A newborn calf in the US has grabbed attention for its striking resemblance KISS frontman Gene Simmons, and the rocker is one of its biggest fans.

Simmons tweeted his fascination with the black-and-white calf, saying: “This is real, folks!!!”

The calf was born on Friday, at a ranch near Kerrville, Texas, the Associated Press reported.

Heather Taccetta, who lives at the ranch with her family, told the AP the calf belonged to her grandmother.

And its name? Genie, of course.

https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/891836678192549889

Local tourism site Hill Country Visitor brought Genie to Simmons’ attention with a Facebook post questioning whether the rocker had any part to play in the calf’s parentage.

“Gene Simmons, where were you on [or] about November 25, 2016?”
The post continued: “Now obviously, we can’t serve this fine specimen, we may just keep Genie as we call her, as a mascot for the steakhouse.”

Drew Taylor, who operates Hill Country Visitor, told the Huffington Post he didn’t notice the resemblance until a friend put the two pictures side by side.

“I said, ‘Can I have that picture? Can I use it?’” Taylor said.

Ms Taccetta told AP Genie was her favourite would not be sold for slaughter and would stay with the family forever.

– With ABC