Vol. 28 No. 3 (111) (2026): Research, results

The article examines the biological and trophic parameters of the Rutilus population in the Caspian Sea basin. During the study, 442 individuals were selected from 10 fixed stations in the northern waters of the Caspian Sea. For these fish, an analysis of length and weight, fatness coefficients, age and sex structure, as well as an assessment of the degree of intestinal fullness on a point scale was carried out. The study was performed using standard ichthyological methods. The results showed that the growth of the Rutilus is based on a close dependence of length and mass and has an allometric character. This confirms that with sufficient food supply, the mass increases faster than the length. In addition, the stability of fatness coefficients indicates a good physiological condition of the fish and favorable living conditions. The analysis of the population structure revealed the predominance of young individuals, which indicates an active process of natural reproduction. A relatively small number of large and older fish can be associated with both natural factors and anthropogenic impact. The characteristics of the sexual structure are also an important indicator of population stability. The analysis of feeding activity showed that the Rutilus get enough food in their natural habitat and that the feeding process proceeds evenly. In general, the current state of the Rutilus population is assessed at a satisfactory level and it has been established that it is well adapted to the environmental conditions of the Caspian Sea. The results of the study can serve as a scientific basis for improving measures for the rational use, protection and management of fish resources.

The article presents the results of studies evaluating the effectiveness of using sexed semen and ultrasound diagnostics in dairy cattle reproduction. The studies were conducted at the facilities of “Turar” LLP and “Olzha Sadchikovskoye” LLP in the Kostanay region, using Holstein cows and heifers. To accelerate pregnancy diagnosis, a portable Draminski ultrasound scanner with a rectal probe was used. Examinations were carried out at early stages, from the 28th to 30th day after insemination, in parallel with the rectal palpation method. It was established that ultrasound diagnostics is a highly informative method for early pregnancy detection in cows and heifers, making it possible to identify pregnancy as early as 28–35 days after insemination, which is 15–20 days earlier compared to traditional rectal palpation. It was found that in “Turar” LLP, the conception rate of heifers during the first three estrous cycles ranged from 75.3 % to 97.4 %, including 75.3 % after the first insemination. In “Olzha Sadchikovskoye” LLP, these indicators were 71.1 % to 97.4 % and 71.1 %, respectively. Three heifers in “Turar” LLP and two heifers in “Olzha Sadchikovskoye” LLP were fertilized during the fourth estrous cycle; therefore, the insemination index was 2.1 in “Turar” LLP and 2.2 in “Olzha Sadchikovskoye” LLP. The use of sexed semen from breeding bulls for the insemination of clinically healthy heifers ensured a high yield of female offspring. It was revealed that at “Turar” LLP, the proportion of female calves was 9.6 % higher than at “Olzha Sadchikovskoye” LLP, reaching 91.6 %, while the average value across the experimental farms was 87.8 %, confirming the effectiveness of this biotechnology in dairy cattle breeding. The integrated use of ultrasound diagnostics, gynecological examination, and modern reproductive biotechnologies is biologically and economically justified and can be recommended for widespread implementation in dairy cattle farming.

The article presents the results of the influence of different levels of soluble and cleavable protein in the diet on the productivity of repair heifers and heifers of dairy cattle. The research was carried out during the preparation of heifers for insemination, throughout heifer pregnancy, during the postpartum uterine involution period following calving, and subsequent insemination. It has been established that feeding feeds with a high degree of soluble and degradable protein contributes to an increase in the concentration of ammonia in the rumen. This is the reason for the increased excretion of nitrogen from the body. The low degree of these fractions limits microbial synthesis and the productive effect of the protein. Therefore, to maximize the use of feed protein by ruminants, it is necessary to find ways to regulate its fermentation in the rumen while increasing microbial protein synthesis. Of particular interest is the protection of feed protein from the effects of rumen microorganisms and its partial replacement with nitrogenous compounds to obtain an optimal fermentation rate and maximum microbial yield. The state of reproduction is determined by many factors, the degree of influence of which is not the same in each household. The level and usefulness of feeding, the system of maintenance and zoohygenic conditions, and the organization of insemination of animals are the most important, and their importance is undeniable. These factors are constantly discussed, and often failures in farms are attributed solely to them. At the same time, the organization of veterinary control, as well as the regularity and completeness of the assessment of the state of reproduction in general, also have a great influence.The importance of the issue increases when studying the reproductive performance of replacement young stock, which are particularly sensitive to protein deficiency.

