Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus

Genetic Diversity of the Growth Hormone Gene and its Association with Reproductive Function in Jersey Cattle

Sergey A. Oleinik — 2025-06-30

Introduction. The reproduction efficiency is critically important for the profitability of cattle breeding. The growth hormone gene (bGH) represents a promising candidate for investigating associations with economically important traits.
Aim. To examine the genetic diversity of the C/G polymorphism in the bGH gene and its associations with body weight, age and number of inseminations required for first successful conception in Jersey breed cows.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 361 Jersey breed cows. Zootechnical records of reproductive traits were analyzed in relation to genotyping results for the C/G polymorphism in the bGH gene (using PCR-RFLP). We calculated allele and genotype frequencies, tested for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and compared mean trait values between genotypes.
Results. The G allele was predominant in the population (0.59). Genotype frequencies were: C/C - 19.9%, C/G - 42.9%, G/G - 37.2%. A deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.05) with heterozygote deficiency was observed. Cows with the G/G genotype showed a tendency toward greater body weight but demonstrated significantly later age at first conception (p < 0.1) and required more inseminations to achieve conception (p < 0.05) compared to other genotypes.
Conclusions. The C/G polymorphism in the bGH gene is associated with early reproductive performance indicators in Jersey breed cows. The G/G genotype correlates with increased age at first conception and reduced fertility. The C/C and C/G genotypes may be preferable for selection based on early reproductive characteristics.

To cite: Oleinik S.A., Lesnyak A.V. Genetic Diversity of the Growth Hormone Gene and its Association with Reproductive Function in Jersey Cattle. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):42-52. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-42-52

The Digestibility of Nutrients in the Diet and Nitrogen Balance in Fattened Bulls

Evgeny M. Tsygankov — 2025-06-30

Introduction. The development of effective methods to enhance the utilization of high-quality protein feeds plays a vital role in calf fattening. One such method involves the use of non-protein nitrogenous compounds in mixed feeds, which can release a significant amount of nutrients.
Aim. To study the digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance in calves fed a feed additive of NCG-N-carbamyl glutamate.
Мaterials and methods. Two groups of 8-month-old calves were formed using the paired method: a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group received a feed additive at a rate of 5 grams per head within a total mixed ration. Feed intake, leftovers, digestibility coefficients, and excretion of feces and urine were monitored according to standard procedures.
Results. We observed changes in the digestibility of dietary nutrients: dry matter and crude protein increased by 3.61% and 6.92%, respectively. In addition, there was a tendency for increased digestibility of organic matter by 0.41%, crude fat by 0.56%, crude fiber by 0.65%, and biological extractive substances by 0.46%. Feeding the additive led to a rise in nitrogen intake by 6.05 grams and a decrease in nitrogen excretion by 5.15 grams, resulting in a statistically significant increase in nitrogen retention by 8.53 grams.
Conclusions. The feed additive contributed to improved digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen utilization, positively affecting the calves' live weight gain.

To cite: Tsygankov E.M., Menkova A.A. The Digestibility of Nutrients in the Diet and Nitrogen Balance in Fattened Bulls. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):5-14. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-5-14

Polymorphism and Phylogenetic Relationship of Bovine Leukemia Virus Isolates in the Republic of Kalmykia (Russia)

Alexander Y. Gendzhiev — 2025-06-30

Introduction. The bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a member of the Retroviridae family, causes chronic infections leading to significant economic losses in Russian cattle farming. Despite the widespread distribution of BLV in Russian regions, data on the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of isolates in the Republic of Kalmykia remain insufficiently studied.
Aim. To analyze the polymorphism of BLV isolates in the Republic of Kalmykia using pol gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
Materials and methods. Six proviral isolates collected from farms in the Gorodovikovsky district were investigated. The methods included DNA extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis using MEGA 3.1 software.
Results. High genetic similarity was found between the Kalmyk isolates and strains from Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Japan, and the USA (97–100% homology), while they differed from isolates of Northern Italy and some US strains. A connection was established with isolates from the Rostov and Kaluga regions of Russia, supported by data on interregional cattle movement.
Conclusion. The study underscores the importance of monitoring BLV genetic diversity to develop control and prevention measures and highlights the need for further research into the epidemiological pathways of virus transmission.

