Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture

Background. A synobiotic is a product of living microorganisms and their metabolites, which when consumed can benefit the health of the host animal by affecting the microbial balance in the stomach or gut.

Purpose. To assess the growth performance and nutrient utilization of diet supplementation with synbiotic to Arabi lambs.

Methodology. Thirty male lambs, approximately four months old, were used in a 105-day feeding trial, which included a 15-day adaptation period. Animals were randomly and evenly allocated into three dietary groups. The control group received a basal diet composed of 40% concentrate and 60% alfalfa hay. The second and third groups were offered the same basal diet supplemented with 3 kg/ton and 5 kg/ton synbiotic, respectively. Parameters measured included body weight, total and daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and apparent nutrient digestibility.

Results. Synbiotic supplementation at 3 kg/ton and 5 kg/ton increased final body weight by 15.50% and 14.28%, respectively, compared with the control group. Likewise, total and daily weight gains improved by 40.19% and 33.83%, respectively. Feed intake showed a slight increase (2.11%), whereas feed conversion ratio improved markedly, decreasing by 24.97% and 22.32% in the 3 kg and 5 kg synbiotic groups, respectively. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in both supplemented groups.

Conclusion. The moderate synbiotic supplementation (3 kg/ton) optimizes nutrient utilization, enhances growth performance, and improves feed efficiency in Arabi lambs under Basrah field.

Background. Access to various chemicals has caused many cases of poisoning in the last decades, people are deliberately, accidentally poisoned or overdose of drugs and chemicals.

Purpose. Designed to clarify the pathophysiological changes caused by using varying doses of Aluminum chloride on liver and the ameliorative effect of zinc on these changes.

Methodology. Fourteen adult male rats were allocated randomly and in equal number (n=6) into seven groups: the rats were euthanized through administration of lethal dose of chloroform, the blood were taken via cardiac puncture method, for biochemical analysis (ALT, AST, ALP, etc.). further aliquot of blood placed in anticoagulant tubes for measurement of hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, PLT, etc.). histological study done by taking liver, kidney, tissue from all experimental groups.

Results. Aluminum chloride exposure significantly increased liver enzymes and caused tissue damage in liver. Zinc chloride treatment effectively restored these parameters to near-normal levels and improved tissue histology, demonstrating its protective role against aluminum-induced toxicity. Microscopic observations of liver sections from control rats revealed that the liver parenchyma was composed of lobules and hepatocytes arranged around the central vein. After dosing, these cells showed liver toxicity, damage, and hemorrhage. However, the zinc chloride-treated groups had healthier liver tissue, with most cells arranged as hepatic plaques separated by vascular sinusoids. Conclusion. The exposure to AlCl3, the greater its effects on the rats’ organ, liver, more harmful, a dose of 100 mg of AlCl3 is than a dose of 20 or 40 mg.

Background. Guinea pigs are a promising model for studying infectious and non-infectious diseases, due to their similar immunological mechanisms to those of humans.

The purpose of this study was to compare the secondary immune deficiency caused by T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis infections and to analyze hematological and immunomorphological parameters.

Materials and methods. The object of the study was guinea pigs weighing 250-260 grams. The study was conducted on guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) weighing 250-260 g. Four groups of five animals were created: the first group was orally infected with 10 Trichinella pseudospiralis larvae (10 larvae/g of body weight); the second group was infected with 10 Trichinella spiralis larvae; the third group was immunosuppressed with dexamethasone; and the fourth group was a control group. After the completion of an experimental study aimed at modeling trichinosis in guinea pigs under conditions of artificially induced immune deficiency, immunomorphological studies were conducted to compare in detail the changes in the blood system and organs of the peripheral immune system in order to assess the pathophysiological mechanisms caused by this pathogenic effect. This study also attempts to describe in detail the distribution of larvae and immunomorphological findings.

