A modern dairy farm is a complex biotechnical “man-machine-animal” system, where purposeful human activity concentrates mainly on the control of the “machine” and “animal” subsystems, thus making the whole system ergatic. Increasing the interaction effi ciency of machine subsystems with biological objects (animals) requires an in-depth study of the properties and characteristics of the latter, their behavior, adaptive and refl ex mechanisms that ensure the mutual adaptation of machine and biological subsystems. The paper considers general functionality of the “animal” subsystem, which includes lists of monitored parameters (functions) in pre-weaning, pre-lactation and lactation periods. In a similar way, functionals of the subsystems of the general musculoskeletal development of the animal’s body, respiratory and digestive organs, comfort of the habitat, development and control of the reproductive organs of lactating cows were obtained accompanied with a list of controlled functions and parameters. To carry out a set of research activities in this fi eld, FSAC VIM is planning to carry out a complex project that will increase the levels of automation, digitalization and intellectualization of animal husbandry, provide for comfortable environment, optimal rediced-impact service modes for animals and their extended productive longevity, increased quality of milk and autonomous functioning of individual local biotechnical subsystems.

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation has developed the national "Digital Agriculture" platform for digital state management of agriculture within the framework of the government-sponsored "Digital Agriculture" project. To digitalize livestock enterprises, it is necessary to provide conditions at the federal and regional levels, and develop regulatory and technical support for enterprises. A corresponding structural and functional model has been developed to take into account various levels of decision-making, regulatory documents, system products, as well as relevant hardware and software. The project flowchart and the structure of automated workstations for the chief specialists of the digital dairy farm have been developed. Livestock digitalization through the introduction of the developed technologies in FSAC VIM is expected to reduce the level of import dependence of the industry by 35...40%, improve the quality and quantity of products by 25...30%, maintain the health and productivity of animals by 15...20°%, increase productivity in key subsectors of livestock breeding in 1.5.. .2 times, and reduce production costs by 35...40%.

Two varieties of coffee, Arabica and Robusta, are currently produced on an industrial scale, the first one receiving the greatest popularity due to its taste characteristics. But climate change leads to a decrease in the yield of this coffee variety; therefore, agricultural producers are paying more and more attention to low-maintenance Robusta. Unfortunately, for its taste, Robusta cannot compete with Arabica when conventional technology is used. Thus, according to the SCA organoleptic assessment, the superiority of Arabica is in the range of 20...25°%, which prevents it from taking its rightful place in the market. Therefore, a new technology for processing coffee is currently being developed, consisting of the following stages. The first stage is harvesting based on the use of technical means adapted to collect ripe berries only. The second stage is multi-stage sorting to screen out defective berries and controlled fermentation. At the third stage, mechanical drying takes place for 10 hours, imitating natural sun drying conditions, and then the grain is sent to rest for a month in a reduced temperature mode. After that, roasting in optimal conditions and organoleptic evaluation are carried out to obtain the taste indicators of Arabica and Robusta ranging between 7.5% and 12.5%, which proves the effectiveness of the new technology. Since coffee roasting can be carried out extraterritorially, the priority is to preserve the grain quality during its transportation to the consumer. The preservation of the consumer qualities of coffee is more influenced by humidity and temperature controlled with single-use indicators, enabling to determine not only the kind of the impact on the product (humidity and moisture content), but also its duration with a preselected step. The use of the new technology for processing Robusta, together with tracking negative impacts during transportation, may lead to the formation of a special market segment.

The paper presents the results of long-term research on the oil productivity and chemical composition of soybean oil of the Northern ecotype varieties in the Central Non-Black Earth Region. The authors consider its possible use for biodiesel production. Experiments on growing soybeans were carried out on the experimental fi eld of Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (2008-2019) on recognized ultra-early ripening varieties of the Northern ecotype Mageva, Svetlaya, Okskaya (ripeness group 000). Tests were set and the research results were analyzed using standard approved methods. It has been shown that in conditions of high latitudes (57°N), limited thermal resources of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia (the sum of active temperatures of the growing season not exceeding 2000°С), the yield and productivity of soybeans depend on the variety and moisture supply. Over the years, the average yield of soybeans amounted to 1.94 … 2.62 t/ha, oil productivity – 388 … 544 kg/ha, oil content – 19…20%, the content of oleic and linoleic fatty acids in oil – 60%, and their output from seeds harvested – 300 kg/ha. It has been established that as soybean oil and diesel fuel have similar properties, they can be mixed by conventional methods in any proportions and form stable blends that can be stored for a long time. Experimental studies on the use of soybean oil for biodiesel production were carried out on a D-245 diesel engine (4 ChN11/12.5). The concentrations of toxic components (CO, CHx, and NOx) in the diesel exhaust gases were determined using the SAE-7532 gas analyzer. The smoke content of the exhaust gases was measured with an MK-3 Hartridge opacimeter. It has been experimentally established that the transfer of a diesel engine from diesel fuel to a blend of 80% diesel fuel and 20% lubrication oil leads to a change in the integral emissions per test cycle: nitrogen oxides in 0.81 times, carbon monoxide in 0.89 times and unburned hydrocarbons in 0.91 times, i.e. when biodiesel as used as a motor fuel in a serial diesel engine, emissions of all gaseous toxic components are reduced. The study has confi rmed the expediency of using soybeans of the Northern ecotype for biofuel production.