To cite: Gendzhiev A.Y., Gulyukin M.I., Ubushieva A.V., Chimidova N.V., Orobets V.A. Polymorphism and Phylogenetic Relationship of Bovine Leukemia Virus Isolates in the Republic of Kalmykia. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):15-24. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-15-24

Pathomorphological and Differential Diagnostic Features of Canine Splenic Lymphoma

Natalia V. Mitrokhina — 2025-06-30

Introduction. The lack of veterinary histological classifications based on tumor histogenesis complicates the morphological diagnosis of canine lymphoma. Diagnostic challenges primarily arise from: (1) the diversity of cellular variants originating from cells at different differentiation stages, (2) the common origin of lymphoid cells, and (3) multiple etiological factors in tumor development. This necessitates a comprehensive study of various lymphoma morphological types to identify their differential diagnostic features and histogenetic origins.
Aim. To develop a scientifically grounded approach for morphological diagnosis of canine lymphomas based on the principle of cellular histogenesis.
Materials and Methods. Histological blocks containing canine spleen tissue were selected. Tissue sections were prepared using microtomy and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Specimens were examined via direct microscopy.
Results. Fifty canine spleens were analyzed. Fifteen specimens exhibited lymphoma structures, including: 4 small lymphocyte lymphomas; 9 B-cell large cell lymphomas; 1 lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma; 1 marginal zone lymphoma. Distinct morphological features of lymphomas were identified.
Conclusions. Histological evaluation incorporating histogenesis analysis, cellular composition and tumor growth patterns enables accurate diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders in animals. This approach is critical for disease prognosis and therapeutic decision-making in veterinary oncology.

To cite: Mitrokhina N.V., Sotnikova L.F. Pathomorphological and Differential Diagnostic Features of Spleen Lymphoma in Dogs. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):25-41. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-25-41

Economic Efficiency of Seeding Standards and Cultivation Technologies for Winter Wheat in a Direct Sowing System

Alexandra V. Gonochenko — 2025-06-30

Introduction. In the South of Russia, where winter wheat accounts for up to 50% of arable land in the Stavropol Krai, the importance of optimizing cultivation technologies is increasing, particularly within the direct seeding system, which significantly alters soil properties and requires adjustments in seeding rates to ensure the economic efficiency of production.
Aim. To determine the impact of extensive, standard and intensive cultivation systems, as well as seeding rates, on the economic efficiency of winter wheat production grown under direct seeding conditions in the unstable moisture regime of Stavropol Krai.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 on an experimental field of the North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center, where winter wheat was cultivated using extensive, basic and intensive technologies with seeding rates ranging from 2 to 6 million seeds per hectare, with an interval of 1 million seeds per hectare.
Results. The highest profit—41,122 rubles per hectare—and the greatest economic efficiency (rental yield of 180.3%) were achieved with the intensive technology. Cultivation using the basic technology resulted in reduced profit—34,224 rubles per hectare—and a profitability of 142.7%. The lowest economic indicators--profit of 17,635 rubles per hectare and profitability of 122.8% -- were observed under the extensive technology.
Conclusions. The optimal seeding rate for winter wheat under intensive technology is 3 million seeds per hectare; for basic technology, it is 4 million seeds per hectare; and for extensive technology, 5 million seeds per hectare. Increasing or decreasing the seeding rate from the optimal value across all technology systems leads to a decline in both yield and economic efficiency. Within the direct seeding system, growing winter wheat is most economically advantageous when employing intensive technology. Cultivating the crop under basic technology results in reduced economic efficiency, while the lowest efficiency is observed with extensive technology.

