The article presents an analysis of the results obtained on the numerical composition of minks, sables, ferrets, foxes, Arctic foxes, raccoon dogs, and rabbits in the same breeding farms in Russia in 2025 in comparison with 2024. The work was carried out using developed questionnaires containing various information, including the species, numerical, and breed composition of the fur-bearing animals and rabbits. The data obtained allow us to assess the state of the breeding gene pool of animals in Russia's cage-breeding and rabbit-breeding industries during the study period. As a result of the study, the following changes were observed in the number of female minks in 2025 compared to 2024: a decrease of 15.5% in the number of female minks, an increase of 10.5%, 1.4%, and 1.1% in the number of ferrets, sables, and foxes, respectively, and no changes in the number of Arctic foxes and raccoon dogs. As a result of the research, the information database on the numerical and breed composition of the rabbit gene pool in 5 breeding farms in Russia has been updated. Among the breeds in the State Register of the Russian Federation, in 2025, the most common breeds in the 5 breeding rabbit farms were the New Zealand White, White Giant, and Soviet Chinchilla breeds, with a total of more than 74800 females in the main herd. The New Zealand White doe population represented around 99.0% of the group. Based on the monitoring conducted, information and analytical compilations are published annually, providing information on the number of main species of fur-bearing animals and rabbits in domestic breeding farms.
This article presents data on the physiological role of kisspeptin in the regulation of reproductive function. Kisspeptin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene. The data presented show that kisspeptin is capable of controlling both pulsatile and surge release of GnRH, playing fundamental roles in reproduction, including gonadotropin secretion, ovulation, and metabolic regulation of fertility. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of the kisspeptin system in implantation and placentation processes. This article summarizes current knowledge on the pathophysiology of these local placental regulatory factors as potential biomarkers at the stage of fertilization and embryogenesis.
The use of multidimensional statistical analysis allows us to identify not only quantitative changes in body size, but also qualitative restructuring of feature integration, which reflects profound changes in endocrine regulation of growth. Using the principal component method, patterns of age dynamics of morphometric body measurements of male silver-black foxes were revealed, including body weight, linear (length, width) and volumetric measurements during critical periods of postnatal ontogenesis (3 and 7 months). It has been established that the integration of body features undergoes significant restructuring, reflecting a change in endocrine growth regulators. At the age of 3 months, two main factors were identified that explain 67.37% of the total variability: the total size factor (37.2% of the variance) with high loads on body weight and limb girth, and the allometric growth factor (30.25%), contrasting linear and volumetric parameters. By the age of 7 months, growth processes are transformed: the first factor is transformed into the factor of axial musculature (38.59% of the variance) with a negative correlation of trunk and limb development, and the second factor (30.58%) begins to contrast the parameters of the bone base and muscle development. The data obtained indicate a transition from somatotropic growth regulation to androgen regulation and the formation of sexual dimorphism.
The article is devoted to the analysis of the state of natural and hunting resources, considering it in the context of current legislation and the impact of various factors. The study covers many aspects, from the systematization of forest areas to the assessment of the effectiveness of environmental measures. Particular attention is paid to the hunting resources of the reserve, which are of significant socio-economic importance for the local population. The work describes in detail the methodology for accounting for the number of wild animals used by specialists. The review is based on the data of population monitoring carried out throughout 2024 and the previous two years. The monitoring results are presented in the form of population dynamics of the main game species, which made it possible to assess the effectiveness of environmental measures. The article also highlights the negative factors that have a significant impact on the ecosystem of the reserve.
