Genocells launches autumn special offer

Genocells allows dairy farmers to determine individual cow somatic cell counts using a single bulk tank milk sample.

In April 2025, Munster Bovine and Progressive Genetics, in association with ICBF, launched the ground-breaking Genocells technology exclusively to the Irish market. Genocells allows dairy farmers to determine individual cow somatic cell counts using a single bulk tank milk sample.

This autumn, Munster Bovine is delighted to announce a special offer for dairy farmers: Genocells testing at just €2.00 per cow, reduced from the usual €3.00. This limited-time promotion (valid until Monday, December 1st, 2025) is the perfect opportunity for herds already milk recording to experience the benefits of Genocells at a great price. To avail of the offer, simply call 022 43228 and book your test today.

Conor O’Brien, a dairy farmer from Loughrea, Co Galway, was one of 85 herds involved in a Genocells pilot programme.

The value of Genocells has already been proven in trials with Irish farmers. Conor O’Brien, a dairy farmer from Loughrea, Co Galway, was one of 85 herds involved in a Genocells pilot programme. “Genocells is very simple, very straightforward. You just take a sample from the bulk tank, agitate it, post it away, and the information you get back is invaluable,” Conor explained. Conor now plans to integrate Genocells into his testing schedule, giving him greater confidence when making herd health decisions.

All cows have their own unique DNA sequence.

Somatic cells contain individual cows’ DNA. Somatic cells are the only thing in the milk that contain DNA.

Genocells works by extracting the DNA from the somatic cells in the milk and comparing the genotype of this extracted DNA to the recorded genotype of the cows contributing milk to the bulk tank.

As somatic cells are the only milk components that contain DNA, the % of DNA that each cow contributes to the overall DNA volume in the bulk tank is equivalent to the % somatic cells that each cow contributes to bulk tank SCC. This is known as % cellular responsibility.

Individual somatic cell counts are then calculated using the % cellular responsibility, the % of the milk volume that the cow contributed to the tank (calculated using milk recording yields) and the bulk tank SCC result. Genocells SCC results will be reported using bands (0-50,51-199,200-249,250-499,500-999,1000+).

Genocells works by extracting DNA from somatic cells in the milk and comparing it with the genotypes of cows contributing to the bulk tank.

This extra layer of data equips farmers with more information points during the year, especially when approaching Selective Dry Cow Therapy. By identifying high-risk cows before dry-off, Genocells supports better decision-making on treatments and long-term cow retention.

To benefit from Genocells, herds must meet a few requirements:

• All cows must be genotyped to ensure accuracy.
• Herds must be members of ICBF HerdPlus and use the free HerdPlus app.
• Farmers must complete four milk recordings annually, with the first recording finished before a Genocells test can take place.

This extra layer of data equips farmers with more information points during the year, especially when approaching Selective Dry Cow Therapy.

Genocells has also been named a finalist in the Innovation Arena at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. This prestigious competition highlights cutting-edge technologies that are driving Irish agriculture forward, and Genocells is proud to stand alongside the best in the sector.

Don’t miss out on the chance to try Genocells this autumn at the special price of €2.00 per cow. Contact the team today on 022 43228 or visit  munsterbovine.ie/genocells and discover how Genocells can help make more informed SCC decisions for your herd.