Аннотация
The stability of the feed base is one of the key conditions for increasing the efficiency of beef cattle finishing, especially in regions with a sharply continental climate and seasonal fluctuations in the availability and price of feeds. Hydroponic green mass may partly replace grain concentrates and provide animals with easily digestible carbohydrates, vitamins and biologically active substances. The study was carried out under the production conditions of TOO «Zhana Bereke». Bull calves selected by the analogue principle were divided into a control and an experimental group of 25 animals each. The finishing period lasted 90 days. The control group received a standard diet, while in the experimental group 1 kg of barley was replaced by 8 kg of fresh hydroponic green mass. Feed intake, live weight dynamics, average daily gain, slaughter traits and feed conversion were evaluated. The experimental group showed higher feed palatability, more intensive live weight gain and better feed conversion. By the end of finishing, live weight reached 532.36 kg in the experimental group versus 523.00 kg in the control group. Average daily gain in the third month was 1329.6 g against 1186.92 g in the control group. Slaughter weight increased by 15.36 kg, while internal fat deposition decreased. The inclusion of hydroponic green mass improved the sugar-protein balance of the ration and supported more efficient use of nutrients. Future research should focus on the economic assessment of hydroponic fodder production, dry matter conversion and individual feed intake monitoring.