Results. It was found that in Trichinella pseudospiralis infection, the distribution of larvae in muscle tissue is more uniform than in Trichinella spiralis infection. When analyzing hematological parameters, a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin was observed in the groups of infected animals. Immunomorphological parameters that determine the condition of the lymphoid tissue associated with the intestine did not show significant differences between animals infected with T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis, and animals with immunodeficiency. Despite the fact that the distribution of larvae was correlated with their settlement in certain muscle groups, this animal was found to be an optimal model for reproducing and studying the immunological aspects of the pathogenesis of trichinosis. The most important hematological and immunomorphological parameters in animals infected with T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis were described, and it was found that, at the same doses of infection, the total number of T. pseudospiralis larvae significantly exceeded the number of T. spiralis.

Guinea pigs are a promising model for studying infectious and non-infectious pathologies, including the immunological aspects of trichinosis. They are similar to humans in terms of key parameters of the complement and histocompatibility systems, as well as in many proteins.

Background. Petroleum hydrocarbons have detrimental effects on plant development and growth and there are substantial seasonal changes in the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons.

Purpose. Investigate the seasonal pattern of contamination in soil and plants of petroleum hydrocarbons, paying special attention to the possibility of focusing on the species that may be instrumental in the process of remediation.

Methodology. The sampling of soil and plant matter took place monthly during 3 different stations within the north area of the Basra Governorate between October of 2023 and May of 2024. Samples were collected and taken to the laboratory to be processed instantly. Content of petroleum hydrocarbons was specified through extraction, concentration, division and analytical assessment of the soil/plant samples.

Results. The maximum levels were seen in spring and this was explained by the fact that the inputs of the hydrocarbons were higher due to the high oil extraction activities. On the other hand, the smallest concentration of hydrocarbons was found during summer, perhaps due to the activity of more favourable microbial degradation and volatilization activities. The inter-station comparison showed that the levels of hydrocarbons in spring were always rather high, indicating that there were local or seasonal contamination sources. The results were a clear indication that soil is the most important storage of the hydrocarbons and the concentration in the soil was far much higher than in the tissue of plants.

Conclusion. Petroleum hydrocarbons as monitored seasonally are important in enhancing remediation processes and environmental management measures at oil fields.

Background. Soil sorptivity is a critical hydraulic property governing early-stage infiltration though it is difficult to measure it directly in field conditions. Effective moisture content (Se) is a more accessible hydraulic parameter that may serve as a proxy.

Purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of effective moisture content, measured at a tension of 336 cm water, to predict soil sorptivity across varying soil textures in semi-arid northern Iraq.

Materials and methods. Eight soil samples (sandy clay loam to clay) were collected from Nineveh Province. Effective moisture content was calculated from saturated and residual moisture measurements. Sorptivity was determined assuming both spherical and cubic aggregate geometries.

Results. Effective moisture content at 336 cm water showed a strong linear relationship with sorptivity (R² = 0.94 for spherical aggregates). Clay content was the dominant factor influencing both parameters. The spherical aggregate assumption produced higher and more representative sorptivity values compared to cubic geometry.

Background. The intensification of livestock production and the use of a limited number of highly valuable sires lead to the accumulation of lethal mutations and hereditary abnormalities in cattle populations. This reduces the economic efficiency of the industry due to calf mortality, decreased fertility, and reduced productive longevity of animals. The problem is particularly relevant for the Simmental breed, which is widely used in various production directions.

Purpose. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current state of knowledge, diagnostic methods, prevalence, and control systems for major hereditary diseases in Simmental cattle and related populations to assess the genetic load and the effectiveness of selection and prevention programs.

Materials and methods. The study is based on an analysis of scientific publications from 2015–2025, breeding records, and DNA diagnostics results (PCR, whole-genome sequencing, SNP genotyping) of sires and breeding stock. Data from Russia, European countries (Germany, Switzerland), and Asia (China, Turkey) were reviewed. The frequency of mutations was assessed for the following abnormalities: arachnomelia (A), bull subfertility (BNS), zinc-dependent dermatosis (ZLD), thrombopathy (TP), dwarfism (GON4L), and lethal haplotypes (BH2, FH2, FH4).

