Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus

Analysis of Growth Hormone (L127v) Gene Polymorphism in Kalmyk Bull Calves

Altana V. Ubushieva — 2025-09-30

Introduction. The study of growth hormone gene (GH) polymorphisms in Kalmyk bulls is relevant for understanding the genetic basis of their meat productivity, however, the influence of silent mutations on the functional characteristics of the breed remains understudied.
Aim. To analyze the L127V polymorphism of the GH gene and its potential association with the productive traits of the animals.
Materials and methods. The study used DNA samples from purebred Kalmyk bulls (n=21). Sequencing of key regions of the GH gene was performed, followed by genotyping and analysis of the association between the L127V polymorphism and weight gain dynamics. Methods included capillary electrophoresis, PCR, and statistical analysis.
Results. A dominance of the L allele (88.1%) over the V allele (11.9%) was revealed, with genotype distribution LL (76.2%) and LV (23.8%) conforming to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ²=0.376). Heterozygous LV animals showed significantly higher absolute weight gain (52.4±4.4 kg vs. 38.5±8.9 kg; p=0.008) and average daily gain (1.68±0.13 vs. 1.32±0.30 g/day; p=0.012) compared to LL homozygotes, as well as lower trait variability (CV=8.4% vs. 23.1%).
Conclusions. The L127V polymorphism of the GH gene is a promising marker for the selection of Kalmyk bulls for meat productivity, with the heterozygous LV genotype associated with consistently high weight gains. The results are important for developing DNA markers for the selection of Kalmyk cattle to improve meat productivity under extensive livestock farming conditions.

To cite: Ubushieva A.V., Gendzhiev A.Ya., Ubushieva V.S., Chimidova N.V., Dordzhieva B.B. Analysis of Growth Hormone (L127v) Gene Polymorphism in Kalmyk Bull Calves. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):66-71. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-66-71

Analysis of the Microbial Community in Forage from Wilted Grass-Legume Mixture Silage Treated with Biological and Chemical Preservatives

Larisa A. Ilina — 2025-09-30

Introduction. The production of preserved feeds (silage, haylage) represents the primary method for conserving high-moisture forage crops, based on natural microbial fermentation processes under anaerobic conditions. The use of specialized additives capable of optimizing fermentation processes and regulating the microbial community composition in preserved plant material is essential for obtaining high-quality feed with optimal nutritional value and absence of undesirable microorganisms that cause spoilage and may serve as sources of infection for both animals and humans.
Aim. To study the effect of biological and chemical preservatives on silage microbiota from wilted cereal-legume grass mixture during fermentation and aerobic storage.
Materials and methods. The study utilized silage samples prepared from grass-legume mixtures wilted to 73.4% moisture content. A biological preservative Biotrof AC and a novel chemical preservative VIK 3C were employed. Experimental variants of the grass mixture were preserved in pure form and with the addition of soil to create a model of "field" contamination conditions during forage preparation. Biochemical nutritional parameters, the number of bacteria and yeast were determined in the silage after 30 days of fermentation, as well as after 7 days of forage aeration.
Results. A positive effect of the use of preservatives on the silage microbiota was established, including against the background of contamination and during long-term aeration. The main effect of the chemical preparation VIK 3С was associated with the suppression of the number of almost all microorganisms in silage. The biological preparation Biotrof AS was associated with the stimulation of Lactobacillus sp., which improve the silageability of plant and inhibit the growth of spoilage microbiota. Both preparations were contributed of lactic acid accumulation and the level of acidification in the feed. This led to a decrease in nutrient losses during the fermentation period and long-term storage with oxygen access.
Conclusions. The results of the study were shown positive effects of biological and chemical preservatives to improve fermentation, preservation of nutrients and aerobic stability feed.

