Dairy Breeding Programme
Exceptional genetics, proven performance, unmatched peace of mind.
Dairy Breeding Programme
Solnua is the breeding programme of Munster Bovine and Progressive Genetics.
Together, our combined scale enables us to deliver unrivalled access to the very best genetics, trusted breeding advice, and proven results for Irish farmers. For over 20 years, we’ve been delivering Ireland’s leading genetics to farmers in Ireland and through Solnua, these genetics are now available in select global markets.
Ireland leads the world in genetic data.
From 700,000 Genotypes to the Chosen Few
Each year, over 700,000 calves are genotyped, creating the largest grass-based database of its kind. This depth of information gives Solnua unrivalled power to identify and select the very best sires for Irish and international farmers.
From within this national pool, Solnua receives and reviews more than 90,000 male genomic results annually. Every one is analysed by our geneticists and sire analysts against the traits that matter on farm — production, fertility, health, carbon, calving, efficiency, and conformation.
The numbers
Selection Intensity That Reduces Farmer Risk
- 700,000 calves are genotyped
- 90,00 male genomic results are analysed by geneticists and sire analysts
- 500 calves and their dams are visually inspected.
- 100 calves are purchased for rearing and undergo health and performance testing.
- Only 50 enter the stud for semen production.
- In the end, just 35–40 elite sires are proven and released each year.
Rigorous validation
Proven, Tested, Trusted
Every sire goes through rigorous validation:
- Lab and field fertility trials confirm semen quality and conception rates.
- On-farm progeny testing monitors calving ease, gestation length, mortality, and performance.
- Only sires that deliver consistently in the field are released for wider use.
Real difference
Genetics That Work for You
Because we are farmers too, our focus is on breeding genetics that make a real difference on your farm:
- Tailored to every system — whether you’re System 1, 2, 3, or 4.
- Future-proof traits — A2A2 sires across systems, plus a strong TB Index for resilience.
- Expert advice — our breeding advisors ensure the right match of genetics and management for your herd.
Ireland’s Economic Breeding Index
EBI Explained Simply
What is EBI?
Ireland’s Economic Breeding Index — It is the profit measure that combines fertility, milk, solids, calving, health, and carbon into one score.
Why does it matter?
Because it puts money in your pocket and helps you to put a monetary value of the genetic gain of your herd. Using Solnua Sires, herds advance twice as fast when compared to the national average.
So what does that mean for you
- Faster herd improvement.
- Higher returns.
- Lower risk.
EBI is the simplest way to measure the value our genetics deliver.
Components of EBI
- Production – milk, fat and protein yields for higher solids and value.
- Fertility – cows that go back in calf quickly, keeping calving intervals tight.
- Carbon – genetics that reduce emissions per kg of milk solids.
- Beef – added value in calf quality and carcass traits from the dairy herd.
- Health – lower somatic cell count, stronger immunity, fewer problems.
- Calving – easier calvings and shorter gestations for smoother herd management.
Trust
Why Farmers Trust Us
- Predictability – Our genetics deliver the outcomes you’re promised.
- Diversity – A broad panel for every herd type and breeding goal.
- Quality you can trust – Only the highest fertility bulls are advanced to sexed semen.
- Breeding advice + genetics – A complete solution, backed by expert advisors.
- Sustainability – Breeding higher-EBI cows is one of the lowest-cost, most impactful ways to cut emissions and unlock co-op and Department sustainability bonuses.
- Globally respected – Ireland’s grass-based genetics are sought after worldwide for their efficiency, resilience, and climate-smart advantage. This is what makes Irish genetics the benchmark for Breeding Better Futures.
Proof in Numbers – Driving Genetic Gain Twice as Fast
Our results speak for themselves. The Proof in Numbers infographic from Dynamo
highlights how Solnua’s breeding programme delivers measurable genetic progress
year after year — faster herd improvement, stronger fertility, and sustainable
performance across every system.
Scale makes the difference
At Solnua, scale makes the difference. With access to almost the entire national herd, we can apply unrivalled selection intensity and only field the very best. That’s why farmers can trust the predictability of our genetics on every farm, in every system. At the end of the day, it’s not just about breeding bulls — it’s about Breeding Better Futures for farmers, families, and the industry.
Eddie Barrett, Dairy Breeding Programme Manager
Every farm is different.
Our Systems Approach – Genetics Matched to Your Farm
Every farm is different. That’s why Solnua takes a systems approach — matching the right genetics to the way you farm.
The best outcomes start with two things: the right genetics and the right advice. Our breeding advisors listen first, then recommend the bulls that will deliver for your system.
| Trait | Solnua System 1 | Solnua System 2 | Solnua System 3 | Solnua System 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Mature Lactation (Litres) | 4,500 | 6,000 | 7,500 | 9,000+ |
| Fat & Protein (kg) | 500 | 550 | 600 | – |
| Average Cow Weight (kg) | 500 | 550 | 600 | 700 |
| Calving Interval (days) | 365 | 365 | 365 | 410 |
| No. of Lactations | 5+ | 5+ | 5+ | – |
| System Focus | Solids per hectare, compact cows, minimal supplementation | Balanced performer – strong solids and fertility with moderate supplementation | Milk & beef value – balance of volume and solids, moderate supplementation | High output – maximise litres per cow, larger frame, higher feed intake |
Our Promise
We don’t just breed bulls — we breed confidence. With Solnua genetics and advice, you’ll have the right bull for your herd, your system, and your future.
Breeding Better Futures.