Results. It was found that among Simmental cattle imported into Russia, the proportion of carriers of genetic abnormalities reached 34.8%, which is more than twice the average European rate (15.5%). The highest concentration of mutations was identified in the lines of sires Redad (45.3%) and Metz (41.3%). Among Russian cows – descendants of such sires – 19.3% of animals were carriers. In China and Turkey, the spread of arachnomelia (MOCS1 gene mutation) was recorded, associated with the use of the bull Romel. In contrast, in Switzerland, where strict genomic monitoring is implemented, the frequency of thrombopathy is only 0.24%, and Fanconi-Bickel syndrome – 0.03%. For each abnormality considered, the inheritance type and clinical-pathogenetic features are detailed.

Background. This paper substantiates an approach to expanding chemical weed control measures for sugar beets in order to realize the genetic potential of modern sugar beet hybrids, preserve the environment, and increase the effectiveness of treatments. Chemical control measures should be focused on optimizing the use of existing and new herbicides based on principles of efficiency and environmental safety. Current sugar beet protection products contain highly active chemical compounds that are toxic and can negatively impact the environment and human health.

Purpose. The aim of the research was to develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly schemes for the application of multi-component innovative herbicides to protect sugar beets from harmful objects and to minimize the consequences of their impact on the crop agrocenosis.

Materials and methods. The research was conducted in small-plot field trials in accordance with the “Methodological Guide for the Study of Herbicides Used in Crop Production” (2009). The objects of the study were Dubrava KVS hybrid sugar beet and the herbivorous fauna of this crop’s agrocenoses. The selection of pesticides was guided by the “State Catalog of Pesticides and Agrochemicals Permitted for Use in the Russian Federation, 2025.”

Results. Dicotyledonous weed suppression was best achieved with control schemes № 3 and № 4, with high efficiency rates of 97.6% and 95.8%. All studied schemes provided good protection for sugar beet crops from monocotyledonous weeds, except for scheme №1 (the reference variant). This variant had 3.4% more monocotyledonous weeds than scheme № 4. The greatest effect on root crop yield (67.6 t/ha) and sugar yield (11.42 t/ha) was achieved with the fourth control scheme. The sugar yield increase over other variants was 3.4% (scheme № 3), 7.3% (scheme № 2), and 10.9% (scheme № 1). If crops are not protected from weeds, sugar losses will amount to 23.8% (2.2 t/ha).

Conclusion. The sugar beet protection system based on Scheme #4 demonstrates high biological and ecological effectiveness due to the double application of metamitron: Metafol, SK (700 g/L metamitron) and Pilot, VSK (700 g/L metamitron) at 1.5 L/ha. Metamitron is very well tolerated by young sugar beet plants, even at high post-emergence doses. Its very low phytotoxicity to sugar beets, wide application window, and highly reliable performance contribute to the reduction of production risks in sugar beet cultivation.

Background. The research was carried out on the basis of long-term (since 1978) stationary experiments of the field feed production laboratory of the Omsk Agricultural Research Center in an eight-field grain and grass crop rotation with durum wheat, spring barley and alfalfa. The effect of mineral fertilizers on the composition and quantity of soil microorganisms remains controversial. This necessitates local research in various soil and climatic zones.

The purpose is to determine the change in the microbiological and agrochemical properties of the soil of a stationary experiment with prolonged agrogenic exposure, to determine the yield of crops cultivated in the conditions of the Omsk Irtysh region.

Materials and methods. The experimental scheme involved the study of the following options: crop rotation crop (factor A) ‒ barley (Hordeum L.) varieties Omsk 100, durum wheat (Triticum durum) varieties Omsk lapis lazuli, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) varieties Alexis and Flora 6; fertilizers (factor B) ‒ N0P0 (without fertilizers, control), N60, P60, N60P60. This system allows you to simulate different conditions of nitrogen-phosphorus nutrition, compared with the control (without fertilizers). Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers were applied in the appropriate variants before sowing with a seed drill SZ-3,6. The placement of plots is systematic. The area of the elementary plots is 360 m2 (18x20). The repetition is threefold. The number of microorganisms was recorded on selective nutrient media according to generally accepted methods. The nitrogen of the nitrates was determined by Grandvalge with disulfophenolic acid. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out in the programs Microsoft Excel, Statistica 10.0. The proportion of influence of factors was estimated at p<0.05 according to the analysis of variance.

