The effect of organic feed additives on the growth and development of Kazakh white-headed bull calves

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Aim. This publication examines the prospects for the development of the agricultural
sector, where organic animal husbandry is a key strategic area. Its main advantages are to increase the environmental safety of products, improve livestock conditions and reduce the negative impact of humans on nature. The central feature of such a system is the priority use of natural pastures andnatural feed additives, which makes it possible to effectively increase productivity without the use of artificial substances. Despite the current lack of practical implementation experience in Kazakhstan, this area demonstrates a high potential for large-scale development and the formation of an export segment of
organic products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an organic feed additive on the growth, feed efficiency, meat productivity and morphometric parameters of meat-producing calves.
Materials and Мethods. The experiment was conducted from October to December 2025 at Novobratskoye & K LLC (Bulandy District, Akmola Region). Clinically healthy purebred Kazakh Whitehead bulls aged 8-10 months afterpost-weaning were selected for the study. The animals were maintained under identical conditions, and effective feeding control was ensured by the INTERGADO system. Bulls in the experimental group received 0.3 kg of organic feed supplement instead of premix (Patent № 11116, dated September 12, 2025).
Results. The results of the bull calves' assessment of their own productivity showed an improvement in the growth rates of the experimental group. The live weight was 315.75 kg versus 313.25 kg, and the average daily gain and absolute growth increased by 9.8% and 10.0%, respectively. The feed conversion rate improved (4.92 versus 5.23) with the same dry matter intake. There was also a slight but positive trend in the morphometric parameters of the experimental and control group: height in the sacrum
(115.75 ± 1.31 versus 114.18 ± 1.83 cm) and scrotum circumference (32.50 ± 0.73 versus 31.88 ± 0.89 cm).
Conclusion. The results indicate a positive effect of the organic feed additive on the growth rate, feed utilization efficiency, meat quality and morphometric parameters, including those related to the reproductive development of meat-producing calves.