Many authors have described different techniques of prepuce and penis amputation yet all of them have deficiencies. The surgery technique proposed by Olivkov B. M. is very laborious and besides, penectomy and castration are not necessarily interlinked. Kh. Shebets suggests dissecting preputial sheath up to the scrotum with artificial opening in perineum; however this results in vast exposed wound surface hampering future stitching and possibly causing dermatitis on the posterior surface of the scrotum when urinating. Our study was aimed at proposing the least traumatic and the most effective technique of the surgery. Eight dogs underwent surgery on different pathologies on prepuce and penis during the study, and a novelty technique of penectomy with parallel posthectomy. Our technique provides for retentions sutures application before dissection, which prevents the wound cut opening, and a skin flap is cut off so that the final stitching does not strain skin on the ventral abdominal surface. Moreover the dissection length is individual in each animals; it follows the posterior edge of the baculum thus incurring less bodily harm. Artificial urethra opening is formed in the corner of the wound on the abdomen at the point of penis amputation and not in the perineum as earlier techniques suggest. Our technique of penis amputation ensures the wound heals with initial stretch and the animal restores

The main goal of this study was to increase treatment effectiveness, suppress pathogenic microflora in milk, and cut treatment period down. The goal was achieved through complex treatment on udder sections revealing chronic purulent and catarrhal mastitis with alternating magnetic field and Mastoksidin. Treatment mode: AMnp-02 Solnyshko magnet therapy apparatus was applied to the udder sections with clinical udder manifestations after evening milking; duration of a treatment session was 10 days, 4 days in a row; meanwhile 20 ml of Mastoksidin heated to 40°C was delivered intracisternally three days in a row after evening milking. Bacteriological examination was used to assess treatment efficacy. Analysis of treatment data proved the treatment mode led to 100% recovery. Therefore application of AMnp-02 Solnyshko for clinical mastitis treatment leads to shorter treatment time in cows and suppression of pathogenic microflora in mammary gland.

Artificial insemination in cattle farming is the advanced method to improve breeding and economic qualities in different cattle breeds. The key point in the procedure is the quality of semen production which is used in the breeding stock insemination. Analysis of a long-range and large scope data on semen production and its assessment resulted in development of a rating scale for assessment of milk-producing breed bulls: Red Steppe, Angler, Black and White, Ayrshire, Holstein-Friesian, as well as meat producing ones - Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus. The bull rating scale includes the following basic factors to be assessed at every artificial insemination station: intensity of sexual reflex, number of ejaculations, medium volume of an ejaculate, amount of semen, semen concentration and activity. New method of reproductive quality assessment in bulls of milk and meat breeds takes into consideration their origin, body type, exterior, progeny quality assessment, as well as data on intensity of sexual reflexes, semen volume and quality, thus allowing assignment each animal to a certain class based upon a set of characteristics obtained through objective evidence determined by hereditary features in both young and mature producing bulls. This approach allows increasing reproduction effectiveness, milk and beef production in both breeding and commercial farms by 20 to 30%.

The goal of our research was to study reproductive ability of Holstein heifers and cows grown under intensive technology with increased milk feeding rate supplemented with Cellobacterine probiotic preparation. The tests were carried out at Artex-Agro LLC in Kushchevsky District of Krasnodar Krai using prodigy of Holstein cattle of Australian breed imported in 2008. The research was carried out in 2010 - 2013.For the purpose of test calves were obtained from Reflection Sovereign line heifers and divided into 4 groups (n=64). Each group consisted of 16 heifers: Group I - control and Groups II, III and IV - test. The research proved significance of intensive rearing for early physiological maturation (by age 14 month). It was also demonstrated that higher live weight in heifers allows considerable decrease by 1 - 2 months of average cow age before the first calving due to early insemination. Younger age before the first calving is economically beneficial for Holstein breed reproduction.