Results. The results showed that the application of fertilizers to agricultural crops increases the abundance of total soil biota, especially in durum wheat (39% of the control). Under the influence of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers (N60P60), a 26% increase in ammonifying bacteria was observed in the soil under durum wheat; the use of P60 activated the test group by 22% compared to the control on the Flora 6 alfalfa variety. Stimulation of amylolytic microorganisms was noted against a phosphorus background under barley (12%). The maximum growth rates of the studied bacteria were recorded with complex application of fertilizers under durum wheat and alfalfa of the Flora 6 variety, amounting to 59 and 31%, respectively, compared to the control variant. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers, an increase in immobilization processes is observed, to the greatest extent under barley and wheat against a background of N60 (immobilization coefficient of 2.1-1.8), in alfalfa of the Alexis variety with the application of P60 (1.3). The soil organic matter transformation coefficient was higher under nitrogen conditions for barley and wheat, reaching 84.8-85.1. During the growing season, nitrate nitrogen content in the soil varied from very low to high, increasing to 20.2-27.1 mg/kg with the combined use of mineral fertilizers for durum wheat. The maximum increase in yield was obtained with the use of phosphorous fertilizers, the main application of P60 provided an increase of 1.30 t/ha of barley grain and 1.11 t/ha of durum wheat grain, while the use of top dressing with phosphorus-containing fertilizer during the resumption of alfalfa vegetation increased yields by 0.29-0.39 t/ha of dry matter or 3.12-3.51 t/ha of green mass. A strong correlation (r = 0.77) was established between the number of micromycetes and barley yield.

Background. Many introduced forage species adapt well to changing natural environments, including those from the genus Aconogonon L. The species is Aconogonum (Polygonum) divaricatum L. Nakai ex T. Mori has been successfully introduced into feed production in Northern Kazakhstan, which is an important area.

Purpose. To increase seed productivity and improve seed characteristics of Aconogonum d. (L.) fruits between varieties with different shapes.

Methods and materials. The study material includes the fruits of Aconogonum (Polygonum) divaricatum L. Nakai ex T. Mori of two varieties: 1. triangular-shaped fruits - control, dimensions: 3 * 5, the weight of 1000 fruits is 12.2-13.8 g, the yield is 0.5 t / ha. 2. round-shaped fruits formed by the method of natural cross-pollination of the fruits of the Chaglinsky variety. Fruit dimensions: 5 * 5, the weight of 1000 fruits is 12.2-13.8 g. The fruit yield is 0.7 t / ha. Research methods: the morphological and productive properties of fruits were taken into account, such as their size, mm; weight of 1000 fruits, g; fruit yield, t/ha. Observations were made on the dynamics of fruit ripening and the identification of seed categories. The records in the experiment were carried out according to the methodological guidelines for field experiments with forage crops (Moscow: VIK, 1983).

Results. Fruit ripening in the round variety occurs faster than in the triangular variety. At wax ripeness, the ratio is 45 to 28, while at full ripeness, the ratio is 72 to 43, a 1.6-fold increase. Overall, the control variety produces more fruits in its inflorescences - 276. Among the productive elements, bud formation is actively developing - 123 fruits, followed by flower formation - 50 fruits. The round variety produced fewer ripe fruits - 234 fruits and the generative process increases from bud formation (27 fruits) to fully formed fruits (58 fruits). A comparative assessment between the varieties showed that more puny fruits were formed in triangular-shaped inflorescences - 7.2% to 3% in rounded-shaped inflorescences.

Conclusion. The size, weight, and number of fruits in each inflorescence have a direct effect on fruit yield. In a variety with rounded fruits with the following indicators: 5 * 5 mm; 14 g, 96.2%, the fruit yield was 0.9 t/ha, which is higher than in the control variant (respectively, 3*5 mm, 11 g, 90.7%) with the fruit yield of 0.7 t/ha. It is recommended to cultivate Aconogonum divaricatum (L.) Nakai ex T. Mori with round fruits, characterized by stable seed productivity with large-sized fruits for mass seed propagation in order to produce different types of feed.

