Dr. Charlotte Martin Joins AI Services & Eurogene as Group Veterinary Officer
Dairy genetics move very, very quickly. That was one of the reasons why Dr Charlotte Martin was attracted to the post of Group Veterinary Officer for Ai Services & Eurogene.
Stepping into the role this autumn Charlotte, herself a pedigree Limousin breeder, is revelling in what she calls the ‘teamness’ of her work in Ireland’s largest bull stud and lab facility at Ballycraigy, County Antrim.
From a farming background in Dromara, she 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”.
After achieving her goal at Edinburgh University’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, she joined the well-known Jubilee Practice in County 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.
“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.
“Bulls 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.”
Ai Services is nearing completion of a state-of-the-art stud and semen handling facility, backed by a £3.5 million investment programme, which will see farmers benefit from access to top-quality genetics and improved herd performance.
Charlotte looks forward to its official opening in 2026: “We’re already seeing the benefits of the stud as the bulls are in a very comfortable, relaxed environment where they can see each other, which has really helped. And our new lab facilities will be incredible – I’d call it game changing – particularly with the addition of the sexed semen technology. It’s an exciting time to be playing an integral role in the company’s development.”
Working with the senior leadership team, Charlotte will help drive continued growth and leadership in bull genetics and artificial insemination.