Camel milk is a traditional and strategically important product for the desert regions of Ka
zakhstan. Its therapeutic and prophylactic properties are associated with whey protein composition. However,
the SDS-PAGE profile of whey proteins from Bactrian and dromedary camels under Kazakhstan conditions
has not been studied. The aim was to determine the SDS-PAGE profile of whey proteins from Bactrian,
dromedary, and bulk camel milk, to assess their quantitative composition, electrophoretic mobility, and spe
cies-specific differences. Whey proteins were isolated by isoelectric precipitation at pH 4.6 and centrifugation
at 10000 × g. Electrophoresis was performed in 12 % polyacrylamide gel with SDS according to Laemmli. Six
standard proteins were used as markers: 94, 67, 43, 30, 20, and 14.4 kDa. Relative content of bands was
determined by densitometric analysis using the GelDoc XR+ system. 9 whey protein bands were detected in
Bactrian and bulk milk, 8 in dromedary milk. Dominant fractions: serum albumin 20.0–21.2 % Rf=0.15–0.18
and immunoglobulins 19.4–19.8 % Rf=0.09–0.11. The proportion of α-lactalbumin was 9.7–10.1 % Rf=0.92
0.93. Lactoferrin ∼
55 kDa Rf=0.46–0.48 was identified, with a content of 8.3–9.3 %. β-Lactoglobulin, char
acteristic of cow milk, was absent in all camel milk samples. The key species difference is the absence of band
7 in the dromedary. This band is present in both Bactrian and bulk milk. Fraction #4 in dromedary had a
significantly higher content: 12.2 ± 0.5 % vs 8.1 ± 0.3 % in Bactrian. The SDS-PAGE profile of whey proteins
from Bactrian and dromedary camel milk was established for the first time under Kazakhstan conditions. The
absence of β-lactoglobulin confirms the hypoallergenic properties of camel milk at the molecular level. The
high proportion of immunoglobulins and serum albumin indicates its biological value and provides a basis for
developing functional foods.

The aim of this study is to identify geochemical features of microelement accumulation in vegetation using creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) as an example and to assess its bioindicator potential in contrasting natural and anthropogenic environments. The main idea of ​​the study is a comparative analysis of the microelement composition of plants growing in the urban area of ​​Poznan (Poland) and in the predominantly natural ecosystem of Bayanaul National Nature Park (Kazakhstan) to determine the role of natural and anthropogenic factors in shaping the elemental profile of vegetation. The research methodology is based on X-ray fluorescence spectral analysis of thyme's aboveground parts, allowing for the determination of macro-, micro-, and trace element contents with high accuracy and reproducibility. Sampling was carried out during the active growing season, taking into account the homogeneity of the phytocenoses and the environmental conditions of the habitats.As a result, significant regional differences in the microelement composition of plants were identified. Samples from the Bayanaul National Nature Park showed elevated concentrations of most elements, due to the natural geochemical properties of the soils and landscapes. In the urban environment of Poznań, signs of anthropogenic impact were detected, manifested by changes in the elemental composition of plants.The obtained results confirm the high sensitivity of Thymus serpyllum L. to environmental conditions and substantiate its potential use as an effective bioindicator. The study's value lies in the development of a reference background microelement profile for natural ecosystems and the expansion of the scientific foundations for biogeochemical monitoring and environmental assessment of territories.

