Protein plays a critical role in both the nutrition and biological functions of milk, which is an important part of a balanced diet. In this study, we installed and implemented the fully automated Kjeldahl method, enabling the precise determination of the total protein content in cow milk. The investigation involved cow milk samples collected from Yerevan markets, representing 9 producers, over the years 2021 and 2022. The mean total protein content in the analyzed milk samples was found to be 2.93 g per 100 g.To determine the significance and contribution of milk protein in the adult population’s diet in Armenia, the daily protein intake through milk consumption was evaluated. Two consumer clusters were identified: one with moderate milk consumption (0.067 kg per day) and another with higher intake (0.208 kg per day). The contribution of milk protein to the overall protein intake in the diet of the adult population ranged from 2.62 % to 8.13 %. Despite varied levels of milk protein consumption, it is essential to acknowledge that Armenian protein sources extend beyond milk.

The second article of the series considers the issues of inter-row and near-trunk land cultivation in orchards. As a result of the study and analysis of the literature, a classification and comparative evaluation of the existing machines intended for the cultivation of the mentioned areas was implemented. Both the advantages and disadvantages of rotary tillers with horizontal and vertical rotation axis were indicated. It has been stated that from the prospect of agro-technological and technical requirements of the mentioned machines, rotary tillers with vertical axis are preferable, which, anyhow, need to be upgraded. Based on the above stated, it has been recommended to select planetary mechanism with external gear as a transmission mechanism for the rotary tiller, which will enable to provide high rotation numbers for the disc of the tillers’ blade in case of relatively fewer rotation numbers of the rotor. It is theoretically justified and experimentally confirmed that from the point of view of effective tillage and a sharp decrease in the traction resistance of the unit, the optimal number of satellite cutters is three, located at an angle of 1200 to each other, and the number of knives is two, with a symmetrical arrangement. The expressions derived in the result of dynamic research on the recommended mechanism, enable to identify the optimal geometric parameters for the installation of the tillers’ disc knives, in case of which the resistance force factors of the cultivated medium, including the traction resistance force of the unit will assume the possible minimum values in conditions of the stated regime.

Throughout the current research 20 rare plant species of the RA mountain meadow zone has been studied and the botanical, topographical, cartographical and graphical descriptions have been compiled based on the existing spatial database. At the first research phase, three rare plants growing in the regions of Kotayk and Gegharkunik were mapped in the ArcGIS environment: Inula acaulis Schott & Kotschy ex Boiss., Acanthus dioscoridis and Draba araratica Rupr. For mapping, first their distribution per communities, settlements, operational significance and soil type was studied and identified, then digital mapping and analysis were performed in the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environment. Based on the results, it was recommended to take appropriate measures for their preservation. Further changes in the ecological condition of rare plants growing in the selected regions were studied, maps of the given areas were drawn up in the GIS environment, and analysis of plant location, growth density, distance from the settlement, functional significance of the land, threats of extinction as a rare plant species, and conservation measures was performed. The received digital maps and analysis of mapping results justify the need for the development of additional measures (legal, economic, environmental). In order to map the mentioned plant species in ArcGIS environment, sequence of actions has been developed based on which it is possible to update, adjust and complete the database of rare plant species in the mountain meadow zone of Armenia and enrich the global biodiversity repository through the GBIF system.

In recent years, the use of probiotics has increased unprecedently, regardless of their origin and characteristics. In particular, the use of probiotics for nutritional and therapeutic purposes in infants and patients with a number of diseases (malignant neoplasms, diabetes, post-transplant period, etc.) needs reviews and clinical justification. Currently, in the production of dairy products, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of intestinal origin are of particular interest, which is explained by the fact that the final target of probiotics is the intestine of an animal or a person. However, there is some skepticism about the efficacy of using human gut-derived LABs in dairy production. LABs are widespread in nature: exist in large quantities in plant residues, soil, human and animal intestines. LABs are widely used both in health care and agriculture, as well as in fisheries and fish production. A task was set up to study a series of biosafety indicators of yoghurts obtained from the Lpb. plantarum ZPZ, Lcb. rhamnosus str. Vahe.am, Lpb. plantarum K1-3, L. delbrueckii IAHAHI probiotic strains. Yoghurts produced with biosafety indicators corresponding to the risk of spreading antibiotic resistance in yoghurts, heavy metals and M1 aflatoxin content, as well as to international standards for microbiological indicators were obtained from new probiotics isolated from the intestinal microbiota of children (Lpb. plantarum ZPZ, Lcb. rhamnosus str. Vahe) and dairy products (Lpb. plantarum K1-3, L. delbrueckii IAHAHI). The results of our research prove that yoghurts obtained from lactic acid bacteria of different origins are harmless to health.

