Abstract. This article examines the fundamental importance of understanding the physiology of agricultural animals for the advancement of sustainable and productive animal husbandry. The physiology of livestock forms the scientific basis for effective management practices in nutrition, reproduction, health, and welfare. The paper explores key physiological systems—digestive, reproductive, endocrine, and thermoregulatory—and their direct impact on production efficiency, product quality, and farm economics. The methodology involves a review and synthesis of contemporary scientific literature and established physiological principles. The analysis concludes that a deep knowledge of animal physiology is indispensable for optimizing feeding strategies, enhancing genetic selection, preventing metabolic disorders, and mitigating stress, all of which are critical for ensuring food security and economic viability in the agricultural sector. The article also highlights the value of academic competitions, such as subject Olympiads, in fostering expertise and innovation among future specialists.

Аннотация. В данной статье исследуется фундаментальное значение понимания физиологии сельскохозяйственных животных для развития устойчивого и продуктивного животноводства. Физиология сельскохозяйственных животных составляет научную основу для эффективных практик управления в области питания, размножения, здоровья и благополучия. В работе рассматриваются ключевые физиологические системы – пищеварительная, репродуктивная, эндокринная и терморегуляторная – и их прямое влияние на производственную эффективность, качество продукции и экономику фермерских хозяйств. Методология включает обзор и синтез современной научной литературы и устоявшихся физиологических принципов. Анализ приводит к выводу, что глубокое знание физиологии животных необходимо для оптимизации стратегий кормления, улучшения генетического отбора, предотвращения метаболических расстройств и снижения стресса, что является критически важным для обеспечения продовольственной безопасности и экономической жизнеспособности в сельскохозяйственном секторе. В статье также подчеркивается ценность академических соревнований, таких как предметные олимпиады, в развитии экспертных знаний и инноваций среди будущих специалистов.

Introduction. The physiology of agricultural animals is a cornerstone discipline in animal science, providing the essential biological framework for all practices in modern livestock production. Understanding the intricate functions of digestive, circulatory, reproductive, and endocrine systems is not merely an academic exercise; it is a prerequisite for making informed decisions that affect animal health, welfare, productivity, and ultimately, the economic sustainability of farms and the security of the global food supply [1, p. 3]. The relevance of this field has intensified with the growing demands for increased production efficiency, heightened concerns for animal welfare, and the need to adapt animal husbandry to changing environmental conditions. The theoretical significance of this article lies in its systematic presentation of how core physiological principles underpin applied animal management. The practical value is demonstrated by linking physiological knowledge to tangible outcomes in breeding, nutrition, disease prevention, and stress reduction, thereby justifying its central place in agricultural education and professional development.

Main Part. At the heart of livestock productivity lies the efficiency of nutrient utilization, governed primarily by digestive physiology. Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, possess a complex forestomach system where microbial fermentation breaks down fibrous plant material. Understanding the dynamics of the rumen ecosystem—including pH balance, microbial populations, and volatile fatty acid production—is critical for formulating rations that maximize feed conversion, prevent disorders like acidosis or bloat, and reduce environmental methane emissions [2, p. 215]. In monogastric animals like pigs and poultry, the focus shifts to enzymatic digestion and intestinal absorption, requiring precise balancing of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for optimal growth and egg production. Reproductive physiology directly determines the expansion and genetic improvement of herds. Mastery of estrous cycles, ovulation, fertilization, gestation, and lactation enables the application of advanced technologies such as artificial insemination (AI), estrus synchronization, and embryo transfer. These technologies rely on a deep understanding of hormonal regulation via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Efficient reproductive management, informed by physiology, shortens calving intervals, increases litter sizes, and accelerates genetic gain, forming the backbone of profitable animal production [3, p. 112].

The endocrine system acts as the body's master regulatory network, integrating environmental cues with internal demands. Hormones like growth hormone, insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol regulate metabolism, growth, milk synthesis, and the stress response. For instance, chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol levels, which can suppress immune function, reduce growth rates, and impair reproduction. Therefore, housing, handling, and management practices must be designed with an understanding of stress physiology to safeguard animal welfare and productivity [4, p. 87].

