Discover more about Antler Bio
Antler Bio uses Epigenomics and AI to help understand why genetically similar cows may vary in productivity, health and sustainability. It challenges the conventional belief that an animal’s traits and performance are solely determined by its genetics and instead, focuses on how active those genetics are and how they interact with the environment. It allows a farmer to optimise a herds’ diet, habitat, husbandry, and health for each individual animal.
“Putting it simply, the technology helps the farmer find out what’s really going on at cow level. It’s a way to look inside the cow. She can tell the producer what she actually needs in order to be healthier, more productive and more sustainable.”
The innovation is particularly significant because it moves beyond traditional genomics to understand how environmental factors actively influence gene expression, providing farmers with actionable insights to improve the health of the herd whilst increasing milk yield, and ultimately, boosting herd profitability. It also helps make dairy farming more sustainable and can play a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In more detail
Antler Bio’s journey began in 2017, sparked by the founders addressing a key question from equine breeders: why do genetically similar horses perform so differently? Their research shifted from static genetic testing to gene expression. This breakthrough approach uncovered new biomarkers that explained performance differences.
The innovation comes from measuring the holistic influence of external factors, such as suboptimal living conditions or imperfect diets – a multitude of factors which would be difficult or impossible to measure routinely in detail. Antler Bio’s tech can see how these factors affect the activity of vital genes, and monitor this over time for individual animals. Specific plans are produced for each herd to optimise their health and wellbeing, as well as their performance. The plans highlight biological ‘pinch points’ and offer scientifically-supported recommendations, plus a tick box so the whole team can ‘mark’ that a particular issue has been addressed.
A short history of Antler Bio
2017 Initial research conducted with equine breeders
2020 Antler Bio incorporated to translate research to production animals.
2020 Pre-seed funding round closed.
2021 Antler Bio awarded an Innovate UK Smart grant to translate technology from equine to bovine
2022 Successful proof of concept in dairy cattle
2023 First dairy farm case studies showing the ability of EpiHerd to increase animal health, performance and sustainability
2023 £650k Bridge funding round closed, led by the Nest Family Office.
2023 Antler Bio awarded an Innovate UK ‘Better Food for All’ grant to enhance the nutritional quality and nationwide health benefits of cow’s milk
2024 Antler Bio established a lab at Rothamsted Enterprises
2024 Antler Bio awarded a Defra/Innovate UK Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D grant to expand EpiHerd to youngstock
2025 £3.25m Seed funding round closed, led by The First Thirty, Endgame Capital & Generation-Re.
Why Rothamsted ?
“One of the most rewarding aspects of being at Rothamsted is their ecosystem. We’re able to tap into so much knowledge, support, experience and opportunity.”
Antler Bio benefits from
| Lab & Office Space |
A purpose-built innovation lab for research and for storing samples.
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| Kit |
Access to scientific services in particular to expensive but necessary equipment such as a freeze dryer.
Also the ability to capture blood samples and access methane data capture from cattle thanks to the North Wyke farm platform. |
| Location |
A good centralised site with easy access to London and Luton airport.
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| Collaboration |
Funding opportunities such as access to BBSRC grants and in particular, a BBSRC Innovation Grant.
Support from a fantastic team at Rothamsted, offering dedicated support with our innovation activities.
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| Opportunities |
The Rothamsted ecosystem with the ability to meet funders and learn about opportunities for investment and to further our research. |
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