2024 Calving Data: Building on Success for a Strong 2025 Season

The 2025 calving season is here, and we’re excited to share our 2024 calving data collected from our Multiplier herds. These herds meticulously record numerous traits throughout their lifetime, including several key traits at calving. Among the data collected are calving ease scores, birth weights, and teat and udder scores for cows.

Thanks to this wealth of data, we can analyse average performance results from a breed-wide perspective, helping us identify areas for continued improvement. That said, we’re already very pleased with our calving statistics.

Stabiliser herds continue to deliver outstanding performance, reaffirming their status as the top choice for a stress-free, profitable operation. We’re eager to share our impressive 2024 calving ease scores and take a closer look at how we’re consistently breeding easy-calving cows.

Photo Credit: Chfarm_Stabilisercattle

calving data - 2024 Calving Ease Scores:

One of the standout results from our 2024 data is the exceptionally low number of assisted calvings recorded across our registrations. We use a widely recognised UK scoring system to assess calving ease, and the results speak for themselves:

Score 1 (Unassisted calving): 97.2%
Score 2 (Easy pull): 1.6%
Score 3 (Hard pull): 1.1%
Score 4 (Vet assistance): 0.1%
Score 5 (Caesarean section): 0.0%

This means that almost every cow calved on her own, with no caesareans required—an outstanding achievement that highlights the breed’s ease of calving and the benefits of careful genetic selection.

calving data 2024 - Average Birth Weights:

Birth weight plays a crucial role in calving ease, and our 2024 data continues to reflect the benefits of well-managed breeding programs. The recorded birth weights for this season are as follows:

Male calves: 36.44kg
Female calves: 34.16kg
Overall average: 35.39kg

Lighter birth weights are a key factor in ensuring smoother, less stressful calvings. Calves that are born at an optimal weight are more likely to be delivered unassisted, reducing strain on the cow and minimising potential complications. This not only improves calf survival rates but also enhances the overall welfare of the herd.

For farmers, the benefits are equally significant. Easier calvings mean fewer interventions, resulting in reduced labor requirements, fewer veterinary call-outs, and lower associated costs. Additionally, cows that calve easily recover more quickly, return to breeding sooner, and maintain higher fertility rates over their lifetime, contributing to the long-term efficiency and profitability of the herd.

By continuously monitoring birth weights and calving ease, we can maintain this balance—ensuring calves are robust and healthy while keeping the birthing process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Data-Driven Breeding for Better Results

This success isn’t down to luck. Multiplier Herds use EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values) to make smart breeding decisions, ensuring each calf benefits from hybrid vigour and optimal genetics. Selecting the right bull for the right cow makes a huge difference in calving ease, fertility, and overall herd performance.

The Cost of Calving Problems

Calving difficulties don’t just add stress – they cost real money. Research shows:

A slightly difficult calving can add £30 per cow in extra costs.
A serious calving problem (e.g., needing a vet’s help) can cost between £350 and £400.
Assisted calves are five times more likely to die early.
Cows that struggle at calving take longer to get back in calf, leading to potential losses of £1,000–£1,200 per culled cow due to fertility setbacks (FWI, 2023).

100% of Stabiliser Heifers Calved at Two Years Old

Every single Stabiliser heifer in the data set calved at two years old. That means they start producing earlier, increasing their lifetime productivity.

By calving at two years rather than three, a heifer can produce at least one extra calf over her lifetime, increasing overall herd output. This earlier start also improves herd fertility, as younger calving means cows are more likely to stay in sync with breeding cycles. The financial benefits add up quickly, with research showing that heifers calving at two can increase overall herd profitability by £100–£150 per head compared to later-calving counterparts (Cattle Breeders Association, 2023).

Why Choose Stabiliser Cattle?

With easier calvings, better fertility, and more live calves on the ground, Stabilisers offer a huge advantage. They help reduce vet bills, labour costs, and calving-related losses – all while improving herd efficiency.

