Economic efficiency of preservation and utilisation of livestock products in the agrarian sector of the economy

Elmira Kuzenbayeva, Gulnara Tuleshova
Download article Read article

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways of increasing the economic efficiency of agricultural production by improving the systems of preservation and rational use of livestock products. The methodological framework of the study included a comprehensive approach, as well as the analysis of statistical data, structural-dynamic and comparative analysis, and elements of system and factor analysis. Gross output of livestock production in Kazakhstan increased from KZT 2,066.4 bn in 2015 to KZT 3,012.5 bn in 2023. Therewith, the number of cattle increased from 6.18 mn heads in 2015 to 7.98 mn heads in 2024, while the number of horses more than doubled from 2.07 mn heads to 4.35 mn heads over the same period. The analysis results showed that despite the steady growth in herd numbers and gross output, the efficiency of conservation is still at an average level. This is related to the deterioration of refrigeration infrastructure, poor development of the cold chain, lack of qualified personnel, insufficient digitalisation of logistics processes, and specific climatic features of the regions. Milk production volumes have almost halved. Losses at the storage and transport stages are also reflected in the decline in egg production from 5.59 bn eggs in 2018 to 4.48 bn in 2024. The study substantiated those investments in the modernisation of storage infrastructure, digitalisation of logistics, and development of deep processing are not excessive costs, but a tool to optimise the production process and increase the sustainability of agribusiness. The following strategic development areas were also proposed: development of agro-industrial clusters, development of cooperation, improvement of personnel skills, expansion of state support, and introduction of environmentally sustainable technologies. It was concluded that increasing the level of safety of livestock production in Kazakhstan can not only reduce losses, but also increase the profitability of farms, strengthen the food security of the country, and its export potential

Keywords

storage infrastructure; logistical constraints; digitalisation; climatic conditions; quality control

