Climatic conditions for soybean cultivation in Latvia are challenging because of their variability. In addition, the sum of sunlight hours and the ratio of temperature and precipitation required to produce a quality crop are unpredictable. There is a risk that even early soybean varieties will not ripen due to weather conditions in a region. Studies show that soybean plants, including the green part of the crop, are well suited for animal nutrition prepared as hay or silage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of different soybean varieties harvested before ripening and assess them as hay or silage raw material. Weight, protein, fat, ash, fibre, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of soybean varieties ‘Erica’, ‘Bolgar’ and ‘Viola’ green mass were determined at different stages of maturity. The results of the study showed a significant increase in protein (from 9.18% to 12.06%) and fat (from 1.18% to 4.40%) content of the dry matter variety ‘Bolgar’ from September to October. The protein content of the dry soya green mass was not affected by variety at the same developing stage but significantly changed among different stages of maturity. As the plant develops, the sucrose content in the green mass increases, the same as the total sugar content.

This study aimed to identify the most characteristic trends in the area of fodder production and the use of fodder as factors in the development of animal husbandry in Ukraine under conditions of war as the modern challenge for these industries. Russian military aggression is a powerful challenge for the economy of Ukraine, including its fodder production, as well as other countries of the world, reflecting on the aggravation of global problems of food shortages and food security. The effect of the mentioned challenge in Ukraine is superimposed on the identified negative trends and situation, which were formed before the beginning of 2022. Calculations based on them show that the occupation of large areas of Ukraine by Russian aggressors and hostilities caused a significant decrease in the production of livestock products due to a 13–17% decrease in the number of animals. Accordingly, consumption of fodder at the expense of these regions decreased by 16%. However, the situation is very dynamic as the war continues. Given the limitations of state support for the industry, until the end of the war the main efforts to improve fodder production in Ukraine should objectively be related to the maximum optimization of the structure of fodder rations by increasing the share of less energy-intensive forages. Every challenge creates new opportunities, therefore the post-war development of fodder production and use in Ukraine will become highly innovative.