The article presents the results of studies on the formation of sugar beet yield under sub surface drip irrigation in the conditions of light chestnut soils of the foothill irrigated zone of southeastern Kazakhstan. The conducted studies established that sugar beet yield directly depended on the sowing method, as well as the width and depth of drip tape placement. According to the research results, the highest yield in dicators were obtained under the five-row sowing method (20×5×50 cm), and wide-row sowing with 45 cm row spacing when the drip tape was placed at a depth of 30–40 cm and the distance between tapes was main tained at 100 cm. Under these conditions, root yield reached 200 c/ha and higher. The use of a 100 cm drip tape placement width ensured high yields across all sowing methods. Increasing the placement width to 150 cm resulted in a significant decrease in yield. Particularly low yield indicators were observed under the 60 cm wide-row sowing method. In addition, under optimal drip tape placement parameters and sowing methods, a significant reduction in weed infestation of crops was observed. It was proven that, in order to increase sugar beet yield under subsurface drip irrigation conditions, it is effective to place the drip tape at a width of 100 cm and a depth of 20–30 cm, as well as to apply five-row sowing or wide-row sowing with 45 cm row spacing.

The paper presents the main results of studying leaf surface formation in spring soft wheat grown under steppe conditions of the Akmola region. Materials and methods. The study included the spring wheat varieties Asyl Sapa, Astana, and Shortandinskaya 95 Uluchshennaya. Two cultivation back grounds were used: flat-cut fallow and stubble. In the previous year, flat-cut fallow was cultivated three times to a depth of 12–17 cm, followed by deep autumn tillage at 23–27 cm. Results and discussion. Grain crops were cultivated on a stubble background for four years. Observations were carried out during the main growth stages: tillering–stem elongation, heading, milk ripeness, and full maturity. Three methods were used to de termine leaf surface area: linear measurement, measurement, and punch methods. Their comparison allowed an objective assessment of the studied trait and identification of the most effective and low-cost method for practical use. Conclusions. The largest leaf surface area was formed during the heading stage. According to total leaf area, varieties were ranked as follows: Shortandinskaya 95 Uluchshennaya, Asyl Sapa, and Astana. Growing conditions significantly affected trait expression. Under stubble conditions, leaf area values were 29.6–33.5 at tillering–stem elongation, 42.1–55.2 at heading, 24.5–28.3 at milk ripeness, and 6.2–8.1 cm² at maturity. Under fallow conditions, the corresponding values were 28.6–31.2, 44.2–54.6, 37.5–42.7, and 21.1–27.9. The linear measurement method is recommended as the most accurate and effective for studying assimilation surface dynamics. The results can be applied in breeding, seed production, and plant physiology.