A current trend that can increase the profitability of rabbit farming is the identification of optimal rabbit crossbreeding schemes that ensure not only meat but also pelt productivity at an early age. This study included exterior and coat assessment of young crossbred rabbits obtained from different original parental rabbit strains out in groups: group 1 (n=38) (Soviet Chinchilla does (n=14) × Velikorodskaya White bucks (n=10)); group 2 (n=34) (Californian does (n=15) × cross Rod 1 bucks (n=7)); group 3 (n=36) (Californian does (n=12) × Velikorodskaya White bucks (n=10)) in a shed conditions in order to determine the optimal timing of slaughter at an early age (77 or 90 days of age). The study was carried out using classical zootechnical methods for forming homogeneous groups of animals, assessing conformation characteristics, selecting individuals based on target breeding parameters, and analyzing the pelt quality of the main herd and crossbred kits. It was established that for the crossbred kits obtained in group 1, the best age for slaughter is 90 days; at this age they have a live weight of 3.0 ± 0.05 kg and a body length of 51.7 ± 0.03 cm, which is more than in groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001); 70% of animals do not show signs of molting; and 50% have the density and uniformity of the coat of Elite and Class I. For crossbred kits obtained in groups 2 and 3, the best age for slaughter is 77 days; the live weight is 2.3±0.03 kg and 2.4±0.03 kg, respectively, which exceeds the indicators of group 1 at this age by 160-250 g (p<0.001); and also 60-80% of animals have the density and uniformity of the coat of Elite and Class I. These results allow for the optimization of technological processes in rabbit breeding, ensuring the maximum realization of the animals' genetic potential across a range of productive traits.
This paper is about the main stages in the life and work of Vladimir Nikolaevich Pomytko, a well-known scientist and organizer of science in the field of caged fur farming and rabbit breeding, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Honored Scientist of the RSFSR, and veteran of the Great Patriotic War. The article is based on materials from reports, speeches, and recollections of colleagues and participants in the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Scientific Support, Current Status, and Development Strategy of the Fur Farming Industry,” dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of V.N. Pomyto, as well as archival materials.
Modern breeding of agricultural animals has transitioned from phenotype-based selection to high-precision genomic prediction based on hundreds of thousands of DNA markers. This has not only accelerated the development of breeds with target traits but also enhanced their adaptability and stress resistance through the design of balanced selection programs. In this context, the present work involved the selection and validation of various DNA markers associated with adaptation potential in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and fur-bearing animals (using the sable Martes zibellina as an example). Studies were conducted using PCR and real-time PCR. In the population-genetic study of female sables (n=9, yearlings born in 2023; n=5, two-year-olds born in 2022; n=7, born before 2022), highly polymorphic markers ((ACC)6G, LTR-BERV-K1) were identified, demonstrating high discriminatory power in analyzing differences between animal generations. In the study of feed additive effectiveness in rabbits (n=12, Rodnik cross), reduced expression of metabolic genes g6pd and slc15a1 was observed when using a vitamin-mineral premix during the fattening period. The micronucleus test revealed the potential genome-destabilizing effect of the premix on blood cells, despite the absence of a statistically significant effect on body weight gain. In the behavior genetics study (n=8, rabbits of the Soviet Chinchilla and White Giant breeds), breed and sex differences in the expression of glutamatergic system genes grik3 and gria2 were discovered, opening prospects for selection aimed at reducing aggression in captive animal populations. The proposed approaches create new opportunities for fur farming and rabbit breeding through targeted selection of DNA markers to control genetic variability across generations and the functional activity of key metabolic network components.
The article examines a hypothesis based on the position that the number of milk nipples in minks, like their number in other animals, is a complex trait consisting of subtraits, which are individual pairs of nipples. The hypothesis was tested on representatives of the main genotypes of minks in breeding farms in Belarus (386 individuals) and showed that in addition to an increase in the number of nipples, an unequal number of active nipples was established. The results of the regression analysis and the obtained empirical regression line showed that with an increase in the number of active nipples, the number of puppies in the litters of females increases. The obtained result allows us to consider this hypothesis as a method of phenotypic determination to increase the reproductive abilities of cage-bred minks (number of puppies).
Stress as a selection factor for stress sensitive genotypes in population is well known postulated. Prenatal stress (starvation) in pregnant females of farm bred mink can produce offspring characterized with tame behavior. Such stress induced results was more effective in homozygote animals than in standard and heterozygote ones. The study continues to investigate the evolutionary and genetic role of stress and stress susceptibility.
