The main zootechnician of the economy from the Vitebsk region - about the profession, the development of the industry and production technology

Working in agriculture is not just about performing professional duties. It is love of work and native land. When the job description hides an important mission - to feed the country. To such an understanding of rural labor came the chief zootechnician of the SE "State Farm named after P. M. Masherov" Sennensky district Elena Staravotova, relying on his 14-year experience, the experience of mothers and grandmothers who all his life worked in animal husbandry. This rule is invariable for all generations of the labor dynasty, the only difference is that modern technologies radically change the face of the Belarusian agro-industrial complex on the ground.

We meet with Elena Staravoitova in a new dispensary for 280 calves. The object was built literally in the summer, since October, the first newcomers have been living in a warm house. The company began construction with its own funds, part of the work was carried out by the household method. The state helped to complete a strategically important facility for the economy. Comfort and quality maintenance for calves in the first two months of life are the foundation for the development of livestock and economic indicators in the future. The Chief Zootechnician shares his professional opinion:

- A large-scale program to build modern calf dispensaries across the country shows that the state sees the urgent problem in animal husbandry and helps solve it on the ground. Previously, we had small wooden calves, which were scattered in five places and morally obsolete. Compliance with strict technology in such conditions is almost impossible, even with the golden hands of workers.

In the new dispensary, specialists control ventilation, temperature, indoor lighting, volumes and temperature of fed food, use a milk taxi. The necessary conditions have been created to preserve the calf and grow a productive animal out of it, says Elena Staravoitova: When the task is to increase the production of milk, meat and ensure food security of the country, it is impossible to work in the old-fashioned way. The basis of changes – and this is constantly emphasized by the President – is the modernization of agricultural facilities and technological discipline. The Chief Zootechnician gives examples before and after, which took place before her eyes and with her participation:

- When she came to the farm as a young specialist, the farms of post-war construction prevailed. Roughly speaking, old sheds, where almost everything is manual. The labor costs were crazy. To fulfill the tasks set before us by the state allows us to avoid everything ineffective. Today, the main resources are focused on process automation and production technology, which should not be in theory, but in daily practice. We brought together people who understand this and are ready to work for the result. So at one time, by joint efforts, we solved the problem of disposing of unproductive livestock. Today, the safety of livestock reaches 98-99 percent. The average daily yield per cow has grown noticeably, the average daily weight gain of calves has almost doubled. We see where and how to move forward.

Approaches to the diet of cattle have also changed. Added flattened grain of corn — technology state farm named after Masherov began to master this year. And this is another component of effective livestock breeding, says Elena Staravoitova:

- Balance corn with protein correctly - we get an excellent energy, milk feed. The quality of feed depends on the health of the animal, its productivity and, as a result, the economy of the enterprise.

For Elena, there are no trifles in production technology, everything must work in practice. For example, if the farm has a drancher - a device for drinking calves, then every breeder should be able to use it, she is sure.

- Together with veterinarians, she trained workers to solder calves using the device, the specialist says. Sometimes you have to convince calves, livestock breeders that the new is for the better. I tell the girls: we try, learn and apply. And they're doing it! Then they are happy, because it is easier to work in a new way.

Demanding for yourself and others, understanding the specifics of the industry and love for the profession quickly paved the way for Elena Staravoitova on the career ladder at her home company. Just worked on the distribution - got promoted to the main zootechnics. There were times when I wanted to quit, especially at first. To my question, Elena shares: I have been on farms since childhood. She was born in an ordinary village family, where her parents and grandmothers worked in agriculture. Plus, they kept a few cows and other animals at home. It's a natural environment for me. That's why I came here to work, fixed. The industry is complicated. But if you understand it, you really love your business, then everything is solved. This profession for me is more than just working out my time. ryzhkova@sb.by