The development of plant-based feed additives is a relevant area of modern biotechnology aimed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of animal husbandry. Fast-growing plants with high biomass accumulation potential, such as Paulownia tomentosa, are of particular interest. Objective. The study aimed to obtain microclonal biomass of P. tomentosa under in vitro conditions and to evaluate its potential feed value based on biochemical and functional indicators. Methods. Microclonal propagation was carried out using standard protocols. The biomass was analyzed for crude protein, fiber, amino acid compo-sition, and microelement content. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH and ABTS assays. The potential feed value was assessed using model feed rations and calculated indicators of digestibility and me-tabolizable energy. Results. It was established that the microclonal biomass contained 18.6 % crude protein, was characterized by a balanced amino acid profile, and exhibited antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ DPPH = 0.84 mg/mL). Standardized cultivation conditions ensured reproducibility of the parameters. Model-based evaluation showed that inclusion of 1–5 % biomass in the diet may contribute to an increase in metabolizable energy and dry matter digestibility. Conclusions. Microclonal biomass of P. tomentosa can be considered a promising source of plant raw material for feed additives. The obtained results are of a predictive nature and require fur-ther experimental validation under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Tan spot is one of the most economically significant diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in southeastern Kazakhstan, where infection levels can reach up to 70% in epiphytotic years due to the combined effects of favorable factors such as high humidity, crop residues, and monoculture. 60 wheat lines were evaluated for resistance under field conditions at the adult plant stage. Disease severity was assessed using Saari and Prescott’s (1975) scale modified by Kremeneva (2007), and disease dynamics were quantified using the AUDPC index (Wilcoxson et al., 1974). PCR amplification was performed following Faris et al. (2010) to identify Tsn1/tsn1 alleles. The genotypes exhibited substantial variability in plant height (80–126 cm) and NDVI (0.51–0.65), reflecting differences in physiological status and productivity. Field evaluation revealed clear differentiation: 33 accessions showed complete resistance (AUDPC = 0), whereas susceptible genotypes had AUDPC values ranging from 88 to 455. Molecular screening identified a high frequency (70%) of the recessive tsn1 allele associated with insensitivity to the PtrToxA toxin of PTR. Carriers of tsn1 showed lower disease severity and reduced AUDPC values, while genotypes carrying Tsn1 exhibited more pronounced disease development. Integration of molecular and field data demonstrated strong concordance and confirmed the reliability of the Xfcp623 marker. The practical significance lies in identifying promising resistance donors, including 25-ICARDA-IPBB-2013 × D.588 ma F7 Bermet × RWKLDN9, D.22-ICARDA-IPBB-2013, 1060 D.5353 [(CWARTN) Super KAUZ × D.1017 F7 (Yr15 × Yuzhnaya-12)], Morocco × Steklovidnaya 24, 1138 D.906 F5 (Almaly×29266)×D.5357 Pastor, and D.1055 (DIAMONDBIRD/GALLYA-ARAL1//TAM200/ KAUZ) × D.305 Roughrider, combining tsn1 allele with adaptability and productivity.

The study presents the results of laboratory experiments assessing the toxicity of a number of insecticidal and acaricidal preparations against the spider mite Tetranychus turkestani, which damages soybean plants under both protected and open-field conditions. For each preparation, dose-response mortality curves were constructed, reflecting the nature of the population’s response to changes in the concentration of the active substance, and the main toxicological parameters—LC₅₀ and LC₉₀—were calculated. This made it possible to carry out an objective comparative ranking of the preparations according to their effectiveness and to determine concentration ranges that ensure reliable pest control. It was established that the biological activity of the tested active substances differed significantly. Lambda-cyhalothrin demonstrated moderate efficacy and produced a pronounced lethal effect only at relatively high concentrations (LC₅₀ = 33.3 mg/L; LC₉₀ = 66.7 mg/L), indicating limited sensitivity of T. turkestani to this compound. At the same time, preparations based on avermectins, as well as the combined active ingredient abamectin + spiromesifen, were characterized by high toxicity and provided a significant level of mortality even at low concentrations (LC₅₀ = 0.18 mg/L and 0.34-6.9 mg/L, respectively). Propargite exhibited a threshold type of action (LC₅₀ = 28.5 mg/L), reflecting the specific features of its contact toxicodynamics. The obtained results allow not only for comparison of the effectiveness of different compounds but also for identification of the specific features of their action that are important for practical application. This highlights that the choice of a preparation should be based on consideration of the dose-response effect, mechanism of action, and the potential resistance of pest populations.

Kyzylorda Region is considered one of the most environmentally vulnerable regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Problems arising from the drying of the Aral Sea, the lack of modern treatment technologies, and the increasing anthropogenic pressure have a significant negative impact on public health, the regional economy, and water resources. The development of urban housing and communal services, as well as the agro-industrial complex and anthropogenic pressures, has led to the accumulation of enormous volumes of wastewater. This increases the risk of environmental pollution near cities and further exacerbates an already deteriorating ecological situation. Taking these negative processes into account, scientific research on wastewater utilization is being conducted using the city of Kyzylorda as a case study. Experimental work was carried out at the modular biological treatment station (MBTS) in the village of Tasbuget, Kyzylorda city. The capacity of the MBTS is 6,400 m³ per day, serving a population of 120.6 thousand people. The actual volume of wastewater: on average - 2,000 m³ per day, maximum - 5,200 m³ per day, with a wear level of 18 %. The total length of the sewer network is 1,871 km, with a population coverage rate of 30 %. The area of the wastewater retention pond is 55 hectares, with a depth of 1.5 meters. The scientific research was conducted on an area of 100 m². Forage crops Kazakhstan-16, Samur-68, and Mogar-KazNIIZiR-80 were irrigated with wastewater that had undergone additional treatment.

