Correct rearing of calves is critical to successful livestock management, as soon as only healthy animals can fully utilize their genetic potential for maximum performance. When large quantities of liquid feed are fed to calves, the animals eat relatively less dry feed. The aim of the research was to determine productivity and physiological state of young cattle in the post-milk period, grown using whole milk, whole milk and dry skimmed milk replacer. The work had been carried out at SE ZhodinoAgroPlemElita, Minsk region. It has been determined that feeding young cattle with whole milk replacer and dry skimmed milk replacer at the age of 10-115 days contributed to increase in the average daily weight gain in the post-milk period by 9.2 and 10.7%, while reducing the cost of feed for obtaining weight gain by 5.8 and 7.6%, price cost of weight gain by 6.1 and 7.7% and increase in additional profit in the amount of 8.35 and 10.58 rubles per animals during experimental period.

The main indicators of productivity directly depend on the quantity and quality of feed consumed. In order to increase the content of protein, carbohydrates and fats in diets, it is advisable to use malt sprouts as a new feed component. In conditions of MTF Rassoshnoe of SE ZhodinoAgroPlemElita, we carried out research aimed at developing compound feed concentrates KR-3 with inclusion of malt sprouts, determining the optimal rates and efficiency of their use for young cattle feeding. It has been determined that feeding young cattle with compound feed KR-3 with malt sprouts added in the amount of 15% by weight increased the average daily weight gain of steers by 2.1% and reduced the feed cost per centner of weight gain by 1.8%. Inclusion of malt sprouts in diets for steers also has a positive effect on the redox processes in the body of animals, and increases economic efficiency.

The paper presents the results of studies aimed at determining the most efficient amount of protein in skimmed milk replacers for calves over 65 days of age. It has been determined that feeding young cattle with compound feed KR-2 with skimmed milk replacers in the amount of 10%, containing 20 and 22% of protein by weight, contributed to improvement of morphological and biochemical composition of calves’ blood, expressed in increase in the concentration of total protein by 3.1 and 3.3%, with decrease in urea by 3.5 and 5.2%, and allowed to increase the average daily weight gain by 3.1%, while reducing feed costs and production price costs by 1.5 and 0.9 percent.

The paper provides data on development of typical diets with a reduced amount of concentrated feed used for high-yielding cows during the milking period at summer-pasture housing, ensuring normalization of physiological functions, which is expressed in better digestibility of feed and a higher bacteria and fungi count in the rumen, which affects digestibility of nutrients, morphological and biochemical composition of blood, increase in dairy productivity and milk quality, economic efficiency in scientific, economic and physiological experiments in vivo.

The paper presents the results of studying the efficiency of moderately increased norms of requirements for both metabolizable energy and crude protein, as well as dry matter (respectively, up to 10%) in the diets for highly productive cows of Holstein population of dairy cattle of domestic selection for the Belarusian black-and-white breed in the 2nd third lactation on productivity and quality of milk, as well as homeostasis, digestibility of organic matter and use of nitrogen in the body of animals. The positive effect of moderately elevated requirements for the above nutritional components in diets with a predominance of bulky feed in relation to concentrates 53.0:47.0 instead of that in the control 51.9:48.1 on the above studied indicators.

Nutritionally balanced feeding during the dry period fully ensures the fetus growth, contributes to accumulation of nutrients in the body of animals. This paper presents the results of studies on development of a diet structure for dry cows in winter stall period. The scientific and economic experiment was carried out with highly productive animals of Belarusian black-and-white breed with body weight of 600-650 kg, housed at the state enterprise ZhodinoAgroPlemElita of Smolevichi district, Minsk region. It has been determined that the average daily weight gain of calves born from cows in the experimental group in the first month of life was 690 g, which is 4.5% higher compared to calves born from cows in the control group. Extra profit for 60 days of experiment for animals of the experimental group made 67.20 rubles.

Performance traits of animals largely depend on the feeding quality. The paper presents the results of experimental researches on development of diet structures with different ratios of concentrates, corn silage, predominance of haylage of perennial grasses and green mass in ratio of 1:1 in the summer pasture period. As well as impact of the developed diet on diary performance, content of fat, protein, lactose in milk, morphological and biochemical parameters of blood and economic indicators. Qualitative and quantitative composition of rumen microflora has been determined and a comparative analysis of the balance of microorganism has been presented.

