On May 7, 2025, an online meeting of the Council of the Association of Brown Cattle Breeders of Ukraine was held with the participation of Sumy National Agrarian University (SNAU). The event brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, livestock technologists, and international colleagues to discuss pressing issues in breeding, genetic research, dual education, and preparations for the upcoming conference dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the official recognition of the Lebedyn cattle breed.
The online meeting was conducted via Zoom. Among the participants were members of the Association, Ukrainian researchers, business representatives, and partners from abroad.
The meeting was opened by Anatolii Klymenko, Head of the Association, who highlighted the historical development of the Brown cattle breed at the “Yekaterynoslavsky” livestock complex (Dnipropetrovsk region). He emphasized the use of bull semen with the A2A2 genotype and the sale of pedigree heifers. Anatolii also noted the enterprise’s openness to student collaboration — currently, five SNAU students are undergoing internships at the facility within the dual education framework.
Dr. Yurii Skliarenko, PhD in Agricultural Sciences and Associate Professor of the Department of Genetics, Breeding, and Biotechnology of Animals, shared insights into the history and current state of the Lebedyn breed and the joint FAO–SNAU project. In accordance with FAO recommendations, researchers from the Faculty of Biology and Technology conducted phenotypic assessments of 80 animals in farms and the private sector, analyzed milk quality indicators, and began collecting biological samples for further genetic research. Dr. Skliarenko also invited all interested parties to the scientific-practical conference celebrating the 75th anniversary of the breed’s recognition, scheduled for June 2025.
Oleksandr Tymchenko, Chief Technologist of the “Vitaliya” Farm Enterprise, presented the work of his farm, which recently passed inspection to obtain pedigree breeder status for the Swiss cattle breed.
Hanna Perekrestova, PhD in Agricultural Sciences and Chief Technologist of the “Yekaterynoslavsky” livestock complex, spoke about breeding practices, particularly focusing on the selection of dams for future breeding bulls.
Dr. Johann Ertl, Head of the Institute of Animal Husbandry in Bavaria, presented a report titled “Genomic Selection in Brown Swiss: Breeding, Genetics, Economics.”
Frank Stumpengusen, CEO of GGI-SPERMEX GmbH, discussed cattle genetics as an investment in the future, emphasizing the importance of developing a farm’s own pedigree base as a key to long-term success.
We sincerely thank all colleagues and partners for their active participation and meaningful dialogue.
We look forward to continued fruitful cooperation for the development of dairy farming and the preservation of valuable cattle genetics in Ukraine.
