Founded in 2020, Antler Bio is a pioneering biotech SME headquartered in Dublin, with operations in the UK and Finland. With a growing team of 16 employees, the company is reshaping livestock productivity and sustainability through its flagship innovation: EpiHerd.
EpiHerd is the world’s first epigenomic testing platform for dairy cows. Unlike traditional genetic testing, EpiHerd provides a deeper understanding by examining how genes are expressed in response to diet and environment. Through a simple blood test, farmers receive actionable insights on how to optimise herd health, productivity and welfare while reducing environmental impact.
Originally proven in the equine sector on Standardbred racehorses, Antler Bio quickly recognised the potential to apply its technology to livestock, starting with the dairy industry, where improved productivity and sustainability are high priorities. However, entering a traditional farming sector with a novel, complex technology presented a significant challenge.
Path to commercialisation
In 2021, Antler Bio partnered with the UK Agri-Tech Centre to accelerate its entry into the livestock market. This collaboration provided:
- Sector insights – Understanding the needs of UK farmers, the challenges facing the industry and where commercial opportunities lay.
- Funding support – Guidance in securing an Innovate UK Smart Grant, enabling the company to demonstrate proof of concept in dairy cattle.
- Industry validation – Practical advice on pricing, user experience and data presentation to ensure the technology was accessible and relevant for farmers.
With this foundation, EpiHerd advanced rapidly from concept formulation (technology-readiness level 2-3) to testing and demonstrating (technology-readiness level 6-7). By 2023, the technology was soft-launched commercially and is now used by over 100 farms, primarily in Northern Europe, with growing adoption in the UK.
The results from early adopters included:
- Up to 22% increase in milk yield
- Up to 6% increase in milk fat
- Up to 5% increase in milk protein within six months
This measurable impact on productivity and profitability has helped Antler Bio secure private investment, raising £650k in 2023 and a further £3.25m in 2025.
The power of collaboration
Antler Bio’s journey highlights how collaboration can turn scientific innovation into commercial success. Through collaboration with the UK Agri-Tech Centre, they were able to bridge the gap between breakthrough biotechnology and the realities of farming. From grant applications and market insights to introductions across the agriculture ecosystem, our support was described as “instrumental in the early days” of Antler Bio’s growth.
As a result, Antler Bio has grown from a three-person start-up into a successful, revenue-generating business with a rapidly scaling product. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand EpiHerd to new species and explore opportunities with feed producers, veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies, unlocking even greater value from the epigenomic data it collects.
Thanks to its strong foundations and strategic collaborations, the company is well on its way to transforming livestock farming for a more productive, profitable and sustainable future.
