Over this period, the project achieved notable results in training and knowledge dissemination. In particular, 190 master’s students were involved in higher education programs, for whom new modules on livestock digitalization, animal welfare, and sustainable production have been introduced since 2024.
At the same time, continuous education systems were actively developed: 345 professionals participated in advanced training programs, 4 centers of excellence were established, and 8 training courses were piloted. The program also included close cooperation with farms, as well as additional events and webinars.
Student mobility became another important component: 12 open lectures were organized, 16 mobility programs were implemented between Ukrainian higher education institutions, and a summer school involving 69 students was held.
Particular attention was paid to stakeholder dialogue. SULAWE facilitated cooperation between educational institutions, businesses, associations, and international partners. As a result, recommendations for sustainable livestock development and animal welfare were developed, and contributions were made to the implementation of new legislation in this field.
The project also contributed to the development of a roadmap for implementing animal welfare principles in Ukraine for 2025–2027 and supported the introduction of innovative educational approaches.
Overall, SULAWE has become an important platform for sector transformation, bringing together education, science, and practice. The results achieved lay the groundwork for further implementation of European standards, development of professional competencies, and increased efficiency of livestock production in Ukraine.
The European Union Erasmus+ international technical assistance project “Sustainable Livestock Production and Animal Welfare” (SULAWE) brought together researchers from Ukrainian institutions (Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies Lviv, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Poltava State Agrarian University, Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, and the Scientific and Methodological Center for Higher and Pre-Higher Education) and European universities (Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and the University of Ljubljana), along with industry associations (Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders, Association of Milk Producers, TvarynProm).
During the implementation of the project in 2023–2025, representatives of the academic community and the livestock sector gained access to best European practices in training young specialists and improving the qualifications of livestock professionals.
The project is funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
