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About Weatherbys

Two female scientists in white lab coats operating and discussing data on a laboratory machine screen.

           We are a world-renowned genomic laboratory committed to working collaboratively with our partners across Australia and New Zealand.

We value our relationships and are committed to advancing our technology and deepening engagement with industry stakeholders.

Our vision is to bring the best technology and products to Australian and New Zealand producers and empower them with cutting-edge genomic services to enhance the health, productivity and sustainability of their livestock

Our Journey

Our family-owned company dates back to 1770, showing our commitment to innovation, evolution and excellence. Our genomics journey started in 1985 and since then we have achieved significant technical milestones to arrive where we are today – a global leader in an exciting and dynamic field.

We are an institutional member of the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) and accredited by the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR). We are also approved with Propel certification by Illumina and have been selected as an Illumina Beta testing laboratory for new technologies. 

1985
Commencing testing

We commenced parentage testing of thoroughbred horses using blood typing technology, and established operations at a facility on the same site as the Irish Equine Centre in Johnstown, County Kildare, Ireland. 

2000
Expanding services

The technology for parentage verification changed to Microsatellite DNA markers. We started offering parentage testing services for other species including bovine, ovine, canine, companion and exotics.

2010
Building our reputation

Our laboratory commenced cattle genotyping using SNP technology. The team quickly developed a reputation for service and versatility and genotyped cattle using the Illumina 7k low density SNP chip.

2012
Developing partnerships

The beginning of our renowned partnership with Irish Cattle Breeders Federation (ICBF). Through a collaborative a research project, we developed a customised SNP chip (IDB) for dairy and beef breeds, genotyping 25,000 cattle/week (the largest program of its type in the world).

2018
Expanding to Australia

We started providing our leading DNA testing, genomics and bioinformatics services to livestock industries in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, thanks to a partnership with the University of Adelaide and facilitated by the South Australian State Government.

2022
Partnering with UK Kennel Club

We announced a long-term strategic partnership with the UK Kennel club to provide comprehensive DNA testing services developed to improve and protect dog health, and to promote responsible dog breeding.

2023
Ovine 60K SNP chip released to market

Building upon our Ovine 50K SNP chip the Ovine 60K introduced an additional 10,000 SNPs that were deemed informative by the Sheep CRC to Australian Merino Populations. Their inclusion helps to improve the accuracy of ASBVs.

2025
Launching a new Bovine 85K SNP chip

We launched our new Bovine Versa 85K SNP chip in Australia and New Zealand, providing 85,000 data points for a genetic ‘map’ that is more detailed, more accurate and the key to insights that drive more confident herd management decisions.

Accreditations

We participate in numerous international committees and steering groups, helping to guide and evaluate technologies and innovations to ensure they are regulated, proven, and effective.

Our scientific approach aligns with regulatory standards, and our work in internationally recognised breeding programs in multiple countries is transferable and adaptable.

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ICAR Accreditation Certificate – DNA Data Interpretation
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INAB Schedule of Accreditation
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INAB Accreditation Certificate
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ISAG Certificate of Participation – SNP DNA Typing
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ISAG Certificate of Participation – Bovine STR Typing
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ISAG Certificate of Participation – Equine STR Typing
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ICAR Accreditation Certificate – SNP genotyping

Team

Michael-John Barry
Business Development Manager
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Tamarah Luxton
Territory Manager
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Sharon O’Regan
General Manager
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Paul Flynn
Head of Research and Development
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Martin De Groot
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Donagh Berry
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Dorrian Garrick
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