Background. Tea is a drink that unites billions of people. Its global production and consumption continues to increase, despite strict restrictions on environmental conditions: the specific climate, the level of soil acidity and its mineral composition. Due to its high economic value, the area of tea plantations in some countries of the world is rapidly expanding. It has been established that the optimal pH range of the soil for growing tea plants is 4,5–6,0.

However, the cultivation of tea plants is often associated with additional acidification of the soil cover, which is an increasing problem for countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka, Rwanda and China. In order to increase tea production in agricultural lands, large amounts of ammonia-nitrogen fertilizers are often used, which helps to increase soil acidity, especially in humid climates. In the context of soil science, ecology and agronomy, acidification of the soil cover is a serious problem for the tea industry on a global scale.

For the first time in the subtropical zone of Russia, the issues of acidification of tea plantation soils were studied, in particular, the determination of the lower limit of actual acidity (pHKCl), which is optimal for the normal growth and development of tea plants, and patterns between other acid-base properties of soils and the yield of green tea leaves were identified. This will make it possible to quickly assess the level of tea suitability of the lands, and will also lead to the optimization of the mineral nutrition of tea plantations.

Purpose. Determination of the patterns between the acid-base properties of brown forest acidic soil and the yield of tea leaf (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)) in the subtropical conditions of the Russian Federation.

Materials and methods. The research was conducted in the area of the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory on a Colchis tea plantation. The experience includes 7 options: control and 6 options with trace elements. In order to assess the effect of acid-base properties on the yield of tea leaves, soil samples were taken to a depth of 0-20 cm in the autumn period. Laboratory studies were performed according to generally accepted methods: pHKCl – potentiometrically (ionometer pH-121, Russia); aluminum according to Sokolov; the content of exchange forms of Ca2+ and Mg2+ – trilometrically.

Results. It was found that a decrease in pHKCl soil acidity from 2,8 to 3,8 units leads to a 6-8-fold increase in tea leaf yield from 1400 kg/ha to 11498 kg/ha. In turn, an increase in the level of Al3+ in the soil from 7,5 to 14,2 mmol(eq)/100g, on the contrary, leads to a 3,5-fold decrease in tea yield. With an increase in the level of Ca2+ in the soil from 1,0 to 5,0 mmol (eq)/100g, there was a tendency for yield growth by 3-4 times, and with an increase in the level of Mg2+ in the soil from 1,0 to 7,0 mmol(eq)/100g – by 2,1 times. In the course of a detailed study, a model of acid-base soil parameters was obtained, which reflects the relationship of current acidity with other soil characteristics, which reflects the mechanism of obtaining high yields of tea leaves. The importance of such parameters as Ca2++Mg2+/pHKCl and Ca2+/Mg2+ at the level of 1,44 and 1,36, respectively, in obtaining high tea yields of about 4200 kg/ha was established, and it was also revealed that at their level of 1,54–2.15 and 1,33–1,63, respectively, the increase in tea yield can range from 1980 to 4120 kg/ha.

Conclusion. The results obtained show a complex relationship between the acid-base properties of acidic brown forest soil and the yield of tea leaves.

Background. The Armenian apricot landrace ‘Kharji’ (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a valuable genetic resource combining high phenotypic diversity with adaptation to mountainous and arid environments. Despite its agronomic importance, it remains insufficiently studied, limiting its use in breeding programs. In the context of increasing climate variability, the study of adaptive landraces such as ‘Kharji’ is essential for conserving biodiversity and developing resilient fruit crops for sustainable mountain horticulture.

Purpose. The aim of this research was to characterize the phenotypic, reproductive, and biochemical diversity of ‘Kharji’ and to evaluate its potential for breeding and sustainable mountain horticulture in Armenia.

Materials and methods. Plant material of the ‘Kharji’ apricot was collected,