British White cows have maternal instincts superior to the average cow. First calf heifers claim their calves, and get them up and started faster than any other breed. Cows that do not claim their calves are unheard of in this breed. Due to natural selection British White cattle have self - eliminated calving problems, very rarely needing assistance, and having an enormously high percentage of live calf crops.

British Whites also incorporate the nursery system of a guard cow protecting groups of calves while the remainder of the herd grazes.