FOUR OF A KIND: GALLOWAY COW GIVES BIRTH TO QUADRUPLETS

A pedigree Galloway cow has started the autumn calving season in remarkable fashion, giving birth to four live, healthy calves – three bulls and a heifer – in what could be a first for the historic breed.

Political of Balgray delivered the naturally conceived quadruplets on 1 September 2026, with all four calves reported to be alive, strong and doing well.

Quadruplet births are exceptionally rare in cattle and, at present, the Galloway Cattle Society is not aware of another recorded case of a pedigree Galloway cow producing four live calves at a single calving.

The Society is now keen to hear from breeders in the UK and overseas who may know of a previous authenticated case.

Political of Balgray is no stranger to the spotlight. 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 make her mark, including standing second in the cow class at the 2026 Royal Highland Show.

What makes the arrival of the quadruplets 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 kindly 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 took it all in her stride, calving outside and completely unassisted, safely delivering three bull calves and a heifer.

Her latest achievement may prove to be her most remarkable yet.

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. The timing makes it even more special as the Galloway Cattle Society celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2027. 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 such an important milestone.”

As preparations build for the Society’s 150th anniversary, the arrival of four healthy calves from a single pedigree cow provides a memorable addition to the Galloway’s long history.

The Society would be delighted 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.