Thermoregulation is another vital physiological domain, especially in the context of climate change. Livestock possess specific thermal neutral zones; deviations cause heat or cold stress. Heat stress in dairy cows, for example, leads to reduced feed intake, decreased milk yield, and altered milk composition. Physiological adaptations, such as panting and vasodilation, have metabolic costs. Knowledge of these mechanisms guides the design of barns with cooling systems, the development of heat-tolerant breeds, and adjustments in feeding schedules, all aimed at maintaining homeostasis and production under thermal challenge [5, p. 156].

The transition from physiological theory to farm-level application is facilitated by continuous monitoring and technologies collectively known as precision livestock farming (PLF). Sensors that track rumination activity, body temperature, heart rate, or walking patterns generate real-time data reflecting an animal's physiological state. Interpreting this data stream requires solid physiological knowledge to identify early signs of illness, estrus, or nutritional imbalance, enabling proactive intervention and moving animal management from a reactive to a predictive model [6, p. 301].

Despite its importance, the transfer of physiological knowledge faces challenges. The complexity of the subject can be daunting for students, and traditional curricula may struggle to bridge the gap between basic science and practical application. This is where extracurricular academic engagements like subject Olympiads prove invaluable. These competitions challenge participants to solve complex, integrated problems that require applying physiological principles to realistic scenarios in animal health, nutrition, and production. The process deepens conceptual understanding, sharpens analytical and problem-solving skills, and fosters a passion for animal science. Participation often serves as a powerful catalyst for students to pursue advanced studies and careers in veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, genetics, and biotechnology [7, p. 74].

Looking forward, the field of animal physiology is converging with genomics, proteomics, and data science. Understanding how genetic makeup (genotype) expresses itself in physiological function (phenotype) is key to precision breeding. Furthermore, nutrigenomics explores how dietary components interact with genes to influence metabolism and health. The future specialist will need a firm grasp of traditional physiology to meaningfully interpret and apply insights from these emerging, data-intensive fields, ensuring that technological advancements are grounded in biological reality.

Conclusion. In summary, the physiology of agricultural animals is an indispensable scientific foundation for the entire animal production sector. It provides the essential logic for management decisions affecting nutrition, reproduction, health, welfare, and environmental sustainability. From optimizing rumen function to managing heat stress and implementing precision livestock farming, every advance in efficient and ethical animal husbandry is rooted in a profound understanding of biological processes. Educational initiatives must, therefore, prioritize robust physiological training, utilizing both traditional and innovative teaching methods. Competitions such as subject Olympiads play a crucial role in this ecosystem by motivating students, testing applied knowledge, and cultivating the next generation of innovators who will tackle the grand challenges of feeding a growing population under resource constraints and climate uncertainty. Investing in physiological literacy is, ultimately, an investment in the resilience and future of global agriculture.

References

1. Reece, W.O., Erickson, H.H., Goff, J.P., Uemura, E.E. (Eds.). Dukes' Physiology of Domestic Animals. 13th ed. – John Wiley & Sons, 2015. – 1056 p.
2. Van Soest, P.J. Nutritional Ecology of the Ruminant. 2nd ed. – Cornell University Press, 1994. – 476 p.
3. Hafez, E.S.E., Hafez, B. (Eds.). Reproduction in Farm Animals. 7th ed. – Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000. – 509 p.
4. Moberg, G.P., Mench, J.A. (Eds.). The Biology of Animal Stress: Basic Principles and Implications for Animal Welfare. – CABI Publishing, 2000. – 360 p.
5. Collier, R.J., Gebremedhin, K.G. Thermal Biology of Domestic Animals. – Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 2015. – Vol. 3. – P. 513-532.
6. Berckmans, D. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF). – Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2017. – Vol. 142, Part B. – P. 1-4.
7. Klein, B.G. (Ed.). Cunningham's Textbook of Veterinary Physiology. 6th ed. – Elsevier, 2020. – 720 p.
8. Journal article submission requirements [Online resource] – https://adisteme.kz/trebovaniia-k-oformleniiu-stati.html