The paper presents the results of study of the effect of feeding different levels of oil flax cake on quantitative and qualitative indicators of meat performance of young cattle at fattening. It has been determined that different levels of oil flax cake relative to linen flax cake in in compound feeds had a positive effect on productivity of young cattle at fattening: so, the average daily weight gain over the experiment increased on average by 0.3-1.5%, the energy of weitgh gain or deposition - by 0.6-4.5%, energy conversion - by 0.49-0.73 p.p., energy costs decreased by 1 MJ for weight gain - by 1.3-4.2%. The carcass yield increased by 0.21-0.81 p.p., the slaughter yield - by 0.2-0.8 p.p. Steers’ beef fat concentration increased by 0.2 p.p., in the longest back muscle fat - by 0.13-0.29 p.p., moisture-retaining capacity - by 4.2 p.p.

The data of studies are presented with the purpose to study the coefficients of transition of¹³⁷Cs and⁹⁰Sr from soil to feed crops (green mass, grains of oats and corn), cultivated in the fields located in the experimental economic zone of the reserve (PGREZ), and to give conclusion of using feed crops (green mass, grains of oats and corn) in diets for horses. It has been determined that the studied feed crops in the fields of the experimental economic zone of PGREZ reserve with¹³⁷Cs soil contamination density of 15-25 cu/km² (555 kBq/m²-925 kBq/m²) and⁹⁰Sr contamination from 1.0 to 2 cu/km² (37- 74 kBq/m²) can be used in diets for horses with no restrictions, both in terms of¹³⁷Cs and⁹⁰Sr level.

The paper presents the results of research with the purpose of analysis and finding ways of improving the technology of cow machine milking are loose housing at JSC “Valishche”. It has been determined that high-tech means of production of a technical and technological nature in combination with biological objects of industrial use in obtaining commercial dairy products can increase the economic efficiency of production of commercial dairy products using modernized milking equipment. At the same time, the profitability level of milk production increases by 5.72 percentage points, reaching 24.84%.

Results of research carried out in the conditions of milk production at the dairy complex “Berezovitsa” of RUE “ZhodinoAgroPlemElita” of Smolevichi district in Minsk region are presented in the paper. The research object was the automated milking plant “Parallel” 2×17 (“WestfaliaSurge”, Germany), the subject was the method of milk cleaning of mechanical impurities at vertical arrangement of the filtering device, and milk quality. The technological process of primary treatment (purification) of milk from mechanical impurities has been improved, consisting in the use of a vertical filtration method with new samples of filter elements manufactured by Polymer LLC (Gomel, Republic of Belarus) made of fibrous-porous nonwoven material by pneumo-extrusion method with optimal length of the tubular filter cloth of 20 centimeters. Also composition, technological and sanitary-and-hygienic parameters of milk has been studied, which passed the stage of purification by an improved filtration method when milking cows at automated milking plant “Parallel” 2×17 (“WestfaliaSurge”, Germany) into a short milk pipe.

Sows housing in premises meeting hygienic and sanitary requirements, with proper care, allows them to increase their productivity and natural resistance to diseases, to ensure normal course of estrus cycle and successful fertilization and maximum safety of offspring. In this regard, the problem of determining the most rational size of pens, floor area per animal, becomes a priority. It has been determined that increase of pen area at group housing of farrow sows from 1.8 m²/animal up to 2 and 2.25 m²/animal contributed to creation of comfortable environment. There was a tendency to increase the multiple pregnancy rate of sows housed during gestation in group pens with setting density of 2.0 and 2.25 m²/animal by 0.4 animals (3.9%) and 0.5 animals (4,9%) respectively, in comparison with parameters for animals housed at pen area of 1.8 m²/animal.