Experimental part of the study was carried out on the basis of dairy farms. Endometritis is the most common cause of symptomatic sterility found in 22.2% of sterile cows which is more frequent than chronic endometritis, oophoritis, ovarian cysts or persistence of corpus luteum. Quick tests were used to verify diagnosis. 1. Modified Whiteside Test (by N. I. Polyantsev, Yu. N. Popov): 1 - 2 ml of estrous mucus in a vial is diluted with equal volume of caustic soda 4% solution and heated to the boiling point. Then the mix is cooled down and visually assessed. Lemon yellow color of the vial content means positive test response; mucus from healthy cows remains colorless. 2. Test for sulfur-containing amino acids (by I. S. Nagorny, G. N. Kalinovsky). Pour 4 ml of lead acetate (0.5% solution) into a vial and add dropwise caustic soda 20% solution until settling of white sediment; continue adding caustic soda until the white sediment disappears. Then add 1 - 2 ml of estrous mucus to the vial. Heat the mix. Opacity of the vial content indicates sulfur containing amino acids (positive reaction). 3. Silver nitrate test (by V. G. Gavrish) is based on histamine detection through mixing urine with silver nitrate aqueous solution. The test applicability does not depend on the exact phase of estrous cycle. Silver nitrate test is carried out as follows. Urine is sampled from animals following applicable practice. Then put 2 ml of test urine into a vial, add 1 ml of silver nitrate 4% aqueous solution and boil the mixture carefully on a gas burner for 2 minutes. Black sedimentation indicates positive reaction; brown and any lighter sediment means negative reaction. Ultrasonic examination for endometritis confirmed positive diagnosis of latent endometritis made with quick tests intended for use on producing animals in field conditions. Single dose complex delivery of 20 ml ASS (600 mg/l) with 10 ml Trivit guarantees recovery and high fertilization rate among sterile cows with latent endometritis.

Comparative evaluation of hormone-based preparations Pigulin and PG-600 impact on reproductive qualities in Large White breed sows was performed with the goal to increase pork production at Penzenskaya Zernovaya Company RAU OOO. The study demonstrated that single delivery of PG-600 preparation increased the number of sows in heat by 17.4%. At the same time multiple pregnancy rate increased by 0.4 - 0.8 piglets, each litter weight increased by 2.5 kg, each piglet was 0.4 - 0.5 kg heavier at weaning, commodity weight of the nest increased by 2.43 kg, and survival rate improved by 4-5%. Treatment of sows with PG-600 preparation allowed saving 16 rubles on each piglet raising cost.

The paper offers comparison characteristics of autarcesis in different swine breeds; our goal was to study autarcesis in animals of these breeds and trace its dynamics in the selection process. The aim of our study was to determine autarcesis level in swine. The study was carried out in 2010 - 2011 at Bataiskoe OJSC in Azovsky District of Rostov Oblast. The study enrolled 60 gilts of each breed. The study resulted in determining some statistical differences in a number of blood biochemical measurements between Large White, Landrace, and Duroc breeds. Despite of perfectly identical housing and feeding conditions animals of different breeds demonstrated highly reliable difference in biochemical measurements characteristic to intensity of metabolism (concentration of total protein, calcium, and phosphorus in blood serum). Obtained data implies that breed is one of the major contributing factors for autarcesis level in swine. Therefore selection towards improvement of non-specific immunity factors particularly requires correct and reasonable choice of breeds for hybridization. Moreover, significant interbreed variability of autarcesis level may be one of the reasons behind bad compatibility of breeds in certain industrial breeding systems if both breeds demonstrate low level of non-specific immunity.

The paper describes technique for diagnostic detection of helminth eggs, larvae, and protozoa cysts with the purpose in ruminant animals suffering dicroceliasis, gastrointestinal strongylatosis, and eimeriosis using GELMI apparatus which considerably improves possibility of eggs, helminth larvae, and protozoa oocyst detection in animals with subclinical manifestation of associated mixed parasitic diseases. Test data allows early complex antiparasitic treatment in case of parasitic infestation thus reducing economic losses, preventing decline in milk and meat yield, and improving quality thereof.

Fatty liver syndrome is the most common disease in high-producing milk cows in prenatal and postnatal periods. Our research summarizes characteristics observed in many cases of the syndrome. A novelty hematoprotective drug, hepatic hydrolysate was presented and tested effective against fatty liver syndrome. It was found that curative and preventive effect on hepatosis including fatty liver syndrome in cows was obtained with direct injection delivery method. Wider application of hepatoprotective preparation (hepatic hydrolisate) in hepatosis treatment and prevention can be advantageous in treatment of fatty liver syndrome and other types of hepatic disorders.

The paper presents research on the rib eye muscle histological structure in pure line and crossbred gilts; the measurements were ratio between muscular, connective, and adipose tissue, abundance of large, medium, and small size muscular fibers, as well as coverage of each fiber type. It was found out that muscular tissue content in the rib eye was the highest in 1/2КБ+1/2Й crosses, endomysium content was the highest in 1/2КБ+1/2Л crosses, adipose tissue was most abundant in 1/2КБ+1/2Д; interfacicular fat content was the highest in 1/2КБ+1/2Й; and intrafacicular fat was the highest in КБ. The best meat marbling was in КБ. Maximum content of large muscular fibers (33.2%) in the rib eye muscle was in 1/2КБ+1/2Д gilts; medium-size muscular fibers content was the highest (51.93%) in 1/2КБ+1/2Л; and small-size fibers were most abundant in 1/2КБ+1/2Й (28.96%). Large muscular fibers had larger coverage in 1/2КБ+1/2Д crosses; medium-size fibers had the largest coverage in 1/2КБ+1/2Л; and small-size fibers coverage was the same in all crosses. Average coverage of a single muscular fiber was smaller in КБ than in any of the crosses. Industrial crossing increases heterozygosis in structural elements of muscular tissue in crosses which most probably effects muscular mass and slaughter yield.

