The dairy industry in Ireland is witnessing a transformative shift, particularly with the growing adoption of advanced breeding technologies that make choosing elite sexed dairy sires more achievable.

The recent opening of Ireland's largest purpose-built sexed semen laboratory at Dovea Genetics marks a significant milestone as extensive efforts are made to meet the demand for sexed semen.

Operated by Sexing Technologies, this state-of-the-art facility enhances the availability and quality of sexed semen, enabling dairy farmers to effectively breed elite females from their top-performing cows.

Dovea Genetics offer the most technologically advanced sexed semen product on the Irish market - Sexed ULTRA 4M.

As farmers increasingly adopt sexed semen, the objective is clear: to breed high-quality replacements that enhance herd performance and productivity.

Eoin Doorley, who is milking a 100-cow pedigree Holstein herd in Carrig, Birr, Co. Tipperary, exemplifies the benefits of sexed semen technology.

Utilising Sensehub collars for precise heat detection, Eoin uses Dovea Genetics sexed dairy sires to meet his breeding objectives, focusing on increasing milk solids while maintaining a robust, strong cow type.

Currently, Eoin’s herd achieves an impressive 540kg of milk solids, with plans for further enhancement through selective breeding.

Collaborating with Dovea Genetics’ sire advice expert, Michelle Egan, Eoin selects high Economic Breeding Index (EBI) sires tailored to his farm's specific goals.

Maiden heifers are bred with sexed semen to maximise genetic gain, while cows are mated with beef sires.

In 2024 a 55% conception rate was achieved to sexed semen on Eoin’s farm, despite the unfavourable weather conditions.

In Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, Victor Austin milks a herd of 90 high EBI cows, prioritising the selection of sires that enhance milk solids.

As he prepares for the breeding season, Victor works alongside Dovea sales representative and artificial insemination (AI) technician David Goulding to identify the most suitable sires.

In 2024, Victor achieved a notable 60% conception rate with sexed semen, resulting in 56 heifer calves and 4 bull calves.

All maiden heifers undergo a synchronisation programme, with sexed semen used for their first and second inseminations, while further repeat services are matched with easy calving, short gestation beef sires.

Victor sells dairy heifer calves annually and emphasises the importance of animal structure and functionality resulting in quality calves for sale.

Dovea Genetics place a significant emphasis on the pedigree and performance of their dairy sires.

By sourcing bulls from dams with 4% protein and focusing on functional, productive cows that excel in real-world conditions, Dovea Genetics ensure their sires are capable of producing efficient, profitable offspring.

The dams of the bull sires have been classified with many having achieved VG/EX ('very good' to 'excellent') classifications.

In summary, choosing Dovea Genetics’ market leading sexed dairy range is not merely a strategic breeding decision; it is an assured pathway to long-term success in dairy farming.

Through advanced technology and a commitment to quality, farmers can enhance their herd performance.

Dovea Genetics’ full sexed dairy range can be viewed in the Dovea Genetics 2025 Dairy Directory.