The increase of confectionery production volumes and expansion of product range are related to the development of technologies for new raw materials application and to the wide product range manufacture. According to the conducted investigations the rose­hip can be applied as a preventive and curative raw material. Upon the development of the mathematical model for rose­hip CO2 extraction regime parameters, the efficiency of new equipment application and extraction process has been proved. According to the conducted experiments, the maximum yield of carotenoid pigments in the solution is ensured at a relatively lower temperature of the solution. Therefore, the task was set to identify two dependencies: the yield of CO2­solution and the yield of the total amount of carotenoid pigments in that solution depending on the duration and temperature of the process. The optimal parameters of the dissolution process have been determined by the mathematical planning method. As a result of the mathematical modeling of the technological process of CO2­dissolution, it has been found out that the yield of the solution within the studied ultrasound frequencies ranges from 1.0­1.2, while the content of carotenoids in the solution is within 90­91.5 %. Moreover, it has been found out that the maximum values of the mentioned outputs are obtained at temperatures of +15...+22 0C. Thus, according to the research results, sweet brier (rose hips) can be used as a preventive medicine.

Aflatoxin contamination in cereals poses a significant food safety and public health issue worldwide. Cereals, including rice, are a staple food in the diet of the Armenian population. This study aimed to assess the potential health risks associated with the exposure to aflatoxin B1 mycotoxin through rice consumption among the population of Yerevan. The daily intake of aflatoxin B1 through the rice consumption was estimated for the adult population across all administrative regions. The margin of exposure (MOE) method was used to evaluate the health risks associated with aflatoxin B1 exposure, with values less than 10000 considered a public health concern. The results indicated that the MOE for aflatoxin B1 exposure through rice consumption among the Yerevan population was less than 10000, which indicates the public health concern. Even the amounts of aflatoxin B1 within permissible levels were found to be potentially risky for the health of the population. Moreover, the MOE method used in this study can be a useful tool for assessing the risks associated with other food contaminants and guiding the development of appropriate risk management strategies. Hence, this study emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring of aflatoxin levels in cereals, to ensure the safety of the food supply and protect public health.

The aim of the study was to prevent latent mastitis in cows by sanitizing the udder teats with amyloyodin solution (blue iodine). Research work on prevention of mastitis in cows was carried out during 2022 in the Balahovit teaching and experimental farm of ANAU, as well as in the laboratories of the ANAU Research Center for Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Sanitary Examination on 14 Caucasian brown cows, with seven heads in each group. In the experimental group, the treatment of teats after milking with an interval of 12 hours was carried out by applying amyloyodin to the teats of the udder by dipping them into small plastic cups filled with a solution of blue iodine to three­ quarters of the dish. The teats of cows in the control group were not treated with blue iodine, but were washed with warm clean water immediately after milking. To study the microbial contamination of the cow udder, swabs were taken from the teat skin in animals of the experimental and control groups. A microbiological study of swabs indicates that after milking the number of colonies of microorganisms in the experimental and control groups is approximately the same – 139 and 143, respectively. However, the use of amyloyodin showed preventive efficacy and longer hygienic protection of the teats skin in animals, i.e. the number of colonies in the experimental group decreased after 30 minutes (from 139 to 8), and in the control group, confluent growth of colonies was observed after the same period of time.

In the current work, a comprehensive methodology for the soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Armenia has been developed to justify the water requirement/demand of plants in the case of drip irrigation. The proposed methodology enables to calculate the values of the individual components of the drip irrigation regime, and in practical terms, it was used to determine the water requirement of perennial plantations in the soil and climatic conditions of the Armavir and Kotayk marzes. Based on the obtained results, the crops drip irrigation norms/rates were mapped in the GIS environment. They can serve as a background for practical planning and justification of the drip irrigation water demand for various crops and contribute to the development of introduction rates of water-saving technologies in this field.

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the state agrarian policy, laws, and legislative acts regulating the viticulture sector of RA. An analysis of the strategic documents, legislative documents regulating the sector, laws, normative legal acts, and other documents related to state policy was conducted. Obtaining results led to the conclusion that the legislative acts regulating the sector need to be updated and, in some cases, amended․ In addition, the control mechanisms of the sector have gaps in law enforcement. There is no strategic document aimed at viticulture development, and existing policy measures and programs are not properly implemented and are ineffective. The article concludes with recommendations aimed at alleviating the issues revealed by this research.

This paper presents an overview of a novel approach to spirulina microalgae cultivation. The most optimal design of a photobioreactor with compact dimensions and, at the same time, a large production area is proposed. The research areas that can significantly impact increasing spirulina cultivation productivity are outlined. Results of studies confirm the relatively high productivity of spirulina cultivation, which is more than 30 g/l of dry biomass per 1 sq. m per a day.