To cite: Ilina L.A., Klimenko V.P., Abramyan A.S., Malyarenko S.A., Miyuts Z.K. Analysis of the Microbial Community of Feed From Dried Mass of Cereal-Legume Grass Mixture Using Biological and Chemical Preservatives. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):51-65. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-51-65

Optimization of Ruminal Digestion in Cows Using the Feed Additive NCG-N Carbomyl Glutamate

Evgeny M. Tsygankov — 2025-09-30

Introduction. Complete nutrition of animals is the main condition for the flow of metabolic processes and the creation of high productivity of animals. Most livestock enterprises use a significant amount of concentrates as the basis for the feed ration, which can negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system and reduce the digestibility of nutrients. In this regard, there is a need to use feed additives that promote an increase in the release of nutritional components of the diet.
Aim. To study the effect of feeding the feed additive NCG-N-carbamyl glutamate on the indices of rumen digestion in lactating cows.
Мaterials and methods. The object of the study was lactating cows of the Holsteinized black-and-white breed of the 3rd lactation. Animal groups were formed using the pair-analog method. For 10 months, the experimental group (n=5) was supplemented with the feed additive NCG-N-carbamyl glutamate in a dose of 20 g per head per day. Three hours after feeding, the rumen contents were collected using an esophageal umbrella. Species, functional dynamics, indicators of nitrogenous substances, volatile fatty acids were determined according to the accepted methods of conducting laboratory studies.
Results. During the experimental periods, we established a reliable increase in the number of ciliates from 6.47% to 15.06%, bacteria from 7.40% to 18.75%, amylolytic activity from 7.50% to 18.83%, proteolytic activity 5.80% to 9.30%, ammonia from 5.40% to 12.00%, protein nitrogen – 7.88% to 17.09%. A reliable decrease in non-protein nitrogen was noted from 5.52% to 20.53%.
Conclusions. Feeding the feed additive resulted in an increase in the population of microorganisms, their enzymatic activity, which contributed to the continuous catabolism of feed nutrients, their accumulation and use for anabolic purposes.

To cite: Tsygankov E.M., Menkova A.A. Optimization of Ruminal Digestion in Cows Using the Feed Additive NCG-N Carbomyl Glutamate. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):8-22. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-8-22

Preventive Dispensation of Dairy Cows with Pathologies of the Distal Extremities

Igor V. Nenashev — 2025-09-30

Introduction. Hoof diseases and lameness are the main problems in dairy cows with industrial maintenance, which can lead to a decrease in animal productivity, consequently, to huge economic losses.
Aim. To carry out a comprehensive analysis of diseases of the distal extremities of dairy cows in conditions of loose keeping and to assess the influence of seasonal factors and terrain on the frequency and localization of hoof pathologies.
Materials and methods. Orthopedic medical examinations were carried out on dairy cows from 2019 to 2021, at the Afanasovo dairy farm in the Nizhnekamsk region of the Republic of Tatarstan. During the study period, clinical and orthopedic clearance was performed in 3025 cows with an average live weight of 550-600 kg. Of these: in winter (December-February) - 1146, spring (March-May) - 737, summer (June-August) - 403, autumn (September-November) – 739 heads.
Results. We found that hoof diseases do not manifest themselves in the same way in different seasons of the year, most often expressed in winter and amounted to 32.79%, in autumn - 44.9%, then in spring – 24.49% and the lowest incidence was observed in summer - 19.58%.
Conclusion. The most common pathologies of the distal extremities on the farm were revealed in all seasons of the year: total aseptic pododermatitis, finger crumb ulcer and Rusting ulcer. Diseases such as thumb necrosis and white line disease have the lowest percentage.

To cite: Nenashev I.V., Khakimov I.N. Preventive Dispensation of Dairy Cows with Pathologies of the Distal Extremities. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):23-34. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-23-34

Comparative Analysis of Livestock Production Indicators in the Republic of Dagestan and the Republic of Tatarstan (2011–2022)

Alimsoltan A. Ozdemirov — 2025-09-30

Introduction. The current conditions of the agricultural sector in the Russian Federation demand a thorough reassessment of the factors influencing the efficiency of meat and dairy livestock production across various regions. Despite the relevance of this issue, comparative analyses between territories with contrasting natural and economic conditions remain underrepresented in scientific literature.
Aim. This study aims to identify differences in herd composition, productivity levels, and feed conversion profitability in the Republic of Dagestan and the Republic of Tatarstan over the period 2011–2022.
Materials and methods. Statistical data from agricultural enterprises in both regions were analyzed. The study included assessments of animal population dynamics, milk and meat productivity, feed structure, and profit per unit of live weight gain, based on feed conversion ratio.
Results. The research revealed that Tatarstan is characterized by higher productivity and a greater share of concentrates in animal diets, while Dagestan is dominated by small ruminants and the use of coarse feed.
Conclusions. The identified differences highlight the need for region-specific strategies: modernization of feed production and automation in Dagestan, and enhanced sustainability in Tatarstan. The results may be used to guide regional agropolicy and improve economic assessment models for feed efficiency in livestock farming.