If you want a more profitable, hassle-free calving season, investing in Stabiliser genetics is the way forward.

discover the stabiliser marketplace

Photo Credit: Judy Mair Photography

References:

Farmers Weekly (FWI). (2023). "Why assisted beef calvings carry a heavy cost." Retrieved from: https://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/husbandry/calving/why-assisted-beef-calvings-carry-a-heavy-cost
Cattle Breeders Association. (2023). "The benefits of calving heifers at two years old." Retrieved from: https://www.cattlebreeders.org.uk/digests/76/papers/3261

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What our farmers say…

We are trying to produce beef that meets market specification and make the most profit possible. Using Stabilisers we are achieving our objectives, we have a low cost, low labour cow and good quality finishing cattle that meet the needs of the market.
- Mel and Pete Momber, Hampshire
I’m excited by the prospects the Stabiliser can deliver for us. The proof was there based on scientific research, backed up by a large gene pool and precise management systems. It seemed the perfect breed for our farming system.
- Will Evans, Machynlleth
On weaning in May at 10 mths old the Stabiliser calves were on par with the Blue and Angus calves. These were turned out to grass until early September then housed. This is when I was surprised by the differences between the breeds, the Angus averaged 480kg, the Blues 490kg but the Stabilisers were 530kg.
- Robin Talbot, Laois – Ireland
In 2011 we bought 46 Stabiliser heifers plus 3 bulls and sold our 3 Belgium Blue bulls. The results were clear to see, by the time we pregnancy tested our 100 cows later that year. We went from historically having 15% barren cows to only 3% barren in a 9 week mating period.
- Jeremy Iles, Gloucester
I have found Stabiliser cows to be very forage efficient. Their ability to put weight on in the summer months means I can save on winter feed costs. This has allowed me to keep more cows on the same resources.
- Jono Cole, Cornwall
We have an easy-care system that is as profitable as any other beef enterprise. We benchmark our herd against the AHDB industry figure and we sit comfortably ahead of the top third performers. I believe we are now producing a carcass with the conformation and eating quality consistency that the market wants.
- Dan Burling, Cambridgeshire
Docility, feed efficiency tested, easy calving, hybrid vigour, fertility, growth AND carcass traits from highly maternal cattle, what’s not like?
- Robin Norrie, Fife
We aim to get most out of grass as possible. The hardy nature of the cattle seems to suit this system very well. Hardly any assistance is required during calving, combined with the excellent calf vigour produce healthy and strong calves which further reduces labour costs.
- Llion and Sian Jones, Conwy
We’re over 10 years into our Stabiliser journey, we’re reaping the rewards. Moving to the Stabiliser has been a game changer for efficiency and job satisfaction, allowing us to increase cow numbers on the same area and finishing bulls averaging over 380kgs at 13 months. Our only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner!
- Peter and Jackie Storrow, Pembrokeshire
Stabiliser cattle are a specialised suckler beef breed with the added bonus of hybrid vigour. The cattle are multi-trait performance recorded to produce EBV’s, this has a huge positive economical effect on our business. All of this is crucial for us to have a financially improving suckler herd on the farm.
- Harri Parri, Llyn Peninsula
We chose the Stabiliser breed for their docility and easy calving traits, but with the added benefit of turning grass into meat. We soon saw all of these traits were true. Our first home bred steers were finished off grass at an average age of 19 months.
- Dyfed Roberts, Anglesey
Despite our rainfall, we outwinter our cows on kale, the stabiliser cow will lay down excess fat, and successfully rear her calf. During the winter considerable cost savings are made. By changing to Stabiliser cattle I keep approximately 50% more cows as they only weigh 650Kgs, which meant more beef being produced.
- Matthew Cooke, North Devon
We started using Stabiliser bulls 20 years ago. The fertility of the breed has enabled us to calve our own heifers at 24 months and reduce our calving period to nine weeks. This together with their good temperament has encouraged us to increase cow numbers. Consequently, the farm is now producing a lot more kilos of beef.
- Edward and Ellis Griffith, Pwllheli
Minimal labour is required at calving time, with easy calving cows and calves up and suckling in no time at all. This gave us the ability to increase our cow numbers with no extra labour. The growth rate of Stabiliser cattle is exceptional, producing high weaning weights whilst converting feed efficiently.
- John and Ianto Pari, Gwynedd
We started using stabiliser genetics in 2016, we have not looked back since, they exceeded all our expectations. Changing to stabilisers has enabled us to calve heifers at 2years old with no problems, cows wean a higher percentage of their body weight, we have increased cow numbers without any need for extra labour.
- Carys Jones, Camarthenshire