To cite: Gonochenko A.V., Dridiger V.K. Economic Efficiency of Seeding Standards and Cultivation Technologies for Winter Wheat in a Direct Sowing System. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):53-62. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-53-62

The Efficiency of Winter Wheat Production on Slightly Saline Common Chernozem Using Phosphogypsum Neutralized in the Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia

Yulia I. Grechishkina — 2025-06-30

Introduction. The Stavropol Krai, a key agricultural region in Russia, faces significant land degradation challenges, with approximately 20% of its arable land affected by soil salinity. This issue substantially reduces crop yields and threatens regional food security, necessitating the development of sustainable and cost-effective soil reclamation strategies.
Aim. To determine the effectiveness of neutralized phosphogypsum on winter wheat productivity in weakly solonetzic ordinary chernozem.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2024 under production conditions in the unstable moisture zone of Stavropol Krai, Russia. The experimental site featured weakly solonetzic ordinary chernozem. Soil samples were collected for agrochemical analysis, and crop yield was recorded with agricultural samples taken for laboratory analysis following methodological guidelines for registration trials of agrochemicals in agriculture.
Results. The study revealed that mean daily air temperature during winter wheat growing seasons (2021-2024) exceeded the norm by 2.8°C. Moreover, 2023-2024 period was characterized by reduced precipitation. Winter wheat yields varied significantly across treatments during the residual effect period of neutralized phosphogypsum: 2022 - 4.51-5.24 t/ha, 2023 - 4.18-4.55 t/ha, 2024 - 2.34-2.67 t/ha.
Conclusions. The 10 t/ha application rate provided the greatest average yield increase over three years (8% above control). The 5 t/ha dose proved most economically efficient, demonstrating profit of 11,828.3 RUB/ha and return on investment of 29.0%.

To cite: Grechishkina Y.I., Matvienko A.V. The Efficiency of Winter Wheat Production on Slightly Saline Common Chernozem Using Phosphogypsum Neutralized in the Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):63-73. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-63-73 EDN VQYVVA

Optimization of Macro- and Microelement Content in Soil for Sunflower Cultivation Under Unstable Moisture Conditions of the Central Ciscaucasus Region

Mohammed K. R. Al-Attafi — 2025-06-30

Introduction. In the risky farming zone of the Central Ciscaucasus region, the deficiency of available nutrient forms in leached chernozems is a limiting factor for sunflower productivity. Existing fertilization systems do not always account for regional soil fertility characteristics, necessitating the development of adaptive crop nutrition technologies.
Aim. To optimize the content of macro- and microelements in the 0-30 cm layer of leached chernozem to achieve the target yield of the Aris sunflower hybrid under unstable moisture conditions in the region.
Materials and methods. Field studies were conducted from 2021 to 2023 at the experimental farm of Stavropol State Agrarian University (southern Russia). The effectiveness of different NPK doses (control, recommended and calculated doses for target yields of 2.5 and 3.5 t/ha) and micronutrient fertilizers (Zoloto Polei “All Inclusive" and WUXAL "Boron pH") was evaluated.
Results. The application of calculated mineral fertilizer doses combined with micronutrient fertilizers significantly increased sunflower productivity. The highest crop yield was achieved using fertilizer doses calculated for the target productivity level. Particularly effective was the application of mineral fertilizers calculated using the authors’ methodology for a sunflower yield of 3.5 t/ha, which provided a reliable yield increase across all studied nutrition backgrounds. Improvement in soil agrochemical indicators was also noted, manifested in increased content of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium forms in the soil.
Conclusions. The developed fertilization system increases sunflower productivity by 6-54% compared to conventional technology. The obtained results have practical significance for agricultural producers in the Central Ciscaucasus region, allowing optimization of mineral nutrition costs for crops.

To cite: Al-Attafi M.K.R., Yesaulko A.N., Kotova A.S. Optimization of the content of macro and micro elements in sunflower crops in the conditions of the zone of unstable moisture of the central circaucasus. Agrarian Bulletin of the North Caucasus. 2025;15(2):74-84. https://doi.org/10.31279/2949-4796-2025-15-2-74-84