Water scarcity during the growing season remains a major constraint for irrigated agriculture in Central Asia, particularly in transboundary river basins where water availability depends on mountain snow accumulation and melt processes. This study aims to assess how seasonal snow dynamics influence water availability in the Kuragaty sub-basin of the Shu river basin, with focus on downstream agricultural areas located in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic. Snow cover dynamics were derived from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery for elevations above 1000 m over the period from November to May, using a threshold-based snow detection approach. Evapotranspiration over agricultural lands was estimated from Landsat data using an energy balance model, while river discharge data from hydrometric stations were used to characterize the hydrological response. The results show a stable seasonal pattern of snow cover, with maximum extent observed in winter, where mean values exceed 55% and reach 59 ± 11.7% in December. In spring, snow cover rapidly decreases to 27.6 ± 12.7% in April and below 10% in May. The spring snow index (March-April) averages 37 ± 8.2%, reflecting strong interannual variability. Evapotranspiration follows a consistent seasonal cycle, increasing to 2.1 ± 0.6 mm/day in May and reaching peak values of up to 7.4 ± 1.2 mm/day in June. The total evapotranspiration during the growing season, averages 214.4 ± 24.2 mm. River discharge during this period shows moderate variability, with mean values of 4.26 ± 1.34 m³/s and peak flows occurring in early summer. A consistent positive relationship was observed between late-winter to early-spring snow cover and evapotranspiration during May-June, indicating that snowmelt contributes to water supply at the onset of the irrigation period. At the same time, evapotranspiration patterns are also influenced by vegetation development and increasing atmospheric demand, suggesting that snow dynamics act as an initial, but not the only, controlling factor.

The organization of land in populated areas under conditions of digitalization is an important direction for efficient land resource management. Rapid urbanization and increasing pressure on infrastructure require the improvement of territorial planning. In this regard, scientific research focused on the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), electronic land cadastre, and smart city tech nologies is of particular importance. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in the Almaty Region. The research utilized geospatial data, electronic cadastre information, and territorial planning documents. Methods included comparative analysis, a systems approach, and spatial data processing. The experience of Estonia, South Korea, and Singapore was also examined. Results and Discussion. The results showed that digital technologies facilitate land registration, updating cadastral data, and optimizing infrastructure place ment. In addition, an increase in the level of public service automation was identified. However, several issues were revealed, including insufficient internet infrastructure, incomplete digitalization of data, and limited accessibility of information. Conclusion. The organization of land in populated areas based on digitalization improves the efficiency of territorial planning and enhances urbanization management. The widespread imple mentation of digital technologies and infrastructure development are key factors for sustainable development.

The current challenges in water use, including climate change, is increasing water consumption and degradation of aquatic ecosystems, necessitate the search for sustainable solutions in water management. Under these conditions, reservoirs continue to be the main and, in fact, the only effective tool for regulating water flow in the long-term outlook. Their importance is especially growing under conditions of arid climate and high variability of river flow, which are characteristic of the Syrdarya River basin, one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of ecology and water management. Hydraulic structures provide regulation and distribution of runoff, which is the basis for sustainable water supply for various sectors of the economy, including drinking water supply and ‘green’ energy. In this regard, there is an increasing need for regular assessment of the water balance of reservoirs as a tool for optimising water distribution and reducing water risks.

Within the framework of this study, calculations on water resources management were analyzed, and the results showed a positive water balance in all Shardara, Badama, Bugun, Kapshagai and Koshkurgan reservoirs, which indicates the accumulation of water resources and confirms the effectiveness of reservoir systems.

