Science & Sustainability
At SOLNUA, Science is more than a foundation
In breeding, some factors are beyond anyone’s control — weather, market prices, global shifts. That’s why we focus on the factors we can control.
- Our team brings together world-class geneticists, scientists, veterinarians, and skilled stockmen and women — all with an unrivalled cattle sense. After all, we are farmers too
- Bull selection – Only the most elite, genomically superior sires with clean health tests enter our program.
- Rigorous semen standards – Ejaculates are tested for volume and concentration before sperm cells are assessed for motility, viability and morphology. These checks are done at pre-freeze, post-thaw 0hr and 2hr (stress-test) stages.
- Precision in every straw – Each straw is sealed, fully filled, legible, traceable, and diluted to exact specification, with over 20 quality assurance checks from lab to field.
- Data-driven improvement – Field fertility results on pregnancy rates and calving data as well as dairy and carcass data — integrated into Ireland’s national ICBF cattle breeding database, strengthening every generation and keep our bulls top in all tables.
Our research and development work is conducted in collaboration and partnerships with leading universities — such as University of Limerick, University of Galway, South East Technological University, and Queen’s University Belfast — giving us access to the latest Science and talent.
“Science is progress and progress is change” and innovation through change is what drives the continuous improvement.
Proof in Every Straw
- In every straw of semen lies the technology, expertise, and precision to transform your herd’s profitability
- 20+ quality checks per straw – Predictable fertility, every time.
- 100% traceability – Confidence from bull to farm.
- Only the elite progress – Genomically tested, health checked, proven on farm.
- 1 million new records each year – Data that strengthens every generation.
- Collaborating for better outcomes – With the voice of the farmer our shareholders Munster Bovine and Progressive Genetics. Collaborating with Irish Industry, ICBF, Teagasc, DAFM, Co-ops, Processors, and Universities.
Fresh Semen – Unique to Ireland
We’re the only provider in Ireland producing fresh semen for AI.
By reducing the number of sperm cells per dose, we can triple the number of doses per bull, improving efficiency without compromising fertility.
Technicians love the convenience, including liquid nitrogen handling. This reduces storage requirements, transport complexity, and waste — contributing to lower resource use while keeping results high, making this the most sustainable product in the market globally.
For more information and availability of Fresh Semen in Ireland contact your local Munster Bovine and Progressive Genetics Advisor. Note: Fresh Semen is subject to availability.
Sustainability in Action
- For us, sustainability isn’t a separate goal — it’s built into every breeding decision. Higher fertility rates, healthier calves, and more efficient animals mean fewer emissions per litre of milk or kilo of beef, alongside stronger results for farmers.
- Ireland’s Food Vision 2030 and Climate Action Plan 2025 set ambitious targets: agriculture must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030, while enhancing biodiversity and remaining competitive. Genetics has a central role to play. By breeding more fertile, efficient, and climate-friendly cattle, Solnua supports farmers in meeting these targets while also qualifying for Department of Agriculture, Co-op and Processors sustainability schemes.
- Breeding higher-EBI animals is one of the most effective, lowest-cost ways to cut emissions and improve farm performance. Progress here directly supports carbon efficiency, animal welfare, and profitability — the measures that matter most to farmers and to Ireland’s sustainability goals.
- The growth of dairy-beef makes this even more important. Solnua sires deliver calves of real value: better returns for dairy farmers and animals that thrive for beef farmers.
- By delivering semen that is predictable, high-performing, and designed for grass-based farming, we help farmers meet their targets for carbon reduction, calf welfare, and profitability.
- This is genetics that works — in the field, today, and for the future.