The main task in dairy cattle breeding is to obtain a sufficient amount of quality milk, which meets requirements if population for milk and dairy products. The aim of the research was to substantiate possibility of increasing the cow milk productivity and improving milk quality through control of the microbiological and technological parameters of milk. According to the research results, it has been determined that the longest lactation of cows in spring and summer calving periods made 105 and 103 days, respectively, pf cows of group 4 - 98 days, which led to increase in their lactation period to 318-322 days. In the first three months of lactation, the largest part of milk yield was shown by the summer calving cows (34.5% of the total milk yield), in the period from 4 to 6 months - by the autumn calving cows (38.1%) and in the period from 7 to 10 months of lactation - by the autumn calving cows as well (33.6%). Cows of the fourth group had the highest butterfat content (4.38%), in the first it was lower by 0.2, in the second - by 0.16 and the third - by 0.1%. The highest protein content in milk was found in cows of summer calving - 3.37%, spring - lower by 0.07%, winter - by 0.05% and autumn - by 0.11%. The milk density was in the range of 1.027-1.028 g/cm³, acidity 16.70-17.93 °T, mass fraction of fat 4.18-4.38%, protein - 3.26-3.37%.

The paper presents analysis of scientific information over the past 10 years on the causes of early embryonic mortality of chickens and possible measures to reduce it. The results of researches on incubation efficiency increase of modern crosses chicken eggs show correlation between early embryonic mortality of chickens with egg quality, egg storage prior to incubation and incubation regime. Possibility of reducing the proportion of categories of embryos mortality of «48 hours» and «blood-ring» using technological methods in hatchery conditions is proposed.

The paper defines correlation between the type of higher nervous activity of horses and its performance in classical equestrian sports. The paper presents data on distribution of horses of the Republican Center for Olympic Training of Equestrian Sports and Horse Breeding by types of higher nervous activity and results of sports competitions, which will make it more feasible to select horses, as well as impact positively on reduction of injuries to horses and increase of performance efficiency.

Fulvoacid is an organic substance containing great number of minerals, amino acids, macro- and microelements, vitamins, natural polysaccharides, peptides, polyphenols and ketones with subgroups, as well as many other elements. Our attention was drawn to possibility of using fulvoacid in diets for broiler chickens in various concentrations and forms of input. Fulvoacid had been applied during the entire period of broiler rearing. We have determined that blood biochemical parameters were unstable and some of them varied. We have revealed the pattern of increase in body weight of poultry and its intense immunity. Based on the conducted studies, we found that from the beginning to the end of the research work, the blood levels of broilers increased as follows: glucose level by 2.3-2.7 times, total protein - by 3.1-3.7 times, albumin - by 2.9-3.7 times, AsAT - 3.6-5.7 times, and ALP - by 0.9-3 times.

We’ve tested SaproSorb feed additive, which has sorption properties, and also contains a complex of macro- and microelements, vitamins and amino acids. We conducted production tests of the sorbing product efficiency at various farms of the Vitebsk region and have determined the production and economic effect. Based on the calculations, we found that the additional introduction of SaproSorb in the compound feed contributed to the guaranteed profitability of poultry meat production at the level of 4.4-4.5 %. The optimal introduction norm of sorbing product in diets for broiler chickens should be considered as 2 kg/t of compound feed.

The paper presents the results of studies with purpose to determine the productivity, natural resistance and ethological characteristics of breeding steers when reared on different floor areas. It has been determined that the optimal floor area for breeding steers during the period of pen housing up to 10 months of made 3.5 m² per animal, which contributes to increase in body weight by 2.8-7.3%, average daily weight gain - by 4.1-11.3%, decrease in feed consumption, increase in natural resistance of 0.3-4.9 p.p. and a positive effect on ethological indicators.

Pigs have very complex behaviors and form cooperative social groups. To implement their own natural behavior, they spend up to 40% of time looking for tasty food in the soil, in particular roots, larvae and even truffles. The aim of the research is to evaluate the effect of toys on the behavior and performance of piglets. The experiment was carried out with weaned piglets in the amount of 120 animals, at the age of 28 days, which were distributed according to the principle of analogues into two groups of 60 pigs each: I - control group, animals were housed with no toys; II - experimental group, animals were housed with toys. During the experiment, the timing of behavioral acts was carried out, and productivity was assessed. As a result of the experiment, it has been determined that availability of toys decreased intragroup aggression, which was accompanied by a decrease in the duration of fights, and almost three times increase in the duration of play behavior. In piglets that had access to toys, the number of cases of biting their tails and ears decreased from 11 to 3 animals. Changes in behavioral patterns among animals of the control and experimental groups led to significant differences in terms of their growth rates, where a significant increase in body weight was noted by 5.4%, which is associated with a significant increase in their average daily weight gain in comparison with animals in the control group. This research shows that when toys are used for piglets at growing, signs of aggression and stereopathy in groups can be avoided, productivity and emotional state can be improved, which affects the welfare of pigs.