In order to increase the profitability of the fur-bearing industry, it is necessary to increase production volumes and improve the reproductive qualities of the animals by introducing modern reproduction management technologies and methods. One such method is the use of hormonal preparations to induce ovulation in females and stimulate spermatogenesis in males. The profitability of the fur-bearing industry is largely determined by the reproductive potential of the breeding stock. On Russian fox farms, the proportion of females that do not produce offspring can exceed 20%, impacting the enterprise's economy. The preparation 'Follimag,' produced using the serum of pregnant mares, has gained significant popularity in domestic veterinary pharmaceuticals. The manufacturer claims that 'Follimag' is also effective in males. Scientific research confirms its effectiveness in animal husbandry, particularly in large-scale livestock and pig farming. The experiment was carried out at the fox farm of LLC Zveroplemzavod Savvatevo, which is located in the Kalininsky district, d. Savvat'evo. The experiment involved 60 silver-black male foxes, which were divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. The males in the experimental group were given the gonadotropin preparation 'Follimag' intramuscularly at a dose of 200 IU per animal. After stimulation, the females were artificially inseminated. This article presents the results of studies investigating the impact of the preparation on male silver-black foxes of the Savvatevo type. It was noted that, of the females inseminated with sperm from males stimulated with the gonadotropin preparation 'Follimag,' there was a decrease in the number of non-pregnant females and, consequently, a significant increase in the number of pups per female.
The lack of research on gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in fur-bearing animals prompted us to investigate this topic. We collected samples from female Arctic foxes ( Vulpes lagopus ) from the fur farm "Vyatka" in the Kirov region: 12 individuals aged 8 months, 15 individuals aged 2 years, and 5 individuals aged 5 years. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess how the morphometric parameters of the digestive tract and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) change with age in female Arctic foxes. For this purpose, we macroscopically measured the areas of the small and large intestine and conducted a quantitative assessment of the lymphoid formations. The following patterns were identified: both the area of the intestinal lymphoid tissue and the quantitative characteristics of GALT decreased from 8 months to 5 years of age. Additionally, at the age of 5 years, small intestinal lymphoid follicles (M-ILF), were found in female Arctic foxes, which were not observed in the examined groups of animals of other age. Moreover, the intestinal lymphoid formations in female Arctic foxes were similar to those in other members of the Canidae family, although their proportions differed.
In feeding young rabbits, much attention is paid to the normalization of fiber, since it is not only a component that promotes peristalsis In the feeding of rabbits, unlike other farm animals, it is customary to regulate not all nutrients, but only protein and fiber. Previously, we have established that the inclusion of 2% sunflower oil in a complete feed for young rabbits increases their meat productivity and reduces the feed conversion ratio by 0.5. The aim of this work is to determine the optimal level of fat in a complete feed for young rabbits. To achieve this goal, a scientific and economic experiment was conducted on young Soviet Chinchilla rabbits in the laboratory of experimental rabbit breeding at the Afanasyev Research Institute of Fur-farming and Rabbit Breeding. Three groups were formed from 60 45-day-old rabbits based on their origin and live weight: the first group was the control group, and the second and third groups were the experimental groups. Rabbits in each group received their own complete pelleted feed (CPF), which differed from the others mainly in their fat content: Group 1 received 5% fat, Group 2 received 7% fat, and Group 3 received 9% fat. The results obtained indicate that during the fattening period of rabbits for meat, the optimal level of fat in a complete feed is 5.15% (control group). Increasing the fat level by 2.0% (group 2) by adding sunflower oil to the feed leads to a statistically significant decrease in the productive indicators of rabbits: live weight by 11.4%, slaughter weight by 12.0%. Increasing the fat content in the feed to 9% (group 3) reduced the survival rate by 10%. There were no statistically significant differences in liver weight or slaughter weight between the rabbits in all groups. However, the rabbits in the control group consumed an average of 750 g more feed during the fattening period than the rabbits in group 2 and 520 g more than the rabbits in group 3, resulting in similar feed conversion ratios in all groups (3,66; 3,56; 3,68).
Feeding is the most important and complex aspect of animal husbandry in general and rabbit production in particular. It is feeding that largely determines meat yield and its quality. Protein is the primary building block for rabbit muscle growth and is the most expensive component in a farm animal feed. The main source of energy for rabbits is soluble carbohydrates, so-called nitrogen-free extractive substances. S. Perfoliatum , a tall-herb perennial plant in the Asteraceae family, is a promising fodder crop. It can be an important reserve for feed production intensification due to its high protein and nitrogen-free extractive substance content. The purpose of the research is to study chemical composition and to evaluate the nutrient value of S. perfoliatum in terms of its use as a raw material when producing the feed additive for rabbits. The results of these studies provide scientific and theoretical justification for the feasibility of a more detailed experimental study of S. perfoliatum in terms of using it as a promising source of feed protein and nitrogen-free extractive substances in order to improve the rabbit feeding system and to increase efficiency in rabbit production.