Reservoirs function at the limit of their regulating capacity, which is requires the introduction of flexible and adaptive management regimes. In this connection, there is a growing need to improve methods of water regulation, optimise resource allocation and regular monitoring of water balance taking into account changing natural, climatic and anthropogenic conditions within the basin under consideration.

Pastures play a crucial role in agriculture under harsh climatic conditions and limited availability of nutrients. Pasture lands of Western Kazakhstan account for nearly half of the total pasture area of the republic. During the Soviet period, more than 50% of the pastures in these regions were provided with watering systems, with groundwater serving as the main source. This article presents the results of scientific and practical studies aimed at substantiating measures for pasture watering in the Aktobe region to ensure the sustainable development of livestock farming. Materials and methods. The main objective of the study is to assess the suitability of groundwater for pasture watering. Field investigations included water sampling from operating wells and boreholes, mapping of watering points, and assessment of the degree of wear of water intake facilities. The results indicate the presence of significant reserves of fresh and slightly saline groundwater suitable for livestock use. At the same time, the water supply system was found to be in unsatisfactory condition: most wells require reconstruction, and the level of mechanization remains low. The feasibility of restoring water intake structures and implementing modern approaches to groundwater resource management is substantiated in order to ensure the sustainable development of pasture-based livestock farm ing. Results and discussion. An analysis of pasture load by districts of the region revealed signs of ecosystem recovery and made it possible to determine the degree of impact of anthropogenic factors on their condition. Conclusions. The resource potential of groundwater makes it possible to address the tasks of pasture watering and to ensure water supply for the entire livestock population that can be maintained in the studied area.

The article examines the determination of saiga antelope population density based on population census activities. During the population surveys, seasonal migration routes, aggregation areas, and population structure of saiga antelopes were comprehensively analyzed. The results of the study indicate that census activities should be completed before saigas congregate at calving or breeding sites, as delayed surveys significantly complicate animal counting and increase stress levels in pregnant females. It was determined that, depending on the population status, saiga population counts should be completed by April 15–20. Due to the increase in population size and density, issues related to the accuracy and reliability of estimating large aggregations of saiga antelopes have arisen in the Ural and Betpak-Dala populations, leading to a decrease in the precision of census results. In this regard, taking into account the developed census methodology, approaches to improving aerial surveys using aircraft-based aerial photography are proposed. It was established that, instead of 40 flight hours, 50 flight hours are required to improve survey effectiveness. To enhance the quality of population counts and monitoring under conditions of high population density, it is recommended to annually mark selected individuals in each population. This will allow tracking the timing and general patterns of movements and optimizing census survey areas. Additionally, it is recommended to further develop a saiga population monitoring system in cooperation with local hunting and wildlife management specialists.

Loose hay harvesting technologies involve the use of a harvesting and transport unit (HTU). The unit enables a combination of operations, from windrow collection to unloading the formed haystack. Materials and methods.  This paper presents a detailed rationale for the pneumatic-mechanical transportation of plant material by a rotary blade loader into the collecting chamber, along with the corresponding mathematical modeling of the technological process. A theoretical analysis of the multiplicative effect of material transportation under the influence of airflow and mechanical force components is provided; it is demonstrated that the energy of the airflow generated by the rotor blades of the loader is used to overcome the resistance to movement in the air duct; and a theoretical analysis of the process of filling the collecting chamber with plant material, in relation to its size, is presented, allowing for the determination of the speed characteristics of the corresponding loading means, ensuring the high-quality execution of this process.  Results and discussion. Based on the results of the study, the calculated and experimental values ​​of airflow transport power and airflow velocity at the loader's air duct inlet are presented. Graphical dependences of its influence on the hay portion flight range at different rotor speeds are obtained. Using the well-known Bernoulli equation, a mathematical dependence for the balance of total air pressure losses during plant material transport is obtained. . An analytical expression is obtained for the trajectory of a hay particle at the loader's outlet depending on the airflow velocity . Conclusions. In the implemented pneumatic-mechanical method of transporting hay by a loader of a harvesting and transport unit (HTU), it was established that the air flow velocity at the entrance to the loader is v2 = 30 m/s, while the velocity at the exit from the loader decreases to 24 m/s.

