Angus and Hereford-sired calves are growing in popularity, UK calf registrations for the first quarter of 2019 show.

The most popular continental breeds over the last 20 years, Limousin, Charolais and Simmental, are all seeing a decline in calf registrations.

The key reason for the switch has been dairy cows using more native genetics to achieve easier calving traits and take advantage of breed premiums in the abattoir.

Other changes include the rise in British Blue and Saler-sired cattle in UK herds.

However, despite the decline in registrations, Limousin is still the most popular beef sire in Britain, with 195,000 calves registered under the Limousin breed in the first four months.