Immune histochemical study was performed on C-cells of thyroid gland (TG) in swine divided into different age groups; it allowed detection of calcitonin (CAL), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and synaptophysin (SYN) expression. Basic morphometric properties of C-cell population such as average C-cell count in the field of vision, average coverage of CAL-positive matter in the field of vision, average coverage of a single C-cell with calcitonin expression, average diameter of C-cell karyon (KAS), and C-cell functional activity (ELISA) were determined. Morphometric study and statistical analysis of the properties provided some species-specific features never observed in other animals before. C-cell count in swine TG tissue in early ontogenesis did not change significantly. At day 4 - 5 CAL-positive coverage in the piglets’ TG tissue increased and statistically significantly decreased by day 8 - 10 of age. It was demonstrated that decline in calcitonin expression was associated with increase count of cells with positive stain reaction to NSE. C-cell coverage varied insignificantly at all studied periods. KAS increased by day 4 - 5 and decreased by 1.5 - 2 year of age. It was also found out that along with C-cells featuring small euchromatin-rich nuclei there were abundant cells with pycnotic hyperchromic nuclei which had positive response to calcitonin, NSE, synaptophysin, and in some cases to vimentin staining. Hyperchromic nuclei were found in C-cells regardless of granule build-up or degranulation processes hence were not associated with functional activity in the cells thus implying presence of a special C-cell population or a specific line of C-cell population development in swine TG tissue.

The goal of this study is to suggest a method of evaluation of stress resistance in swine based upon measurements of antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation. The paper reviews materials on comparison of stress response study results in swine determined using conventional methods and advanced procedure suggested by authors involving PSS determination on the basis of antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation measures. With the purpose of stress resistance evaluation blood samples were taken from caudal or articular artery in swine at 2 and 6 months old and tested to the characteristics related to antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation state: superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, total blood serum oxidative activity, total antioxidant activity, malondialdehyde content, as well PCR test was performed to detect mutation in ryanodine receptor gene (RYR-1) and determine genotype NN-, Nn - stress resistant, nn - stress-susceptible. Accuracy of individual PSS “-“ or PSS “+” characteristics determination in animals was proved high enough for selection or breeding purposes.

It was found out that flesh of river perch infested with Eustrongylides excisus has the same physical and chemical properties as the one in healthy fish. Bacteria count in fish flesh with varying level of infestation remains within regulatory requirements. However, presence of live larvae, Eustrongylides, and elevated QMAFAnM above healthy fish level necessitates river perch flesh disinfection with boiling or frying before consuming.

The paper characterizes meat productivity in young sheep of pure Salsk breed and Salsk x Stavropol half-breeds. It presents comparative analysis of slaughter qualities and morphological structure of carcass in test animals. Half-bred ram lambs (Salsk - Stavropol cross) demonstrated higher preslaughter weight than control group animals by 3.6%, while slaughter weight was higher by 8.1%. Hot carcass weight in in Group 2 cross animals was higher by 1.22 kg or 7.8% than in control group. Cross ram lambs exceeded control group animals in slaughter yield by 1.7%.

Today growth differential factor gene (GDF9) is considered one of the most promising marker genes of fecundity in sheep. This research focused on molecular and genetic study in Salsk breed sheep and resulted in detection of allelic variants of GDF9 gene at G1 and G4 points using PCR-RFLP method.

The article represents new data derived with a software set developed by the authors and analyzes collected electronic database on 60 thousand cattle of the Don population of Kalmyk breed. The data recreates genealogical links and allows comparative analysis of rearing and meat productivity development in existing lines of young stud cattle and recently recreated family groups of Pirat 6626 and Pokhvalny 8643. These two’s prodigy at age 15 years exceed in live weight requirements in elite-record class by 25 - 56 kg or breed standard by 24 - 28%. In average they are by 20 - 30 kg live weight ahead of cattle of the same age from other lines. The lowest growth rate and live weight were in descendants of Moryak 12054 stud line. Test slaughter showed the bull calves in the family groups were above their mates in stud lines in live weight, carcass weight, and muscle tissue weight by 13 - 47 kg. The study identified the most promising successors in the groups of selection and continues work on establishing new stud lines.

