Having changed its name recently from AB Ireland to Target Genetics, the Irish-run business owned by Paddy Buckley provides advanced bovine reproductive and genetic services to cattle breeders across Ireland.
Through technologies including ovum pick-up (OPU), IVF and embryo transfer, the Cork-based company has been functioning for five years now, accelerating genetic improvement for both beef and dairy herds.
How it started
“We opened mid-pandemic, which posed its own issues. Originally it was supposed to be a pilot seasonal project, but it quickly became apparent there was a demand for our service,” Buckley recalls.
Since then, the business has grown steadily to over 750 clients, primarily in the Republic of Ireland. On the beef side of the house, the split is 60% pedigree and 40% commercial cattle. “Initially, there were misgivings about IVF from previous experiences and worries over conception rates. We have managed to allay those fears, but there will always be those that feel it’s not as good as conventional flushing, and we accept that. However, globally IVF has taken over from flushing and is now sitting at a ratio of 10:1 IVF embryos produced.”
According to Buckley, there has also been an increase in dairy clients in recent times. “There has been a steady increase in dairy interest over the last 18 months, in spite of an occasional misconception that the service isn’t available for dairy farmers.”
Over the past five years, they have collected from over 3,500 donor cows and are just about to cross over the 15,000-embryo mark.
Convenience
Buckley believes convenience is a major factor for their clients. “Young donors, pregnant donors up to 100-days in-calf and donors six weeks after calving are eligible for the system. There is far less handling of the donor and we can even collect from donors without hormones if the client wishes. No AI required, no heat detection and precision of the procedure timing means clients can get on with the day to day running of a farm.”
Target Genetics Lab in Co Cork. / Donal O' leary
“It also took us a few years to get to grips with how Irish breeders want to use embryo transfer. With lower transfer rates, we had to adapt to what we had used in other countries to suit what was required here in Ireland. The seasonality of the Irish system meant we needed to learn commercial versus pedigree demands, and how donors perform at different times of the year.”
“Recently, we adjusted our pricing system to remove release fees, reduce embryo transfer costs and give a per embryo pricing to allow clients freedom to move embryos as they wish.”
Champion cattle
Buckley has been fortunate enough to work with some of the top breeders in Ireland since he started, with cattle derived from the IVF process winning multiple national titles, including Tullamore, Balmoral and Royal Highland Show champions. There are also several bulls standing in AI which came through the system. “In a short space of time, IVF has left its mark, rescuing bloodlines for the future, as well as diversifying others,” said Buckley.
Paddy Buckley, managing director of Target Genetics.
The Winter Fair in Carrick-on-Shannon has seen some of the highest prices paid for cattle in Ireland in recent years. Several of these have been IVF derived, most notably Derrick Forde’s €30,000 heifer in 2024. “It’s always fantastic to see our clients winning shows and achieving high returns for their cattle. They put their faith in our services and it’s brilliant to see that paying off.”
In 2025, they bought out their partners AB Europe, which means the business is now 100% Irish owned and operated. “This has allowed us to explore other opportunities, the most important one of these being our collaboration with Trans Ova.”
Global leader
Trans Ova Genetics, a global leader in bovine reproductive technologies, recently announced its formal extension site collaboration with Target Genetics, supporting the establishment of advanced IVF laboratory capabilities in Ireland.
In this unique development, Target Genetics will implement IVF laboratory operations supported by Trans Ova Genetics’ proven protocols, proprietary IVF media and comprehensive training programs.
In a statement, chief operating officer at Trans Ova Genetics Katie Jauert Jess said: “Trans Ova Genetics has invested decades into refining IVF processes, laboratory standards and embryology protocols. This collaboration reflects how we approach global growth at Trans Ova Genetics.
“Our extension site model is designed to ensure consistency, quality, and integrity in IVF production, while empowering trusted partners to serve their local markets. By pairing Target Genetics’ regional expertise with Trans Ova’s training, media, and laboratory standards, we’re helping expand access to advanced reproductive technologies without compromising outcomes.”
Buckley believes the partnership is a game changer for Irish breeders. “Partnering with Trans Ova Genetics allows us to bring globally proven IVF systems and standards directly to producers here in Ireland.
“This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality IVF outcomes while continuing to operate locally and responsively for our clients.”
Future plans
A recent visit to Trans Ova’s headquarters in Iowa has left Buckley excited about the future of IVF in Ireland. “Trans Ova are widely recognised as leaders in IVF technology. This is a very exciting development for us, as it means we have access to world-class support and, combined with our knowledge of the Irish market, we feel it’s a game changer for cattle breeding here in Ireland.”
He also believes it has the potential to improve the efficiency of the national herd. “With an ever-increasing demand for more efficient cattle and tightening environmental constraint, IVF is the ideal tool to deliver on those issues, with the ability to rapidly develop chosen genetics.”
Carrickmore Vantheman ET, a son of Baileys Ice Princess, one of the company's most prolific donor cows. \ Alfie Shaw
In another development, breeders will be able to send their donor cows directly to Target Genetics for housing during the IVF process, later this year. “As well as this, we will also be opening in Northern Ireland in late May, offering options such as fresh transfer from IVF donors for Northern Irish breeders for the first time,” said Buckley.
