UK Agri-Tech Centres, biotechnology company and CIEL Member Antler Bio has secured a Smart Grant, awarded by Innovate UK, to support the next stage of development of a precision herd screening tool for the dairy sector.

Using epigenomics and sophisticated data analysis, the innovative technology will help UK farmers unlock new gains in productivity, health and sustainability in dairy herds.

Informed by the genetic data provided by the platform, farmers will be able to alter factors within their control, such as rations or housing environment, which in turn has the potential to lead to improved productivity. CIEL’s role is to support Antler Bio ‘stress test’ the technology, working with farmers and industry to develop a user-friendly digital platform and take the technology from concept into practical use.

Commenting on the grant award, Nikki Dalby of CIEL says this technology would support UK dairy farmers in addressing the challenges ahead…Read more