The article deals with new data on meat production development and lumpy semi-finished products output in Kalmyk breed young cattle descending from improver bulls and from common producers selected by progeny quality assessed by index score calculated by specifically developed software package. Progeny was associated with lines by blood group analysis. It was found that both bulls and heifers in all test groups at age of 15 months excelled elite-record class requirements by 5 - 13% in rigorous arid steppe climate. However progeny from improver bulls exceeded their mates from common producers by 28 - 29 kg (7 - 8%) in overall live weight gain. Furthermore, they had 1% higher slaughter yield, 24% heavier carcass, 21 kg more muscle tissue yield, and by 5 - 10% (P>0.95) heavier lumpy semi-finished products. Cost effectiveness of rearing bull calves from improver bulls was 10.5% against 2.5% in common producers’ progeny. The results show that scoring of stud bulls by their progeny quality in meat cattle farming will lead to increasing the number of improver bulls capable of propagating high growing capacity and improved morphology of carcass to their progeny, and to better overall cost-effectiveness of beef farming.

Evaluation of reproductive fitness in service boars was carried on the basis of selection indices developed by researchers at the Laboratory for animal breeding theoretical study. The indices were drawn using alignment chart method. Relevant heritability estimates drawn in dispersion analysis were used as weight of characteristics for breeding purposes. The heritability estimates were determined based on fathers’ performance using one-way ANOVA. Correlation and regression analysis resulted in drafting determination coefficients used in evaluation of service boar with characteristics incorporated into the index calculation. Solutions of simultaneous equations resulted in the selection indices for different breeds. Limits were adopted in indices J1 and J2: average values of selection characteristics in population must equal to the zero index value (J=0); target reference values must approach 100 units of the index scale (J=100).

To ensure competitive production at Plemzavod-Yubileiny ZAO in Tyumen Oblast Professor N. V. Mikhailov developed scientifically substantiated cross-breeding system encompassing requirements of both farmers and farming product processors. The system performance depends on compatibility properties of different specialized breeds. A rating system was drawn to assess specialization in swine breeds. Thus Large White and Landrace breeds were selected towards high dam characteristics. Duroc breed was driven towards fatting and meat production qualities. The animals were assessed during the entire production cycle. Production properties were examined and assessed at each stage. Strict screening and rejection policy was implemented.

The purpose of the study was to research producing and adaptive properties in black-andwhite cattle of different origin from breeding nucleus (OJSC named after Il’ich) in Krasnodar Krai. Producing properties in cows were studied among Holsteinized animals brought from Leningrad Oblast and Belarus or bred domestically. Economic properties and integrity in cattle were analyzed with reference to genotypic (line of breed, blood line) and paratypic (yield of the first lactation, age of the first calving) properties. Animals in all groups exceeded minimum threshold requirements for blackand- white breed in the first lactation by 1,398 - 3,039 kg, in the second one by 2,410 - 3,097 kg, and in the third one - by 2,016 - 2,106 kg. Excess over Holstein breed requirements was 398 - 2,039 kg, 1,210 - 1,897 kg and 716 - 806 kg respectively. The more pure Holstein breed was in cows the higher milk yield was observed; the tendency was more pronounced among cows of Leningrad and domestic origin. The higher milk yield in the first lactation the lower was age of the cattle withdrawal. Calving interval (CI) in high-producing cows demonstrated positive correlation to the milk yield in the first lactation; in less producing cows the correlation was to the milk yield in the second lactation. The more pure Holstein breed was in cows the loner CI they had. Advantageous varieties were found in each group of outsourced animals which demonstrated high productivity and vitality thus proving breeding activities in that direction effective. Analysis data proves reasonable selection of daughters from certain breeders into bull producing group.

The paper presents results of hematological and autarcesis research in animals of pure Salsk breed and mixed Salsk sheep crosses. The research showed certain difference in total protein level in animals with different genotype. It was determined that three-breed crosses had the most intensive cellular and humoral immunity.

