Catapult Genetics
closedLivestock DNA testing for meat quality improvement.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
$2.0m | Late VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Catapult Genetics Pty., Ltd. specialized in the development and commercialization of livestock DNA tests and gene markers designed to enhance profitability and quality in the global food chain. The company provided DNA testing technologies for sheep and cattle, focusing on traits such as meat and carcass quality, production efficiency, and feed efficiency. Its product portfolio included offerings like GeneSTAR for quality grade, the SureTRAK DNA verification system, and the SireTRACE parentage identification system.
The company was formed in December 2006 through a merger between Catapult Systems of New Zealand, which specialized in sheep technologies, and Genetic Solutions of Australia, which focused on cattle technologies. The co-founders were Gerard Davis and Jay Hetzel. This merger created a business with operations based in Brisbane, Australia, and Dunedin, New Zealand, combining complementary research, development, and international distribution networks across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, South Africa, and the Americas. Shareholders included the founders, AgResearch, CSIRO, Kestrel Capital's Nanyang Innovation Fund, and Meat & Wool New Zealand.
In March 2008, Catapult Genetics was acquired by Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis), along with its U.S. distributor, Bovigen, LLC. The acquisition was a strategic move by Pfizer to take a leading position in livestock gene marker research and development, aiming to offer more comprehensive solutions to global livestock producers. At the time of the acquisition, Catapult Genetics had established itself as a key player in applying genomic technologies to improve decision-making in livestock breeding and value chains.
Keywords: livestock genomics, DNA testing, cattle genetics, sheep genetics, meat quality, gene markers, animal breeding, agricultural biotechnology, production efficiency, carcass quality, SireTRACE, GeneSTAR, SureTRAK, genetic solutions, animal health, food traceability, agtech, livestock management, molecular diagnostics