Aberdeen-Angus represents nearly one in four calf registrations

Almost a quarter of all calves registered in the UK were sired by an Aberdeen-Angus bull last year, according to new data from BCMS.

The data shows 579,000 calves were sired by an Aberdeen-Angus bull in 2025, representing 23.5% of all calf registrations in the year – up from 21.81% of registrations in 2024.

Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society CEO Robert Gilchrist says the latest data confirms the breed continues to lead the way as the most popular beef sire used by British farmers.

“The proportion of registered calves by an Aberdeen-Angus bull has been steadily rising over the past decade and in 2021 the breed became the most popular,” says Mr Gilchrist.

“Growth in dairy-beef systems and the increased use of sexed semen in dairy herds has seen Aberdeen-Angus overtake Holstein Friesians.”

He says this trend has continued with Aberdeen-Angus’ share of all calf registrations rising by 30% between 2021 and 2025, reflecting the breed’s suitability for modern beef systems that are increasingly margin focused.

“Aberdeen-Angus cattle continue to grow in popularity, not just because of their strong marketability but also because of the efficiencies the breed offers.

“Whether a suckler cow or a dairy beef animal, the natural fleshing ability of the Aberdeen-Angus is of high value, particularly as producers look to sharpen their focus on cost of production and minimise inputs.”

He says when this is coupled with other benefits offered by the breed – including lower age at first calving, a shorter gestation, calving ease, being naturally polled, and a recognisable, in-demand end product in the form of Aberdeen-Angus beef – it is easy to see why the breed continues to grow in popularity.

“Beef producers are benefitting from buoyant market prices due to tight supply and this has undoubtedly boosted confidence, but margins still remain vulnerable and for a lot of farms and systems, native breeds offer traits that align with resilient beef production.”

Improved confidence was evident in the strong prices achieved at the recent Stirling sales, with Aberdeen-Angus bulls up £3,018 on last year, and all breeds seeing much improved averages, adds Mr Gilchrist.

“While many of the higher priced bulls, including the 60,000gns top price, went to pedigree breeders, there was strong demand for Aberdeen-Angus sires from commercial farmers looking to capitalise on the many benefits the breed can offer them.”