To cite: Ozdemirov A.A., Krupin E.O. Comparative Analysis of Livestock Production Indicators in the Republic of Dagestan and the Republic of Tatarstan (2011–2022). Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):35-50. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-35-50

The effect of Neutralized Phosphogypsum on the Content of Stable Strontium in Slightly Saline Chernozem and Winter Wheat Grain in the Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia

Yulia I. Grechishkina — 2025-09-30

Introduction. The use of neutralized phosphogypsum as a chemical ameliorant is an effective method for enhancing agricultural productivity on solonetz soils in the central Ciscaucasia region. However, given that the ameliorant contains strontium in its composition, confirmation of its environmental safety is required.
Aim. To determine the residual effect of neutralized phosphogypsum application on the content of stable strontium in slightly solonetzic common chernozem and winter wheat grain under the conditions of the central Ciscaucasia.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2024 in a production-scale experiment located in the zone of unstable moisture availability in the Stavropol Krai of Russia, within the Andropovsky municipal district. The effect of different application rates of neutralized phosphogypsum (5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha) was investigated. The soil of the experimental site was slightly solonetzic common chernozem. Soil samples were collected from the plow layer (0-20 cm) and sub-plow layer (20-40 cm).
Results. The application of neutralized phosphogypsum rates did not result in a statistically significant increase in the stable strontium content in the soil. The average content over the three years of study across the experimental treatments varied within the range of 109-132 mg/kg. A significant increase in stable strontium was detected in winter wheat grain in treatments with the application of 10-20 t/ha of the ameliorant, ranging from 0.44 to 0.68 mg/kg. However, the resulting calcium-to-strontium ratio confirmed the safety of the produced grain.
Conclusions. The application of neutralized phosphogypsum at rates ranging from 5 to 20 t/ha on slightly solonetzic common chernozem does not lead to contamination of the soil or winter wheat grain with stable strontium.

To cite: Grechishkina Yu.I., Matvienko A.V. The effect of Neutralized Phosphogypsum on the Content of Stable Strontium in Slightly Saline Chernozem and Winter Wheat Grain in the Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):78-87. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-78-87

Resource Potential of Wild Populations of Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) from the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts of Russia: Findings from an Expedition Survey

Vera V. Chumakova — 2025-09-30

Introduction. The success of breeding work with cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) is largely determined by the selection and use of valuable source material, which are wild forms of local origin. The biological diversity of natural wild populations makes it possible to identify genetic sources of winter hardiness, resistance to abiotic environmental factors, regrowth intensity, and productive longevity for breeding.
Aim. To study the potential for the spread of natural populations of the plant in the North Caucasus and Southern regions of Russia and to select promising wild forms for use in breeding work.
Material and methods. The work was carried out in 2024-2025 as part of 17 trips to 15 municipal districts of the Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories, the Republics of Kalmykia, Adygea and Karachay-Cherkessia in accordance with the methodological guidelines for expeditionary surveys of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources named after N.I. Vavilov.
Results. The study revealed significant morphological and biological diversity of wild populations of the cocksfoot, including lodging-resistant tall (up to 175 cm) and low-growing (up to 40 cm) with vegetative shoots forms. Of particular interest are the adaptive properties of various ecotypes - from drought-resistant populations of Kalmykia to moisture-loving forms of the Krasnodar Territory and Adygea, demonstrating high potential for use in breeding.
Conclusions. The organization and conduct of expeditionary surveys made it possible to replenish the collection fund of genetic resources of orchard grass with wild forms. Based on the results of introduction studies and evaluation in the collection nursery, these forms will be used in the breeding work of the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Agrarian Center.

To cite: Chumakova V.V., Mironova T.M., Chumakov V.F., Derevyannikova M.V. Resource Potential of Wild Populations of Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) from the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts of Russia: Findings from an Expedition Survey. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(3):88-97. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-3-88-97