In the Moscoww region, frosts are quite probable to return until the first decade of June. To protect potatoes from the returning cold weather, it is possible to use a temporary covering material in the "planting - seedling emergence" period. The authors have studied the use of covering materials on early potato varieties of Udacha, Zhukovsky early, Red Scarlet, Snegir', and Meteor. Studies have been conducted on the test plot of the Vegetable Growing Department of Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy in 2017-2019. Non-woven white and black material of the same density of 17 g/m² was used for covering. No covering was used in the check variant. The cultivation technology was standard, it included tillage (plowing, spring tillage, and cutting ridges before planting), as well as plant care (inter-row cultivation and hilling-up). Planting was carried out with a single-row potato planter. The earliest emergence of seedlings was observed under white covering material with a difference of 5-6 days in relation to the check variant. In the variant with a black covering material, the difference averaged 3-4 days. Due to covering, planting was carried out earlier than expected and the crop was formed by July 15. The interphase period between potato planting and seddling emergence decreased, while that from seddling emergence to harvesting increased, consequently, the yield increased by 11.6.. .14.7%. The maximum yield was obtained with the Red Scarlet variety using the white covering material, the minimum - in the check variant without covering. The same trend is typical for other varieties. It has been established that covering with any material has a positive effect on the duration of the potato growing season and the yield by increasing the period of tuberization. Covering allows getting early potato varieties 2 weeks earlier in the Moscow region.

The paper considers the analysis of the market for garden equipment. The authors consider some information on garden equipment failures, using an example of Husqvarna trimmers. They also assess a possibility of using additive technologies to manufacture sliding bearings for mechanical drives of garden equipment. For testing the physical and mechanical properties, a batch of samples was prepared by means of 3D printing using FDM (FFF) technology. According to the ASTM D638-14 standard, samples were prepared on a PICASO 3D Desingner X Pro 3D printer. Samples were made of ABS-plastic and PA12 with different degrees of filling: 20, 50 and 100%. It is noted that the destruction pattern of samples made of different materials is significantly different. Samples made from ABS plastics are more fragile than samples made from PA12. According to the test results, PA12 with 100% filling have shown the best results, which makes them suitable for use in the manufacture of slide bearings by means of 3D printing.

In the repair industry, when restoring the operability of machinery and equipment by eliminating failures and extending operational life, discrepancies may occur resulting in internal losses detected during the testing phase of repaired machinery, equipment and units. When assessing internal losses from defects in repair production, it is advisable to apply the Pareto chart, which allows clearly detecting the main troubles, and, based on this, identify the causes of discrepancies and develop measures to reduce the risk of their further occurrence. The authors recommend applying two types of the Pareto chart: by the number of defects and by the cost of discrepancy. When applied during testing of repaired KAMAZ 6522 engines to assess internal losses resulting from faults, the Pareto chart identified the need to eliminate the cause of discrepancies in the oil supply mode to the valve rocker arm bearings, leaky nozzle seals in the cylinder heads and improper oil pressure in the lubrication system.

To determine effectiveness and feasibility of using an antifriction additive, the authors carried out comparative bench tests of an internal combustion engine VAZ-11194 No. 000094 of environmental class 5, with and without using an antifriction additive to Lukoil Genesis 5W-30 oil. The studies were carried out in accordance with GOST 14846 "Automotive Engines, Bench Test Methods", UN Regulation No. 49 (emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides with exhaust gases) and UN Regulation No.85 (performance indicators). During the tests, harmful substances with exhaust gases (CO, CH, NOx) emissions, engine power indicators and fuel consumption were evaluated. The tests were carried out according to presented method after 5, 50 and 100 hours of engine operation. The test results recorded an increase in power by 4.1%, in engine torque by 3.5...4.0% with a decrease in specific fuel consumption by 6...7% after 100 hours of engine operation with the use of an antifriction additive in engine oil. During the test period, harmful substances concentration in engine exhaust gases decreased: CO to 21.6%, CH to 18.3%, and NOx to 27.6%. A conclusion has been formulated on the effectiveness of using antifriction additives in terms of improving environmental, economic and power indicators of an internal combustion engine.