The study of the mechanism of adaptation of the musculoskeletal apparatus of rabbits to anthropogenically created living conditions remains an urgent problem of industrial rabbit breeding. Long-term exposure to factors limiting motor activity and suppression of ethological reactions is one of the predisposing factors to the development of osteoarthritis and myopathy in animals, which significantly reduces the economic efficiency of the industry. On the basis of a complex methodological approach, including macroscopic morphometry, review radiography, radiogrammetry, biomechanical study, statistical analysis of digital data, and morpho-biomechanical adaptations of the pelvic limb bony ossification in the Soviet Chinchilla rabbits of caged housing, the results are presented. As a morphological control, a closely related representative of hares - Rusak hare from the natural biocenosis - was chosen. The studies were carried out at the Department of Anatomy and Histology of Animals named after Professor A.F. Klimov of the K.I. Skryabin Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education of the Moscow State Automobile and Mechanical University, and biomechanical studies at the Scientific Medical Research Centre of Traumatology and Orthopaedics named after N.N. Priorov. The pelvic limbs of the Soviet Chinchilla rabbit (n=25) and Rusak hare (n=15) without signs of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system served as the material for the study. In the comparative analysis it was found that environmental conditions and locomotor specialization determine the nature of adaptive rearrangements of the long tubular bones of the pelvic limb in the studied representatives of hares. Structural and biomechanical adaptations of the pelvic limb bone framework of compensatory genesis have been established in the rabbit living in conditions of limited biodynamics.
The relevance of this study is due to the fact that rabbits often have digestive problems when their type of diet changes. Studying the presence of certain alleles of immune genes and the relationship with the composition of the intestinal microbiome will help identify more stable genotypes of animals. The aim of the research was to study the presence of certain immune alleles and the composition of the intestinal microbiome of rabbits when using a probiotic supplement containing bacteria of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain ("Vetom 2") by molecular methods. Genomic DNA was isolated from the intestines of rabbits using the ExtractDNABlood&Cells. Amplification of variable regions V3-V4 gene of the 16S rRNA using universal primers and subsequent sequencing on the IlluminaMiSeq platform and bioinformatics analysis (clustering, OUT taxonomic classification, and visualization of diversity) were performed in the QIIME2 condition. The dominant species is Campylobacter_D cuniculorum (family Campylobacteraceae , type Pseudomonadota ), and its proportion is higher in the intestinal microbial community of rabbits of the control group by 1.5-4.5 p.p. than that of animals of the experimental group. Acinetobacter is also more widely represented in the control group. The intestines of rabbits of both control and experimental groups contain approximately the same amount of Psychrobacter faecalis and Akkermansia. Faecousia, Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae, Cryptobacteroides, Oscillospiraceae, Escherichia, Oscillospiraceae, and Gemmiger are more widely represented in the experimental group. PCoA analysis showed that the groups «Chyme» (Rab) and "Mucosa" (Rab1), with rare exceptions, fall into the same clusters.
The article presents data on monitoring the numerical and breed composition of the main fur-bearing animal species (mink, sable, polecat, fox, arctic fox, raccoon dog) and rabbits in Russian breeding farms in 2024. The work was performed by comparative analysis of the gene pool of fur-bearing animals and rabbits of the same breeding units and stud farms in Russia in 2023 and 2024 on the basis of developed questionnaires, including information on the species and breed composition of the livestock. The study revealed changes in the number of females in the main herd in 2024 compared to 2023: an increase in the number of female minks, sables, and rabbits - by 3.2%, 5.3%, and 7.0%, respectively; a decrease in foxes by 6.2% and ferrets by 34.0%; and arctic foxes and raccoon dogs remained unchanged. Among the breeds in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2024 the most common rabbit breeds were the New Zealand White, the White Giant, and the Soviet Chinchilla.