  1. 42 farms of Zhambyl region teamed up into a dairy cluster. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://kazakhstan.dairycongress.org/news/2016/eng/article_7.
  2. Aknar PF. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aknar-pf.kz/?mode=viewcat&id=19&lang=ru.
  3. Alhassan, A.-R., & Akudugu, M.A. (2020). Commodity clusters, arenas, linkages and business models. In Supply chain management in African agriculture: Innovative approaches to commodity value chains (pp. 37-71). Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-54209-2_3.
  4. Alibekov, R.S., Alibekova, Z.I., Bakhtybekova, A.R., Taip, F.S., Urazbayeva, K.A., & Kobzhasarova, Z.I. (2024). Review of the slaughter wastes and the meat by-products recycling opportunities. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, article number 1410640. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2024.1410640.
  5. Bhatti, U.A., Bhatti, M.A., Tang, H., Syam, M.S., Awwad, E.M., Sharaf, M., & Ghadi, Y.Y. (2024). Global production patterns: Understanding the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture greening and climate variability. Environmental Research, 245, article number 118049. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118049.
  6. BIO Intelligence Service for the Global Food Cold. (2015). Assessing the potential of the cold chain sector to reduce GHG emissions through food loss and waste reduction. Retrieved from https://www.corporate.carrier.com/Images/Global-Food-Cold-Chain-GHG-Emissions-Study_v2_tcm558-77711.pdf?utm.
  7. Bogoyavlenskiy, A., Alexyuk, M., Alexyuk, P., Amanbayeva, M., Anarkulova, E., Imangazy, A., Bektuganova, A., & Berezin, V. (2022). Metagenomic exploration of koumiss from Kazakhstan. Microbiology Resource Announcements, 11(1), article number e01082-21. doi: 10.1128/mra.01082-21.
  8. Bureau of National Statistics. (n.d.). Statistics of industrial production. Retrieved from https://stat.gov.kz/en/industries/business-statistics/stat-industrial-production/.
  9. Casino, F., Kanakaris, V., Dasaklis, T.K., Moschuris, S., Stachtiaris, S., Pagoni, M., & Rachaniotis, N.P. (2021). Blockchain-based food supply chain traceability: A case study in the dairy sector. International Journal of Production Research, 59(19), 5758-5770. doi: 10.1080/00207543.2020.1789238.
  10. Chukwu, O.A., & Adibe, M. (2022). Quality assessment of cold chain storage facilities for regulatory and quality management compliance in a developing country context. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 37(2), 930-943. doi: 10.1002/hpm.3385.
  11. Construction of a deep meat processing complex worth 7.7 billion tenge has begun in eastern Kazakhstan. (2025). Retrieved from https://apk-news.kz/news/item-5372?utm.
  12. Danchuk, V., Comi, A., Weiß, C., & Svatko, V. (2023). The optimization of cargo delivery processes with dynamic route updates in smart logistics. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 2(3(122)), 64-73. doi: 10.15587/1729-4061.2023.277583.
  13. Dayıoğlu, M.A., & Turker, U. (2021). Digital transformation for sustainable future-agriculture 4.0: A review. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 27(4), 373-399. doi: 10.15832/ankutbd.986431.
  14. Espolov, T., Espolov, A., Tireuov, K., Zharylkassyn, Z., Keneyev, M., & Suleimenov, Z. (2020). Supply chain logistics in agricultural sector-assessing opportunities for competitiveness increase. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 9(2), 745-752.
  15. Fadzli, M.A.F.M., & Nawawi, S.W.B. (2024). Automated storage and retrieval system for warehouse. ELEKTRIKA-Journal of Electrical Engineering, 23(1), 88-95. doi: 10.11113/elektrika.v23n1.471.
  16. Focker, M., & van der Fels-Klerx, H.J. (2020). Economics applied to food safety. Current Opinion in Food Science, 36, 18-23. doi: 10.1016/j.cofs.2020.10.018.
  17. Gabdualiyeva, R., Melekova, A., Jakupova, A., & Bazarova, B. (2024). Digitalization of the agricultural sector in Kazakhstan. BIO Web of Conferences, 82, article number 05038. doi: 10.1051/bioconf/20248205038.
  18. García-Díez, J., Saraiva, S., Moura, D., Grispoldi, L., Cenci-Goga, B.T., & Saraiva, C. (2023). The importance of the slaughterhouse in surveilling animal and public health: A systematic review. Veterinary Sciences, 10(2), article number 167. doi: 10.3390/vetsci10020167.
  19. George, A.S., & George, A.S.H. (2023). Optimizing poultry production through advanced monitoring and control systems. Partners Universal International Innovation Journal, 1(5), 77-97. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.10050352.
  20. How can sustainable food cold chains help feed developing countries? (2022). Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/11/sustainable-food-cold-chains-feed-developing-countries/?utm.
  21. Improving the quality of life in rural areas: The project “Aul – El besigi” will cover 80% of all rural residents by 2025. (2019). Retrieved from https://primeminister.kz/ru/povishenie-kachestva-zhizni-na-sele-proektom-auil-el-besigi-do-2025-goda-budut-ohvacheni-80-vseh-selskih-zhitelei.
  22. Kandeepan, G., & Tahseen, A. (2022). Modified atmosphere packaging (map) of meat and meat products: A review. Journal of Packaging Technology and Research, 6(3), 137-148. doi: 10.1007/s41783-022-00139-2.
  23. Kazakhstan intensively introducing modern digital solutions in agricultural sector. (2025). Retrieved from https://primeminister.kz/en/news/kazakhstan-intensively-introducing-modern-digital-solutions-in-agricultural-sector-29669?utm.
  24. Kazakhstan: Sustainable livestock development program for results. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/kazakhstan/brief/sustainable-livestock-development-program-for-results?utm.
  25. Kazhymurat, A., Uazhanova, R., Tlevlessova, D., Zhexenbay, N., Tungyshbayeva, U., & Mannino, S. (2021). Optimization of the HACCP safety control system for collagen hydrolysate production by implementing the FMEA model. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 2(11(110)), 50-60. doi: 10.15587/1729-4061.2021.230318.
  26. Khanna, M. (2021). Digital transformation of the agricultural sector: Pathways, drivers and policy implications. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 43(4), 1221-1242. doi: 10.1002/aepp.13103.