In the conditions of South-Eastern Kazakhstan, a sharp rise in air temperature at the end of March causes rapid drying of the soil surface layer. As a result, soil clods in the upper horizon harden, reaching a strength of 3 MPa or more, and are poorly crumbled by tools with passive working bodies. Consequently, the fractional composition of the soil after spring tillage does not meet agrotechnical requirements for sowing. The time gap between pre-sowing soil preparation and sowing further contributes to soil drying and delays seedling emergence. In addition, some seeds remain on the soil surface.

The proposed seeder provides row spacing of 45, 50, or 60 cm, performs strip milling of the soil in the sowing zone, prepares the seed furrow, and forms a compacted seedbed. Theoretical studies were conducted using classical methods of agricultural mechanics. Design documentation development and testing of the experimental sample were carried out in accordance with approved standards.

The parameters of the milling working bodies of the STV-2.4 combined seeder-miller were substantiated. An experimental prototype was manufactured and subjected to preliminary tests. The actual milling depth corresponded to the set value of 11.3 cm, with a standard deviation of ±1.8 cm and a coefficient of variation of 15.9%. The content of fine soil fraction (<20 mm) reached 84.5%. Seed placement depth was stable, averaging 3.3 cm (±0.63 cm; 19%). The average seeding rate was 4.7 seeds per linear meter at a target of 5 seeds.

This study presents the development and experimental validation of an intelligent vacuum freeze-drying system operating from a single-phase 220 V power supply. The system was designed to improve the energy efficiency and operational stability of freeze-drying processes for small and medium-scale food production facilities under conditions of limited electrical infrastructure. The developed installation integrates an inverter compressor and a sequential load control algorithm for energy-intensive components, including the refrigeration system, vacuum pump, and heating system. Experimental investigations were carried out during the freeze-drying of goat milk with a product load of up to 45–50 kg. Temperature, pressure, mass-transfer, and energy-consumption parameters were monitored throughout the drying cycle. The obtained results demonstrated stable maintenance of the vacuum regime within 45–55 Pa and condenser temperature within -46 to-48 °C during the primary sublimation stage. The implemented sequential control algorithm limited peak electrical power consumption to 6.5 kW and ensured stable operation from a standard single-phase 220 V electrical network. Experimental drying of goat milk resulted in residual moisture content of 1.8–4.2 % and moisture removal efficiency exceeding 95 %. Comparative analysis confirmed lower installed power and reduced energy consumption compared with conventional three-phase freeze-drying systems. The obtained results confirm the practical feasibility of applying the developed intelligent vacuum freeze-drying system in farms and small food processing enterprises in Kazakhstan. Vacuum freeze-drying system.

The article is devoted to the study of the physical and mechanical properties of bedding sheep manure as a promising organic fertilizer. The relevance of the research is обусловлена the need to improve the efficiency of using livestock waste and to optimize agrotechnical processes in agriculture. Particular attention is paid to moisture content, which significantly affects the nutritional value, storage conditions, transportation, and efficiency of manure application to the soil. The study aims to determine the moisture content of bedding sheep manure and to analyze its variation depending on seasonal conditions. To achieve this goal, manure samples were collected at different time periods and subjected to laboratory testing. The research methods are based on a standard procedure of drying samples to constant mass at a temperature of (105±2) °C, followed by the calculation of moisture content using an established formula. The experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions using a drying oven and analytical balances. In total, three series of samples collected in January, February, and March were analyzed. The main results showed that the moisture content of manure varied from 62.37 % in January to 55.65 % in March. A steady decrease in moisture content during the winter spring period was observed, which can be explained by changes in temperature and improved air circulation. In addition, a uniform distribution of moisture within the manure mass was identified. In conclusion, moisture control is an important factor in increasing the efficiency of sheep manure utilization. The obtained results can be used to optimize the storage, transportation, and application of organic fertilizers in agriculture.