Dr Charlotte Martin has joined AI Services and Eurogene in a leadership role as veterinary officer to help drive continued growth and leadership in bull genetics and artificial insemination.

Stepping into the role this autumn, Martin hails from a pedigree Limousin farm in Dromara, Co Down.

Martin has described her new role as the link between the stock and the lab,working closely with livestock manager, James McClintock, who is in charge of the bulls, and Katie Gordon who assesses semen quality in the company laboratory.

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“Dairy genetics move very, very quickly. Our bulls begin their work at just one year old, as we continually stay ahead of the game, delivering the top genetics that farmers are looking for. I’ll be constantly reviewing their health and welfare or in the lab reviewing actual productivity," she said.

Bulls, Martin added, differ hugely in their personalities and behaviours.

"Some take to jumping quickly, some don’t. Some bulls can be jumped two or three times a week while others perform better just once a week.

"It’s all driven by data, and this shows up in the lab where we assess sperm viability. Of course, it’s very specific to that individual bull – would you believe that they even have favourite handlers? It’s about identifying those factors within our team, trying to work out what the bulls want so we can fit around them," she said.

AI Services is nearing completion of a state-of-the-art stud and semen handling facility, backed by a £3.5m investment programme, which will see farmers benefit from access to top-quality genetics and improved herd performance.

When asked to describe the difference between her new role as group veterinary officer and working in a busy veterinary practice, Martin responded: “In a busy practice you’re constantly fixing what’s broken, whereas here it’s proactive and production-led, so it’s very satisfying to be able to set goals and see them achieved. Ultimately, I’m part of a team that wants to help farmers be more productive and profitable…and I’m loving it.”

Education

Having graduated from Edinburgh University’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Martin joined the Jubilee Practice in Co Down, working there for four years.

“I loved the hands-on satisfaction of farm animal practice but along the way I realised that I wanted to hone in on genetics and reproduction, as I realised how much that can impact people’s herds and, ultimately, help farmers,” she said.

Martin knew from the age of four that she wanted to be a vet: “Dad let me help him lamb a ewe…he did the hard bit, set it up, and let me pull the lamb out…and from then, I said I’m going to be a vet.”