount of feed given. Thus, the proposed technological solution can be an effective means of adapting the feeding system of high-yielding cows to the conditions of a changing climate, allowing to minimize economic losses and increase the overall efficiency of dairy production in the summer period.

THE INFLUENCE OF BREEDS AND LACTATION DURATION ON THE REPRODUCTIVE QUALITIES OF SOWS IN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION

Anatoliy Shostya — 2025-06-30

Our present article aimed to determine the influence of breed and duration of the suckling period on the reproductive qualities of sows, the growth rate of their piglets, and the duration of the subsequent service period. It was found that the breed of sows did not significantly affect key performance indicators during farrowing. Meanwhile, the duration of lactation significantly affects the productivity of sows when weaning. Thus, a reduction in the duration of lactation by 23.4–32.5% led to a decrease in the mass of the piglet litter at weaning by 23.19–24.46% and the mass of a single piglet at weaning by 25.4–27.68%. The survival of piglets and their number at weaning were stable and did not depend on either the breed or the duration of lactation, although the variability of these traits was higher in the Landrace breed. It was found that a decrease in the duration of lactation negatively affected the average daily (decrease by 6.1–12%), absolute (decrease by 3.6–32.9%) and relative (decrease by 1.74–18.9%) gains of piglets. While in the context of breeds this difference was only 2.1–5.0% in terms of average daily, 2.6–3.3% in terms of absolute and 0.89–118.9% in terms of relative gains. It was proven that the duration of lactation significantly affects the interval between weaning and the next manifestation of estrus. It was considerably shorter (by 9.1–22.8%) in animals with a standard lactation period compared to animals with a reduced duration of the suckling period. This period also differs depending on the breed: in animals of the Large White breed, it was 13.9–16.7% shorter compared to Landraces. High direct correlations were found between the total number of piglets born and multiparity and between the number of piglets weaned and the weight of their litter during this period. Significant direct relationships were observed between the duration of lactation and the weight of the litter at weaning; between the total number of piglets born per farrowing and the number of piglets weaned, the weight of the litter at weaning, and the duration of the service period. Significant inverse relationships were established between the weight of one head at weaning and survival and between the number of piglets at weaning and multiparity. A moderate positive correlation is observed between multiparity and the total number of piglets born, between the number of weaned piglets and the duration of the service period, between the mass of the piglet litter at weaning and their number, as well as with the duration of the service period. The number of weaned piglets is moderately positively correlated with both multiparity and the duration of the service period. A moderate inverse correlation is established between survival, on the one hand, and multiparity and the duration of the service period, on the other hand. It was found that the breed factor significantly affected the mass of one piglet at weaning (1.05%) and the duration of the service period (26.51%). The duration of lactation significantly affected the weight of one piglet at weaning (86.7%), the weight of their litter during this period (73.73%), as well as the duration of the period from weaning of piglets to the first insemination of the sow (37.15%). The interaction of these two studied factors only affected the duration of the service period of sows after the studied lactation, amounting to 32.02%.

CURRENT STATUS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING IN THE CONTEXT OF PHILOSOPHY OR TECHNOLOGY IN EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Vasile Maciuk — 2025-06-30

The aim of the work was to determine the current status and prospects for the development of organic livestock products manufacturing in the context of philosophy or technology in Eastern European countries (review material) with an emphasis on the situation in Ukraine and Romania. Organic livestock farming combines care for the environment, human health, and livestock welfare, and is an ethical and strategic vector for the development of the agricultural sector in the 21st century. Organic livestock farming is not just a technology for raising livestock, but above all an ethical and ecological system that seeks to maintain a balance between productivity, nature, and livestock welfare. The philosophy of organic production cannot be fully “scaled” as an industrial technology, because it is not about mass production, but about awareness, locality, and sustainable development. However, the gradual spread of organic principles is entirely feasible thanks to environmental education, certain agricultural policies, and consumer demand. Organic production is a philosophy, a marketing strategy, and a way of thinking. Organic livestock farming in Eastern Europe is an unformed, emerging but strategically important sector. In Ukraine, it remains a niche market but has growth potential due to export demand, political integration with the EU, and the growth of conscious domestic consumers. Global climate threats have somewhat changed the role of organic products, with organic products evolving from an “elite” product to a tool for environmental responsibility. In times of climate turbulence, organic livestock farming is not only an alternative to intensive industrial production, but also an essential factor in the preservation of agroecosystems. At the same time, consumer demand is a key driver for the development of organic livestock farming, especially in regions with a high level of environmental awareness. Despite its many advantages, organic livestock farming is not a universal solution for all countries and types of farms, as it requires a specialized approach, a balance between ideals and reality (economics, livestock health), and has potential but also objective limitations in terms of productivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Global climate threats have somewhat changed the role of organic products, with the organic products evolved from an “elite” product to a tool for environmental responsibility. In times of climate turbulence, organic livestock farming is not only an alternative to intensive industrial production, but also an essential factor in the preservation of agroecosystems. At the same time, consumer demand is a key driver for the development of organic livestock farming, especially in regions with a high level of environmental awareness. Organic livestock farming is not a panacea, but it is less vulnerable to some climate change impacts in terms of global warming, is more environmentally sustainable in the long term, and requires adaptation to new climate realities in terms of breeding, agroecology, digital tools, etc.