  27. Lainawa, J., Lumy, T.F.D., & Endoh, E.K.M. (2024). Strategic management of livestock-based integrated farming system with zero waste (LEISA) agriculture principle in North Minahasa regency. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1341, article number 012098. doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/1341/1/012098.
  28. Leah, D., Pașcalău, R., Șmuleac, L., Stanciu, S.M., Mergheș, P., Ahmadi-Khoie, M., Șmuleac, A., & Orghici, G. (2023). Challenges and new trends in rural modern cattle farms. Research Journal of Agricultural Science, 55(2), 114-120.
  29. Mamenko, O., Portiannyk, S., & Prusova, G. (2024). Prerequisites for innovative development of livestock and agriculture through the integration of agricultural production and environmental safety. Ukrainian Black Sea Region Agrarian Science, 28(3), 19-31. doi: 10.56407/bs.agrarian/3.2024.19.
  30. Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (n.d.). Documents. Retrieved from https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/moa/documents/1?lang=ru.
  31. Munro, W., & Schurman, R. (2022). Building an ideational and institutional architecture for Africa’s agricultural transformation. African Studies Review, 65(1), 16-40. doi: 10.1017/asr.2021.82.
  32. Nayak, A., & Bagchi, K.K. (2022). Agricultural marketing infrastructure in West Bengal with special reference to cold storage facility. Indian Journal of Agricultural Marketing, 36(1), 181-196. doi: 10.5958/2456-8716.2022.00013.6.
  33. Neethirajan, S. (2020). The role of sensors, big data and machine learning in modern animal farming. Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research, 29, article number 100367. doi: 10.1016/j.sbsr.2020.100367.
  34. Order of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 3-4/617 “On Approval of Standards for Natural Loss, Shrinkage, Shaking, Spoilage of Agricultural Products and Products of Their Processing”. (2014, November). Retrieved from https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/V14F0010017?utm.
  35. Perdana, T., Tjahjono, B., Kusnandar, K., Sanjaya, S., Wardhana, D., & Hermiatin, F.R. (2023). Fresh agricultural product logistics network governance: Insights from small-holder farms in a developing country. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 26(12), 1761-1784. doi: 10.1080/13675567.2022.2107625.
  36. Perkumienė, D., Ratautaitė, K., & Pranskūnienė, R. (2022). Innovative solutions and challenges for the improvement of storage processes. Sustainability, 14(17), article number 10616. doi: 10.3390/su141710616.
  37. Qian, J., Wu, Z., Zhu, Y., & Liu, C. (2022). One Health: A holistic approach for food safety in livestock. Science in One Health, 1, article number 100015. doi: 10.1016/j.soh.2023.100015.
  38. SAP S/4HANA migration for Eurasia Group Kazakhstan. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://leverx.com/case-studies/eurasia-group?utm.
  39. Sattarov, K., Eshmurodov, D., Mamatkulova, M., Julbekov, I., & Kharsika, I. (2025). The impact of active packaging and nanocoatings on the safety and shelf life of dairy products. Animal Science and Food Technology, 16(2), 110-128. doi: 10.31548/animal.2.2025.110.
  40. Sekaran, U., Lai, L., Ussiri, D.A.N., Kumar, S., & Clay, S. (2021). Role of integrated crop-livestock systems in improving agriculture production and addressing food security – a review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 5, article number 100190. doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2021.100190.
  41. Shepherd, M., Turner, J.A., Small, B., & Wheeler, D. (2018). Priorities for science to overcome hurdles thwarting the full promise of the “digital agriculture” revolution. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 100(14), 5083-5092. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.9346.
  42. Syzdykova, M. (2024). Climate change and its impact on agriculture in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.inform.kz/ru/klimaticheskie-izmeneniya-i-ih-vozdeystvie-na-selskoe-hozyaystvo-kazahstana-304236?utm.
  43. Taifouris, M., & Martín, M. (2022). Integrating intensive livestock and cropping systems: Sustainable design and location. Agricultural Systems, 203, article number 103517. doi: 10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103517.
  44. Twilley, N. (2022). Africa’s cold rush and the promise of refrigeration. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/08/22/africas-cold-rush-and-the-promise-of-refrigeration?utm.
  45. Uazhanova, R., Moldakhmetova, Z., Tungyshbayeva, U., Izteliyeva, R., Amanova, S., Baimakhanov, G., Seksenbay, S., & Sabraly, S. (2024). Ensuring quality and safety in the production and storage of poultry meat. Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, 22(5), 1271-1277. doi: 10.22124/cjes.2024.8342.
  46. Ufua, D.E., Salau, O.P., Saleem, O., Ogbari, M.E., Osibanjo, A.O., Osabuohien, E., & Adeniji, A.A. (2022). Systems approach to address human resource issues: A case in a commercial livestock farm in Southern Nigeria. SAGE Open, 12(2). doi: 10.1177/21582440221093370.
  47. Vovkotrub, V., Kołacz, R., Iakubchak, O., Vovkotrub, N., & Shevchenko, L. (2024). Effect of lactic acid bacteria ferment cultures on pork freshness. Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 15(1), 48-65. doi: 10.31548/veterinary1.2024.48.
  48. Wang, D., Li, R., Gao, G., Jiakula, N., Toktarbek, S., Li, S., Ma, P., & Feng, Y. (2022). Impact of climate change on food security in Kazakhstan. Agriculture, 12(8), article number 1087. doi: 10.3390/agriculture12081087.
  49. Wróbel-Jędrzejewska, M., & Polak, E. (2021). The operation analysis of the innovative mainbox food storage device. Applied Sciences, 11(16), article number 7682. doi: 10.3390/app11167682.
  50. Zhaiyk Et. (n.d.). About the company. Retrieved from https://al-aziza.kz/about.
  51. Zhang, L., Zhang, M., & Mujumdar, A.S. (2021). Technological innovations or advancement in detecting frozen and thawed meat quality: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(11), 1483-1499. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1964434.
Kuzenbayeva, E., & Tuleshova, G. (2025). Economic efficiency of preservation and utilisation of livestock products in the agrarian sector of the economy. Scientific Horizons, 28(8), 192-205. https://doi.org/10.48077/scihor8.2025.192