Founded in 2020 by CEO Maria Jensen and Chief Scientific Officer Nathalie Conte, Antler Bio is making waves in the AgriTech sector with its innovative solution, EpiHerd. This Finnish startup is leveraging gene expression data to help dairy farmers uncover and address hidden factors that may be limiting their herd’s potential.
Jensen, a seasoned Finnish entrepreneur, previously founded a company specializing in genetic analysis for elite racehorses, which she successfully sold to a leading Swedish breeder. Conte, on the other hand, brings over 25 years of experience in cancer genetics and bioinformatics, applying concepts from human health to the animal sector. Together, they combine their expertise in gene expression and data analytics to advance livestock farming through cutting-edge technology.
EpiHerd, Antler Bio’s flagship product, interprets how cows’ genes respond to various environmental stressors, nutritional factors, and health challenges. This information empowers farmers to make data-driven decisions that can lead to increased milk yield, improved animal welfare, and enhanced fertility, resilience, and longevity in their herds.
The company operates across several key European markets, including the UK, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, partnering with over 100 farms. The results have been impressive, with reported milk yield increases of up to 22%, a 6% rise in milk fat, and a 5% increase in milk protein. These improvements not only boost the quantity of milk produced but also enhance its quality and nutritional value. This enables farmers to command better prices while promoting the health and wellbeing of their cows.
Antler Bio’s holistic approach to dairy farming focuses on driving profitability alongside improved herd health. The company claims that farmers using EpiHerd see an average return on investment of more than 7:1. This significant ROI is a testament to the potential of gene expression technology in transforming dairy farming practices.
The implications of Antler Bio’s work extend beyond individual farms. By improving the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production, the company is contributing to the broader goal of ensuring food security and promoting responsible farming practices. As the global population continues to grow, innovative solutions like EpiHerd will play an increasingly crucial role in meeting the world’s nutritional needs.
Moreover, the success of Antler Bio highlights the potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration. By applying concepts from human health to animal farming, the company demonstrates how breakthroughs in one field can drive progress in another. This approach could inspire further innovation and cooperation across different sectors, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.