INFLUENCE OF DEFECATION MUD OF SUGAR BEET PRODUCTION ON PRODUCTIVITY AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF YOUNG CATTLE DURING DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS

Abstract

Improving the feeding technology for young cattle is a priority in the development of the modern livestock industry, as it enhances production efficiency, reduces economic costs, and ensures the sustainability of agricultural systems. With the intensification of dairy and beef cattle farming, the use of non-traditional feed components, particularly by-products of agricultural processing, has gained particular importance. One of the promising sources of mineral and organic substances is the filter cake of sugar beet production (defecation mud), which contains significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, protein-peptide compounds, and biologically active substances. The inclusion of defecation mud in compound feeds for young cattle may optimize mineral metabolism, improve digestion, and enhance overall animal productivity. However, the physiological and biochemical effects of this component on calves of different age groups, as well as its optimal dosage in compound feeds, remain insufficiently studied. In this regard, a study was conducted on the influence of filter cake of sugar beet production (defecation mud) in compound feeds on the productivity, blood biochemical parameters, and physiological state of calves aged 10–75, 76–115, and over 116 days. The experiments were conducted in the Smolevichi district of the Minsk region at the state enterprise “ZhodinoAgroPlemElita” using zootechnical and biochemical methods. The addition of 1% of defecation mud increased the live weight gain (up to 3,3%). It was found that the filter cake of sugar beet production included into the calf compound feed improved blood biochemical parameters and productivity at dosages of 1–2 % for calves aged 10–75 and 76–115 days, promoting the live weight gain (up to 3,3 %), stimulating erythropoiesis, protein synthesis, and mineral metabolism, while reducing feed costs. For calves over 116 days, the recommended dosage is 1–3 %, as it enhances mineral metabolism without significant effect on productivity. The study results confirm the potential of defecation mud as a mineral component that optimizes feeding and improves the utilization efficiency of food industry by-products.