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Current development trends of the global and national economies require a search for effective approaches to expand participation of small agribusiness entities in providing population with domestic livestock products. The article focuses on state support programs for family livestock farms and novice farmers in the framework of the national project “Creating a system of support for farmers and the development of rural cooperation.” Development trends of the meat and dairy cattle breeding industry in the Rostov region—a large agricultural region of Russia - have been noted. A deep comprehensive economic analysis of the composition and structure of financing state programs to support small regional agribusiness entities in the livestock industry was conducted, and the ways for its further development have been determined. Regional authorities have been established to be able to identify and significantly expand priority areas for the development of the meat and dairy cattle breeding industry, while consolidating state support measures regarding the distribution of grants to family farms and novice farmers. The need to develop industrial and economic relations of small business in the livestock sector of the region due to the system of consumer cooperation has been justified. A considerable potential for cooperation in the dairy industry has been noted. The methodology of the research on the problem was based on a system of general scientific and local methods and techniques. The information-analytical basis of the study was the data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Rostov Region and data of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation.

Broiler chickens are increasingly kept in large numbers in intensive housing conditions that are stressful, potentially depleting the immune system. With the prohibition of the use of antibiotics in poultry feed spreading worldwide, it is necessary to consider the role of natural feed additives and antibiotic alternatives to stimulate the chickens’ immune systems. We review the literature to describe phytogenic feed additives that have immunomodulatory benefits in broilers. We initially review the major active ingredients from plants, particularly flavonoids, resveratrol and humic acid, and then describe the major herbs, spices, and other plants and their byproducts that have immunomodulatory effects. The research reviewed demonstrates the effectiveness of many natural feed additives in improving the avian immune system and therefore broiler health. However, some, and perhaps all, additives have the potential to reduce immunocompetence if given in excessive amounts. Sometimes additives are more effective when given in combination. There is an urgent need to determine tolerance levels and optimum doses for additives deemed most suitable to replace antibiotics in the diet of broiler chickens. Effective replacement is most likely with readily available additives, such as olive oil byproducts, olive leaves and alfalfa. It is concluded that effective replacement of antibiotic function with plant-derived additives will be possible, but that further research is necessary to determine optimum doses.

The authors have developed a technology and a procedure for assessing quality and safety of a fermented milk whey product enriched with spirulina, tarragon, mint, and stevia sweetener used as a balanced complex of biologically active substances. Sensory quality indicators were assessed on a 5-point scale, using the profiling method. The taste panel analysis results showed that the enriched product had improved sensory properties and more pleasant harmonious taste and aroma. The examination of the chemical composition showed that the enriched product increased its content of carbohydrates by 2.3%, ash by 5%, and protein by 25%; dietary fibers (0.30 g) were produced and made up to 15% of the reference daily intake. The examination of the vitamin composition found an increase in almost all vitamins due to the enrichment with natural plant ingredients and the fermentation. The study of the mineral composition showed that in Test sample, the total content of all studied macroelements increased by 17.0 mg, and the microelements number enhanced by 0.16 mg. Therefore, enrichment with plant ingredients allowed obtaining products with higher sensory properties, increased nutritional and biological values and safety, a higher content of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals and induced dietary fiber to be produced.