The paper presents the results of studies on indicators of the main ethological reactions of limousine steers in different age periods of growing and feeding after weaning from mothers, depending on various technological solutions for feed distribution. It has been determined that the average daily weight gain of steers in the initial three-month post-weaning period, that received the main diet in the form of a feed mixture, made 809 g, which is 159 g or 24.5% higher compared to their peers with separate nutrition. For steers of 9-12 months of age, feeding area of 0.6 m per animal can be considered sufficient, and for steers of 12-16 and 16-18 months of age, due to increase in activity of sexual behavior and beginning of rank relations, which accordingly leads to change in behavior of animals to a more aggressive one, the feeding area should be at least 0.7 m per animal.

Special attention of scientists and practitioners in recent years has been focused on the use of highly efficient treatment mean before and after milking. The paper presents research data with purpose to assess the effect of udder treatment agents after milking on the state of mammary gland and obtained milk quality. The research was carried out during 2019-2020 in production conditions of dairy-commodity complex of industrial type JSC BorisovSoyuzAgro of Borisov district, Minsk region, as well as in the laboratory of the department of production technology and mechanization of animal breeding, Scientific Research Institute of Applied Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology of EI Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine. It has been determined that inclusion in the daily milking procedure of the sanitation product ItalmasVP-I 2500 based on iodine-polymer complex with a disinfecting and regenerating-healing effect for treatment of udder teats after milking allowed to reduce the level of microbial contamination of udder and improve the milk quality by reducing bacterial contamination of milk and somatic cells count. ItalmasVP-I 2500 provides longer hygienic protection of cow udder teats.

The aim of research was to substantiate technological concept and project design of automatic diary complex based on modular planning solutions and algorithm for production process control using intelligent digital systems. Implementation of this project will ensure that all elements of the production cycle are carried out according to the “right on time” principle and will have a significant impact on implementation of the potential of animal productivity, increase the terms of economic use of cows up to 4-5 lactations, ensure production of high quality milk with a significant reduction in the unit costs of production.

This is for the first time in the post-Soviet countries when a computer program has been developed that allows modeling zoohygienic and construction-and-physical parameters of reconstructed buildings for barren and farrow sows. A computer program, by way of changing thermal-and-technical parameters of buildings for housing barren and farrow sows (coefficient of resistance to heat transfer of the outer walls within 0.67...2.12 m² *⁰С/W; outside air temperature (0...-24⁰С); zoohygienic parameters at height (0.5...1.5 m), allows to automatically calculate heat-humidity balance, heat consumption, level of animals productivity and economic efficiency of increasing thermal protection of buildings. The computer program makes it possible to minimize labor costs for identifying the main trends in the level of animal productivity and housing conditions quality in the reconstructed premises.

A digital twin of zootechnical and heat engineering parameters of reconstructed buildings for pigs at growing and fattening has been developed. The computer program made it possible to refute the assertion of researchers that in order to increase the economic efficiency when growing and fattening young pigs, it is necessary to carry out thermal rehabilitation of pig breeding buildings while increasing the coefficient of resistance to heat transfer of the enclosing structures: outside walls - over 2.0 m² *⁰С/W, and ceilings - over 2.5 m² *⁰С/W. Simulation modeling of heat engineering and zoohygienic parameters makes it possible to automatically calculate the heat and humidity balance of buildings, heat consumption, and the level of productivity of young pigs. The computer program minimizes labor costs for identifying the main trends in the level of animal productivity and zoohygienic quality of pigs housing conditions at growing and fattening in reconstructed premises.

In order to reduce young animals culling, a scheme has been developed for the use of biologically active and disinfecting substances at a long-term industrial complex. It has been determined that it was feasible to use acidifiers, probiotics and anti-stress preparations in the drinking system, as well as to perform disinfection in the presence of animals with Stalosan F preparation during two adjacent days a week and in case of diarrhea in young animals in the pen, which makes it possible to increase the average daily weight gain by 20-31 g (P<0.05), reduce withdrawal and culling of piglets by 1.2-1.4%.

Disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant led to a sharp decrease in the number of sheep and the amount of products received from them in Belarus. At present, the situation in sheep breeding in the republic is beginning to change towards an increase in the number of sheep, including in the territory contaminated with radionuclides. This is facilitated by the adopted republican programs for development of sheep breeding sub-industry, as well as improvement of radiological situation in the Gomel region. As researches results, recommendations for production of mutton for agricultural enterprises, farms and personal subsidiary plots have been developed for further increase of sheep population, its implementation will allow obtaining products within the framework of sanitary requirements in areas contaminated with radionuclides.

The paper dwells on the current trends in poultry industry development in Ukraine by analyzing the live-stock dynamics, displaying the structure of the poultry population housing at agricultural enterprises and households, the leading areas in the poultry population in Ukraine and the dynamics of poultry meat production in Ukraine are illustrated, characteristics of the TOP-7 exporting companies are given, as well as poultry export and import trends at the domestic market. In particular, it was noted that as of January 1, 2021, the largest poultry population was concentrated in Vinnitsa, Cherkassk, Kiev and Dnepropetrovsk regions, which is about 50% of the total poultry population in Ukraine. Poultry meat production in 2019 amounted to 1,381.4 thousand tons, which exceeds the level of the previous year by 9.7%, and per capita consumption amounted to 24.6 kg against 23.7 kg in 2018. In 2019, Ukraine entered the top 5 largest exporters of chicken meat in the world.

One of the reasons for dairy performance decline in heifers is the stress due to regrouping Creation of comfortable conditions for heifers by forming and keeping them in a separate section during lactation allows minimizing the impact of technological stresses, which helps to realize the genetic potential of animals more completely. In addition, the period of adaptation of animals to new housing conditions decreases, the number of injured animals decreases as a result of rank interactions in the group. The paper presents the results of experimental studies with heifers when keeping animals in a separate section during lactation. Based on the studies carried out, it has been determined that when heifers were kept in a separate section, their diary productivity was 0.23-5.05 kg higher. During the ten-day observation, the maximum decrease in milk yield in heifers of the I control group when transferred to new section reached 10.03% since the 21st day of lactation, 13.99% - since the 121st day and 25.87% - since the 201st day of lactation.

Flow-workshop milk production technology is efficiently used at many livestock complexes of the country. It allows to create conditions for animals that largely meet their physiological needs. At the same time, one cannot ignore the fact that many transfers of cows from section to section, from one barn to another lead to animal discomfort, injury and, as a result, decrease in productive and reproductive abilities of cows. This paper presents the results of experimental researches with cows of 2nd lactation. As a result of transfer of animals from section to section, the adaptation time of animals took 4-5 days. Diary productivity decreased by 1.07-3.38 kg daily these days. The stress due to transfer of animals to the new section led to lack of milk and dairy products in the second lactation. Thus, milk yield for 305 days of lactation, the amount of milk fat and protein were lower in cows of the I control group by 177.27 kg, 6.15 kg and 6.17 kg, respectively, compared to the II experimental group. Diary productivity is closely related to the reproductive ability of animals. As a result of the experiment, it has been determined that the number of days of service period in animals of the I control group was higher compared to cows in the II experimental group by 14.10 days, and the inter-calving period was 15 days longer.

Various feed additives stimulate productivity of poultry. Optimizing the digestion of poultry gives a quick response to feed nutrients intake, allows them to be absorbed as much as possible and respond with increased productivity. When introducing the regulatory complex “Bypass” into diet of broiler chickens and replacing synthetic amino acids, it allows to increase productivity of fast-growing poultry. Indicator of slaughter output in the 3rd experimental group (“Bypass”) was 1.7 percentage points higher compared to the control. During the anatomical cutting of carcasses obtained from experimental broiler chickens, it has been determined that the maximum yield of edible parts was 2.2 p.p. higher in group 3 compared to the control. It has been established that the meat samples from the experimental poultry were of good quality and met the requirements of STB 1945-2010, GOST R 52837-2007 and GOST 31962-2013. Based on the conducted research work, we have proved the efficiency of “Bypass” in broiler poultry farming.