One of the promising methods of drying raw fruit and berry materials is the use of aerodynamic heating dryers that transform electric energy spent on a centrifugal fan drive into heat energy due to the mutual friction of air flows circulating in a closed chamber. To reduce the energy intensity of the drying process, the authors propose to utilize the heat of the used drying agent by equipping the dryer with a combined heat exchanger. To predict the thermotechnical characteristics of the combined heat exchanger depending on variable external factors, based on the heat balance equation, the authors determined the theoretical relationship between the drying agent temperature at the outlet of the combined heat exchanger and the dryer operating time. The presence of an air solar collector in the combined heat exchanger allowed increasing the temperature of the drying agent at the outlet by another 10°C without additional electric energy costs. A comparative analysis of the results of experimental and theoretical studies has shown their high convergence.

Ensuring food security and increasing exports of agricultural products requires high human resources engaged in agriculture. The heads of agricultural organizations, their deputies and chief specialists do not always meet the requirements for educational level and possession of managerial competencies; this problem is also relevant for heads of engineering services. On average, in the system of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, only 66% of chief engineers, technologists and power engineers have higher education, although, according to the requirements of professional standards, these positions can be occupied not only by university graduates, but also by masters and specialists. In all districts of our country, a shortage of personnel has been revealed. Still its degree is insignifi cant if we compare the number of graduates of the master’s degree programs and vacant postitions in organizations. However, an analysis of the staff structure in term of the appropriate level of education shows that even in three years universities will not be able to provide graduates to satisfy the labor needs of this market sector. Training of agricultural personnel is carried out in 54 universities subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. The number of graduates in the main agricultural areas and specialties amount to more than 19 thousand people, but there are only about 1.5 thousand graduates of the specialist and master’s degree who have the right to occupy managerial positions. In addition, according to the graduates themselves, they are not ready to occupy managerial positions. In the study process, about 3% of the curriculum provides for the development of managerial competencies. To form these competencies in the classroom, it is necessary to use teaching technologies making the student participate actively: the project method and contextual learning technology, “round table” discussions, conferences, etc. Based on the requirements of employers, it is necessary that a professional standard be developed to state the requirements for managerial positions in engineering services. This problem can be solved by implementing the professional standard “Management Expert at Farm-Related Enterprises”.

The paper discusses the organization features of training engineering MSc students for teaching and research activity. The authors have analyzed the historical and pedagogical aspects of the origin and development of master’s degree programs in Russia as one of the most important resources for providing the higher education system with teaching staff . The modern requirements of society for training university teaching staff in changing conditions and increasing their professional mobility are revealed. Training nonpedagogical MSc students for teaching and research activity at a university involves a pedagogical component in the teaching content structure, as exemplifi ed by “Fundamentals of Pedagogical Activity” or “Methods of Vocational Training” courses and teaching practice programs. Research conducted by the authors at the the Goryachkin Institute of Mechanical and Power Engineering at Russian Timiryazev State Agrarian University for three years, showed a high demand for lecturers with a master’s degree in modern technical universities, as well as high motivation of Msc students for teaching and research activity. The study involved 109 MSc students in the areas of training “Agroengineering”, “Heat Power Engineering and Heat Engineering”, “Electric Power Engineering and Electrical Engineering”. All the participants were taking a course of “Fundamentals of Pedagogical Activity” and having teaching practice at the university. As a result of the research, the authors have off ered some ways to solve the problem of training teaching staff with a master’s degree for technical universities. They include conducting fundamental research on the methodological issues of master’s degree training, considering past experience and modern trends; developing theoretical and applied issues of the master’s degree training content structure in order to increase the eff ectiveness of training programs, including the pedagogical component; identifying and implementing eff ective forms, models, and adaptive programs in the university study process to train MSc students for teaching and research activities and ensure their further professional development.

Based on experimental and theoretical studies, the authors determined the payback period for the construction of a greenhouse for utilizing slurry effluents from a milking parlor in growing flower crops. Complete utilization of 4.4 tons of slurry effluents per day produced on a farm for 640 cows requires a greenhouse for growing roses with an area of almost 0.6 hectares, which is comparable to the total area of cowsheds. The largest share in the cost of rose growing belongs to the cost of depreciation and electricity costs. Capital investments required for the construction of a cultivation facility amount to 98,612 thousand rubles, while the recovery period for these costs amounts to 8.9 years. When the milking parlor slurry is applied to the fields, it will be necessary to build approximately two plastic-covered lagoons to store the effluents for six months. The cost of capital investments for the construction of lagoons is almost 30 times less than that required for the construction of a cultivation facility. However, due to the low annual economic effect, the payback period increases sharply. The payback period of the disposal technology for slurry effluents from the milking parlor in case of the construction of a greenhouse and the cultivation of roses is 3.8 times less than the basic technology implying its storage and application to the fields. The high efficiency of introducing liquid manure from the milking parlor into cultivation facilities makes it suitable for the construction of greenhouses at dairy farms.