Goodmove Usher ET was derived from the IVF process. \ Swarber Photography
Having changed its name recently from AB Ireland to Target Genetics, the Irish-run business owned by Paddy Buckley provides advanced bovine reproductive and genetic services to cattle breeders across Ireland.
Through technologies including ovum pick-up (OPU), IVF and embryo transfer, the Cork-based company has been functioning for five years now, accelerating genetic improvement for both beef and dairy herds.
How it started
“We opened mid-pandemic, which posed its own issues. Originally it was supposed to be a pilot seasonal project, but it quickly became apparent there was a demand for our service,” Buckley recalls.
Since then, the business has grown steadily to over 750 clients, primarily in the Republic of Ireland. On the beef side of the house, the split is 60% pedigree and 40% commercial cattle. “Initially, there were misgivings about IVF from previous experiences and worries over conception rates. We have managed to allay those fears, but there will always be those that feel it’s not as good as conventional flushing, and we accept that. However, globally IVF has taken over from flushing and is now sitting at a ratio of 10:1 IVF embryos produced.”
According to Buckley, there has also been an increase in dairy clients in recent times. “There has been a steady increase in dairy interest over the last 18 months, in spite of an occasional misconception that the service isn’t available for dairy farmers.”
Over the past five years, they have collected from over 3,500 donor cows and are just about to cross over the 15,000-embryo mark.
Convenience
Buckley believes convenience is a major factor for their clients. “Young donors, pregnant donors up to 100-days in-calf and donors six weeks after calving are eligible for the system. There is far less handling of the donor and we can even collect from donors without hormones if the client wishes. No AI required, no heat detection and precision of the procedure timing means clients can get on with the day to day running of a farm.”
Target Genetics Lab in Co Cork. / Donal O' leary
“It also took us a few years to get to grips with how Irish breeders want to use embryo transfer. With lower transfer rates, we had to adapt to what we had used in other countries to suit what was required here in Ireland. The seasonality of the Irish system meant we needed to learn commercial versus pedigree demands, and how donors perform at different times of the year.”
“Recently, we adjusted our pricing system to remove release fees, reduce embryo transfer costs and give a per embryo pricing to allow clients freedom to move embryos as they wish.”
Champion cattle
Buckley has been fortunate enough to work with some of the top breeders in Ireland since he started, with cattle derived from the IVF process winning multiple national titles, including Tullamore, Balmoral and Royal Highland Show champions. There are also several bulls standing in AI which came through the system. “In a short space of time, IVF has left its mark, rescuing bloodlines for the future, as well as diversifying others,” said Buckley.
Paddy Buckley, managing director of Target Genetics.
The Winter Fair in Carrick-on-Shannon has seen some of the highest prices paid for cattle in Ireland in recent years. Several of these have been IVF derived, most notably Derrick Forde’s €30,000 heifer in 2024. “It’s always fantastic to see our clients winning shows and achieving high returns for their cattle. They put their faith in our services and it’s brilliant to see that paying off.”
In 2025, they bought out their partners AB Europe, which means the business is now 100% Irish owned and operated. “This has allowed us to explore other opportunities, the most important one of these being our collaboration with Trans Ova.”
Global leader
Trans Ova Genetics, a global leader in bovine reproductive technologies, recently announced its formal extension site collaboration with Target Genetics, supporting the establishment of advanced IVF laboratory capabilities in Ireland.
In this unique development, Target Genetics will implement IVF laboratory operations supported by Trans Ova Genetics’ proven protocols, proprietary IVF media and comprehensive training programs.
In a statement, chief operating officer at Trans Ova Genetics Katie Jauert Jess said: “Trans Ova Genetics has invested decades into refining IVF processes, laboratory standards and embryology protocols. This collaboration reflects how we approach global growth at Trans Ova Genetics.
“Our extension site model is designed to ensure consistency, quality, and integrity in IVF production, while empowering trusted partners to serve their local markets. By pairing Target Genetics’ regional expertise with Trans Ova’s training, media, and laboratory standards, we’re helping expand access to advanced reproductive technologies without compromising outcomes.”
Buckley believes the partnership is a game changer for Irish breeders. “Partnering with Trans Ova Genetics allows us to bring globally proven IVF systems and standards directly to producers here in Ireland.
“This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality IVF outcomes while continuing to operate locally and responsively for our clients.”
Future plans
A recent visit to Trans Ova’s headquarters in Iowa has left Buckley excited about the future of IVF in Ireland. “Trans Ova are widely recognised as leaders in IVF technology. This is a very exciting development for us, as it means we have access to world-class support and, combined with our knowledge of the Irish market, we feel it’s a game changer for cattle breeding here in Ireland.”
He also believes it has the potential to improve the efficiency of the national herd. “With an ever-increasing demand for more efficient cattle and tightening environmental constraint, IVF is the ideal tool to deliver on those issues, with the ability to rapidly develop chosen genetics.”
Carrickmore Vantheman ET, a son of Baileys Ice Princess, one of the company's most prolific donor cows. \ Alfie Shaw
In another development, breeders will be able to send their donor cows directly to Target Genetics for housing during the IVF process, later this year. “As well as this, we will also be opening in Northern Ireland in late May, offering options such as fresh transfer from IVF donors for Northern Irish breeders for the first time,” said Buckley.
Goodmove Usher ET was derived from the IVF process. \ Swarber Photography
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