51AVÊÓÆµ

Defying the odds - Cow gives birth to triplets

A cow has given birth to triplets, defying one in 100,000 odds.

Ellie Layton
Livestock Specialist
clock • 1 min read
Defying the odds - Cow gives birth to triplets

A cow has given birth to triplets, defying one in 100,000 odds.ÌýÌý

Monmouthshire based farmers, Nicole and Caerwyn Tranter were shocked to find their British Blue cross cow had given birth to three healthy calves.ÌýÌý

The three heifer calves are sired by a locally bred pedigree Limousin bull, Whiskey Rufus, and were born on December, 30, 2023.

Read also: 'Udderly amazing!' Cow gives birth to triplets

This was the only the second time calving for the mother, Rhianna, a British Blue cross Friesian. She is one of their 23-head suckler cow herd, which they source from a local dairy farm.ÌýÌýÌý

The Tranter family are pleased the calves are a good size and doing well. They have named them Roxanne, Raquel and Rose.ÌýÌý

Rhianna with her three calves, Roxanne, Raquel and Rose.

Nicole Tranter said: "The cow was not scanned to have triplets, and it is a rare sight on a beef farm, so it was quite a surprise to see three calves born, especially being three heifers.

Read also: Welsh dairy farm streamline efficiency with business overhaul

"We are going to try and keep the three on the cow for as long as we can, but have an older cow, Doris, calving in a couple of weeks that could easily feed two if needed."Ìý

The family are based near Raglan and has been farming for 10 years with their two sons. They run a flock of crossbred ewes alongside the suckler herd on their 45-hectare (110-acre) tenanted farm.ÌýÌý

More on Livestock

In Your Field: James Wright - 'We need a better deal for livestock, farmers and wildlife'

In Your Field: James Wright - 'We need a better deal for livestock, farmers and wildlife'

Farmer and columnist James Wright reflects on time spent in New Zealand

James Wright
clock 30 August 2026 • 2 min read
Whether or not to creep feed spring born suckler calves

Whether or not to creep feed spring born suckler calves

Opinions vary on the value of creeping feeding, but vet, Stuart Gough, offers some advic

Farmers Guardian
clock 29 August 2026 • 8 min read
Have your say on the future of the Beef Newsletter

Have your say on the future of the Beef Newsletter

We're reviewing the Farmers Guardian Beef Newsletter and want to hear from readers about the topics, insights and advice they value most. Complete our short survey and help shape future editions.

clock 28 August 2026 • 1 min read