In the summer of 2024, Dúnmasc Genetics reached a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of service to Irish agriculture.

What began as a specialist offering in embryo transfer and training has now grown into one of the most innovative and farmer-focused bovine genetics companies in the country.

Founder and CEO, Stephen Dowling said: "When I started Dúnmasc Genetics, my goal was to give Irish farmers real tools to take control of their breeding programmes.

Over the years, Dúnmasc has worked closely with Irish farmers and breeders to help develop exceptional genetic lines.

The business quickly expanded to offer hands-on training in artificial insemination (AI) and ultrasonography courses.

"That built our base of knowledge and gave us credibility," Dowling explained. "It gave us the expertise we rely on to this day."

Initially focused on DIY (do-it-yourself) AI, Dúnmasc's training offering has since grown into a fully-fledged development pathway. Today, farmers can upskill for their own herds or launch new careers in agriculture.

"Our ultrasound scanning programme now includes six practical modules, each designed to build both theoretical and hands-on skills," Dowling added.

"These are all very practical, farmer-focused courses that speak the language of Irish agriculture."

The global health pandemic in 2020 was a turning point. With global shipping in chaos, Dúnmasc shifted its focus more towards the Irish dairy and beef sector in Ireland.

But it wasn’t just about importing straws. Dúnmasc identified a clear gap in the market; many desirable bulls simply were not available to Irish farmers through traditional channels.

"We saw a need to widen the gene pool and give farmers access to bulls they couldn’t otherwise get."

By 2024, Dúnmasc was purchasing elite Irish-bred bulls directly from farms across the country.

Many beef and dairy bulls have been sourced in the past 18 months alone. "These are bulls bred by Irish farmers, for Irish conditions," Dowling added.

Dúnmasc Genetics is proud to deliver both conventional and sexed semen of the highest quality.

Through its partnership with ST Genetics, it produces UltraPlus sexed semen in state-of-the-art ST Genetics laboratories, ensuring optimal fertility, purity, and consistency.

"Our focus is on bringing top-tier technology and performance-driven genetics to Irish farmers," Dowling explained.

Dúnmasc is offering these sires free of Intellectual Property (IP) contracts. "Farmers who use our bulls will have full ownership of the progeny born — both bulls and heifers — including the IP rights.

"We’re not looking to impose any IP restrictions this spring on our elite Irish dairy or beef sires. It’s about working with the national herd to create a genuine offering that delivers value and choice," Dowling said.

Hillsdale Vancouver (FR1792)

EBI 312- fertility 131 - milk SI 125 - CFP +39kg - maintenance +7;
Dam: 7,370kg milk, 5.23% fat, 3.72% protein (Lac 2);

Performance summary of Vancouver’s dam

This outstanding cow has shown strong performance in both volume and solids:

Milk yield: Climbed from 5,831kg to 7,370kg within one lactation;
Solids: Peaked at 659kg combined fat and protein, with 5.23% fat and 3.72% protein;
SCC: Excellent average in the 30s, indicating great udder health;
Lactation length: Averaging just under 300 days.

Coolnaclehy Wolverine SRM (FR1795)

EBI 334 - fertility 151 - milk SI 109 - carbon 22 - maintenance +32;
Dam: Seven lactations with over 500kg solids consistently and low SCC.

Performance summary of Wolverine’s dam – Coolnaclehy Yad Monica

This outstanding cow has shown strong performance in both volume and solids:

Milk yield: Averaged over 6,000kg, peaking at 6,573kg in 2022;
Solids: Peaked at 588kg combined fat and protein, consistently exceeding 500kg in six of seven lactations;
Component percentages: Maintained high milk quality with 4.71% fat and 4.24% protein at peak;
SCC: Excellent udder health, with somatic cell counts ranging from 35 to 111;
Lactation length: Averaging between 258 and 297 days.

Coolnaclehy Yad Monica is a durable, high-solids cow with exceptional consistency - a true foundation behind Wolverine’s elite profile.

Googie 2 (FR1798) – 100% British Friesian

EBI 264 - fertility 123 - milk SI 41 - fat +0.06% - protein +0.06%;
Dam: Barrowvale Debbie 28 (GP84), strong year-on-year performance.

Performance summary of Googie 2’s dam:

Milk yield: From 5,951kg to 7,144kg (2022–2024);
Solids: 566kg CFP, with 4.26% fat and 3.66% protein;
SCC: Dropped from 126 to 43;
Lactation length: Averaged over 310 days.

Leevally Frog (FR1801)

Milk SI 115 - fat +0.34 - protein +0.27% - CFP 29kg - fertility 112.

Performance summary of Leevally Frog’s dam:

Milk yield: Peaked at 7,954kg in 2024;
Solids: 698kg CFP, with 4.90% fat and 3.87% protein;
SCC: 26 and 24 in early lactations; slight rise in year three;
Lactation length: Averaged 302 days.

Carrigmeal Loughiehow Bill SRM (FR1774)

EBI 33 - milk SI 108 - fertility 136 0- fat +0.34% - protein +0.21% - CFP +30kg;
Grand dam: 7,423kg milk, 582kg solids.

These bulls are part of a growing portfolio built specifically for Irish systems, whether you operate a low-input grazing herd, a medium-input hybrid system, or a high-input performance focused setup, Dúnmasc Genetics has sires to suit.

"Our vision is clear - we want to keep creating opportunity through training, genetics, and innovation," Dowling explained.

Alongside its genetics programme, Dúnmasc provides reproductive and animal health support. It has invested in a dedicated veterinary team to help farmers maximise pregnancy rates this spring and beyond.

"We're here to help farmers succeed," Dowling added. "With the right tools, the right support, and the right genetics, we believe Irish farming has a very bright future."

Interested in genetics or training this spring?

If you would like to discuss any of the bulls in more detail or explore upcoming training opportunities, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Dúnmasc Genetics office or speak with a member of the breeding advisor team.

Dúnmasc staff are available to help farmers this spring — whether it’s selecting the right sire or building new on-farm skills.

Kevin Smiddy, breeding advisor (Munster) 085 1751733 [email protected]Sean Callan, breeding advisor (North East) 085 1657588 [email protected]Lydia Inglis, breeding advisor (North West) 085 1608981 [email protected]David Rose, sire analyst (South East) 085 140522 [email protected]

Leanne McNamara, veterinary manager 085 1608849 [email protected]Chloe Wynne, veterinary nurse 085 1818916 [email protected]