Impact of Ksibeten-Cel enzyme and Lactobacterine and Realak probiotic preparations introduced into rations of different swine breeds was evaluated based upon muscular tissue chemical composition, muscular protein biological adequacy, organoleptic and tasting assessment of the meat. Introduction of Ksibeten preparation into the ration resulted in regular muscular tissue quality in all groups of swine, no manifestations of PSE or DFD was detected. Undesirable trend of deterioration in chemical and physical properties of the swine muscle tissue feed with conventional ration. Chemical composition, PQI (PQI), and biological value were the best in muscle tissue from gilts fostered with feeds enriched with Ksibeten-Cel enzyme preparation. Tasting assessment demonstrated that swine meat in test groups had good appearance, excellent taste, and suited to processing. Introduction of Lactobacterine and Realak preparations into the ration resulted in regular muscular tissue quality in all groups of swine, no manifestations of PSE or DFD was detected. Undesirable trend of deterioration in chemical and physical properties of the swine muscle tissue was observed in Group IV pigs. The highest organoleptic and tasting assessment rank was in the Group II gilts, the second best was in Group IV, the third one - in Group V. On the basis of the research results we recommend using pharmaceutical substances - enzyme preparation and probiotics as feed additives to grow high-quality meat products. These substances improve organoleptic and taste qualities of meat which is extremely important for the meat marketing and retail

The study reveals effect of Ekobentokorm (TU 9283-199-10514645-13) on metabolism measures in dairy line cows of Black and White breed at month 2 - 4 of lactation. Physiological status in cows was followed for three months through morphological and biochemical blood examination which allowed dynamic monitoring of variation in the following metabolism measures: red blood cell count, Hb level, total protein, protein factions, glucose, urea, aminotransferase level (АSТ, АLТ), total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and some microelements (Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu) and carotene. The research demonstrated that Ekobentokorm (TU 9283-199-10514645-13) had intensive biological activity which led to improved morphological and biochemical blood measures in cows as well as to increased milk yield.

High milk yield in dairy cattle farming and overall improvement of the industry economy basically depends on good young stock rearing. For this reason we studied improvement of autarcesis without expensive stimulants but using natural mineral supplements. Impact of Ekobentokorm (TU 9283-199-10514645-13) and its influence over autarcesis-related measures were studied and assessed, viz. red cell count, white cell count, Hb level, globular value, total protein, and protein factions, phagocytic activity of neutrophil granulocytes, serum bactericidal and lysozyme activity, percentage and concentration of T and B lymphocytes, as well as level of circulating immune complexes (CIC). Introduction of Ekobentokorm (TU 9283-199-10514645-13) 1% w/w to ration of Black and White calves responded in positive dynamics in the autarcesis-related measures. Feeding Ekobentokorm (TU 9283199- 10514645-13) had pronounced stimulating effect on immune competent body systems resulting in increased overall non-specific immunity.

Conditions of intensive calf rearing resulting in optimal chemical composition of beef in Holstein bull calves based upon elevated daily milk feeding, early shift to green fodder, and feeding probiotic additive Cellobacterine during the milk-feeding stage have been identified. The research was performed at Artex-Agro Ltd., Kushchevsky District of the Krasnodar Krai on the descendants of Australian-line Holstein cattle imported in 2008. The tests were carried out in 2009 - 2011. The calves were slaughtered at 15 and 18 months (n=3 calves in each Group, total 24 calves). The calves for the study were secured from Reflection Sovereign heifers and divided into 4 Groups (n=64). Each Group enrolled 16 bull calves: Group I was control, and Groups II, III and IV - test. Test bull calves had better balanced chemical composition of meat than the control Group animals. Bull calves in test Group III demonstrated advanced maturity of meat over the rest animals of the same age. Intensive rearing procedure involving elevated daily milk feeding improved with Cellobacterine probiotics had considerable impact over meat chemical composition and caloric value in bull calves of the test.

Resistance characteristics in Yorkshire and mixed bred sows routinely raised at the farms of Russkaya Svinina Millerovo, Ltd situated in the Millerovo District of the Rostov Oblast and running on the machinery by Spanish Covenco, and Russkaya Svinina CJSC of the Kamensk District to the same Oblast, running machinery by German Big Dutchman in accordance with breeding scheme adopted there. It was found that the sows in the test Group 1 farmed using Cavenco machinery had higher reproductive capacity than their mates in the test Group 2 which was farmed with Big Dutchman machinery. The first group of sows had higher resistance measurements than Group 2 ones too; thus active white blood cells count was higher by 1.7%; phagocytic number was higher by 0.32 microbial count per one white blood cell; phagocytic capacity of blood was higher by 1.46.109; serum bactericidal activity in the Group 1 was higher by 8.79%, lysozyme activity by 1.12 times, complementary activity by 1.18 times, and by titer of natural agglutinin by 1.20 times. It was further established that intensive breeding technology adopted in farms served with either Big Dutchman or Cavenco machinery did not hamper natural resistance in sows and progeny.