Exploring Gene Expression as a Practical Tool for Dairy Herd Health
At Friars Moor Livestock Health, we’re always looking for tools that genuinely add value on farm, not just in research settings, but in the real, day-to-day work of managing dairy herds. This year, we’re part of a new Innovate UK ADOPT funded project asking a straightforward question: could gene expression data become a useful addition to practical herd health management?
The aim isn’t to chase headline results. It’s to understand whether this type of information can help identify pressure points earlier, and support better, more informed decision-making at farm level.
What the project Is looking at
Unlocking Dairy Potential: Gene Expression and Environmental Management in Practice is a two-year study examining how environmental and management factors influence cow performance at a biological level.
Using blood samples taken at selected points throughout the year, gene expression patterns are analysed to show how cows are responding to nutrition, housing, stress and general management. Crucially, this is different from genetic testing — gene expression reflects what is happening in the current environment, not long-term breeding potential. It’s a snapshot of how the animal is coping right now.
The core questions we’re trying to answer are:
Technology Partner: Antler Bio and the EpiHerd Platform
The project is being delivered in collaboration with Antler Bio, whose EpiHerd AI platform brings together gene expression data with environmental and management information. Within this project, the platform is being used as a decision support tool — allowing gene expression outputs to be viewed alongside existing herd records, rather than in isolation.
A key part of the work is assessing how clearly this information can be interpreted in practice, and how well it fits into day-to-day herd health conversations between farmers and vets.
Why we’re starting on vet-owned farms
The farms taking part are dairy units owned by vets and directors within our own practice. That’s a deliberate choice.
Working in herds we know well, where health history, management decisions and welfare standards are already well understood, means we can test gene expression data and AI-generated insights under close veterinary oversight. We can challenge outputs, question assumptions and ensure recommendations align with good veterinary practice before considering how the approach might translate more widely.
When trialling technologies that make recommendations about livestock management, that level of scrutiny matters.
Our role in the project
As the veterinary partner, FMLH is responsible for coordinating sampling and timelines, reviewing results alongside existing herd data, ensuring animal welfare remains central throughout, and translating findings into realistic, practical management discussions. We’re also responsible for sense-checking AI outputs from a veterinary perspective – an important safeguard as these tools develop.
Sharing what we learn
Knowledge sharing is a core requirement of the Innovate UK ADOPT programme, and it’s central to how this project has been designed from the outset. Throughout the project, we’ll be sharing regular updates here on our website and in our newsletters, supporting farmer discussion events, and feeding learning into vet and client conversations as it emerges.
We’ll be open about both the positives and the limitations. The aim is balanced, practical insight – not promotion – so farmers can judge for themselves whether this kind of approach could be relevant to their own herds.
Looking Ahead
The project runs until February 2028. Like most on-farm innovation, its value will come from gradual, honest learning rather than dramatic findings.
By combining well-known farm systems, independent veterinary oversight and a commitment to open reporting, we hope to build an evidence base that helps farmers engage with emerging technologies with confidence and clarity.
We’ll continue to share updates as the project progresses, and we’re always happy to talk with anyone interested in how gene expression data might complement their current herd health approach.
About the ADOPT Grant
This project is funded through the Innovate UK ADOPT programme, which supports farmer-led, on-farm trials of new technologies and management approaches. The scheme is open to farmers, growers and foresters across England, with additional support available for those new to Innovate UK funding. More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found at farminginnovation.ukri.org/adopt.