Domestication is a lengthy and complex process that, as a result, has a profound effect on animals, including fur-bearing animals. During the transition from a wild lifestyle to living next to humans, they undergo a number of changes affecting both behavioral aspects and physiology. In this study, we analyzed domestication changes in body and liver mass in three representatives of the marten family at different stages of domestication. The work was carried out in LLC "Mermeriny" of the Tver region and JSC "Saltykovsky Breeding Farm" of the Moscow region on young mink of the American standard breed of dark brown type, sable of the Saltykovskaya 1 breed, ferret of the breed Tverskoy. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the largest increase in live weight occurred in the American mink - 2.4 times in males, 2.0 times in females. The average liver mass increased by 2.3 and 2.1 times, respectively. Ferrets occupy the second place in terms of body weight gain - the average live weight (males and females) increased by 1.8 times, with an increase in liver in females by 1.8, in males by 1.7 times. Sables have slight increase in body weight occurred only in females (1.2 times), while the average liver mass in females increased 2.0 times, in males - 1.3 times.
The rearing of a number of crustacean species is traditionally based on the use of natural biological resources, which makes it necessary to develop methods for their domestication. The most important factor in domestication is the behavior of crustaceans at different stocking densities. Since it is known about the high waste in crayfish farms as a result of competition and cannibalism, it is necessary to develop ways of breeding crayfish according to the criterion of individual behavior. This article provides an analysis of the world experience in studying the behavior of crustaceans and correlates with the pilot data obtained on individual behavior and injury analysis in crayfish in groups. Earlier studies revealed that for the Australian crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) , in order to maintain the lowest level of mortality, the ratio of females to males should be 4:1, and in our pilot studies, a preliminary ratio of 1:1 for adults was shown. At the same time, the largest individuals (more than 30 g, mostly males) were the least susceptible to injury. In the pilot studies, crayfish differed in their level of response to novelty and their level of boldness, which depends on repeated responses to a frightening stimulus. The prospect of developing a method for early diagnosis of the boldness level of the Australian crayfish is proposed in order to separate the most "bold" individuals, used for fattening for more than 1 year in individual boxes (delicatessen: 50 - 500 g), and with a reduced level of boldness ("shy": 20 - 50 g) for group commercial rearing.
In economic and ecological terms, replenishment of animal feed supply by means of food processing by-products seems an important and relevant task to us. Foodstuffs and proper feeding of animals are the main factors determining the increase in production and improvement of livestock product quality. Therefore, the search for and the use of low-budget feed products, including waste from the processing industry, can help solve this problem. The purpose of the research is to determine the chemical composition and nutritional value of rosehip cake as a potential component in the production of compound feed for rabbits. An organoleptic assessment of the fresh cake was done, the chemical composition and nutritional value of the fresh and the dried cake were studied, a comparative analysis was performed on them, and a process of rosehip cake drying was studied. The research results showed that the chemical composition and nutritional value of a rosehip cake provide a basis to consider it as a component in the development of compound feed formulas for rabbits.
The article assesses the general overview of the state of rabbit breeding in the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2023-2024 and the main achievements, as well as the problems arising during its development. Particular attention is paid to rabbit farms and the number of rabbits at the holders of the livestock of rabbits. The livestock of rabbits in Uzbekistan is given in the context of regions and farms. A new large rabbit breeding farm, "My Dream," in the Tashkent region was reported to contain 40,000 heads of the main herd of rabbits, built using Italian technology. The article reports on 3 recipes for pellets with different digestible protein content produced within the framework of the dissertation work "Efficiency of feeding rabbits using pellets with different protein content in their diets." The results of using these pellets in fattening Hycole broiler rabbits and controlling slaughter are shown. It was found that with a digestible protein content of 94-120 grams, 1 EFU of pellets helps to increase the yield of carcasses by 11.3-12%. In the conditions of Uzbekistan, the manifestation of the genetic potential of meat performance of Hycole rabbits is within 91.6-93.3%. The authors concluded that rabbit breeding in Uzbekistan has achieved good results, but despite this, it has the potential for growth and development, which requires solving existing problems on the ground. With the right support from government agencies and the introduction of modern methods, this industry can significantly contribute to the economic development of the republic.
