The current state of dairy farming in Russia

Milk is one of the main nutritional products for both humans and mammals, as it contains many important biologically active substances. The aim of the work was to assess the basic data on the current state of dairy farming in Russia in terms of productivity and composition of cows’ milk. It is positive that in 2025, the volume of raw milk production (VRP) in Russia amounted to ~34,1—34,3 million tons (5,6—5,8 % higher than in 2021) and has been steadily increasing over the past 20 years. Along with the growth of VRP in recent years, the share of three types of «dairy» farms: 1. Large Agricultural Organization (LAO); 2. Private Farms (PrFs); 3. Peasant Farms (PeFs) is also changing: 1. LAO — 63,8 % (56,2 %); 2. PrF — 28,4 %; (34,7 %); 3. PeF — 7,8 % (9,1 %) for 2025 (2021), i.e., LAO are regaining their leadership position against the backdrop of a decreasing share of PrFs and PeFs. In terms of total livestock numbers, the Black-and-White and Holstein breeds are clearly in the lead, followed in descending order by Simmental, Kholmogory, Red-and-White, Red Steppe, Ayrshire, Yaroslavl, and other breeds. The Holstein breed has the highest total milk yield per lactation, followed in descending order by Black-and-White, Yaroslavl, Ayrshire, Kholmogory, Red Steppe, Red-andWhite, and Simmental. The Simmental and Yaroslavl breeds shared first place in fat content (4.1%), followed in descending order (to 3,8 %) by Holstein, Red Pied, Red Steppe, Ayrshire, Black Pied, and Kholmogory breeds. The Simmental and Yaroslavl breeds shared first place in protein content (3,3 %), followed in descending order (to 3,1 %) by Black Pied, Red Pied, Red Steppe, Ayrshire, Holstein, and Kholmogory breeds.

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