2026 Royal Dairy Innovation Award finalist Antler Bio are launching their cutting-edge epigenetics tool EpiHerd to delegates at Dairy-Tech this year.

Recognised by the award scheme for its novel use of gene expression analysis, EpiHerd identifies why cows can perform very differently under the same management system, even if they have similar genetics.

The tool measures how cows' genes are being affected by external factors like nutrition, housing and management. It does this by translating complex biological data collected via blood samples, creating clear, farm-specific recommendations that farmers can act on immediately to unlock performance, improve herd health and boost profitability.

EpiHerd has been independently validated in collaboration with the University of Nottingham. It is being used successfully by more than 100 Finnish dairy farms and now being adopted on UK dairy farms.

Farmers using EpiHerd typically see a return on investment of more than 7:1 through optimisation of inputs and improved herd health, fertility, yield and efficiency. 

To celebrate their first time at the show, Antler Bio is offering stand visitors the chance to win a free EpiHerd package worth £4,000. 

Chief operations officer Andrew Lessey will also deliver a presentation about EpiHerd during the Dairy Game Changers session at 10am in the Innovation Hub. 

 "Being named a finalist in the Royal Dairy Innovation Awards is a strong endorsement of not only the science behind EpiHerd, but also its practical value on farm and relevance to the sector's challenges," Andrew says. "Our team are thrilled to be recognised at Dairy-Tech amongst some of the biggest leaders in British dairying.

"Our focus has always been on giving farmers practical insights they can use straight away and helping them improve the profitability and resilience of their existing cows, even in challenging market conditions. We believe EpiHerd will help top-performing dairy farmers, who are already highly efficient, take their businesses to the next level."

For more information about EpiHerd, please visit www.antlerbio.com or email Antler Bio at info@antlerbio.com.