Galloway cow defies the odds with four live calves
A pedigree Galloway cow has stunned breeders by giving birth to four healthy calves – three bulls and a heifer – in what could be a remarkable first for the historic breed.
Political of Balgray, Scotland, delivered the naturally conceived quadruplets on September 1, 2026 with all four calves reported to be alive, strong and doing well.
Quadruplet births are exceptionally rare in cattle and according to the Galloway Cattle Society it is not aware of another recorded case of a pedigree Galloway cow producing four live calves at a single calving.
Bred in the renowned Balgray herd, she is by Troloss Impeccable, out of Penninghame Union.
She was sold for 6,000gns at the Balgray dispersal sale in October 2025 to Dexter and Carolyn Logan and has since continued to shine.
This includes standing second in the cow class at the 2026 Royal Highland Show.
According to the Galloway Cattle Society the arrival of the quadruplets is even more remarkable is that Political was given just one opportunity with the bull during a 48-hour period and was never seen to return.
The sire of all four calves is Kirkstead Fugative, who was loaned to Dexter and Carolyn Logan by his owner, Richard Nixon, last year.
She was subsequently halter trained and shown throughout the summer with her heifer calf at foot – with no indication that she was carrying four new lives inside her.
When the time came, Political calved outside and completely unassisted, safely delivering three bull calves and a heifer.
‘Extraordinary’
Dorothy Goldie, secretary of Galloway Cattle Society said: “Four live, naturally conceived calves from one Galloway cow is quite extraordinary.
“We are not aware of another recorded case, but before claiming a breed first we would love to hear from Galloway breeders around the world who may know otherwise.
“Most importantly, Political and all four calves are strong and doing well.
Goldie described the timing as "special", as the Galloway Cattle Society celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2027.
She added that, after almost a century and a half of recording and promoting the breed, it would be “remarkable” to have a potential breed first on the eve of the anniversary milestone.
The society would like to hear from anyone who can provide documented evidence of a previous set of Galloway quadruplets, either in the UK or elsewhere in the world.
