This breed was developed in the southeastern sections
of the Netherlands as a dual purpose breed, both milk and meat production.
Producers have now concentrated on their milk
production and the breed now comprises over a quarter of the Dutch cattle
population.
It was developed at the beginning of the twentieth
century from a mixture of red and red-pied Dutch breeds and Munster
cattle from Germany. Since the 1970's Red Holstein has also been
used in the breeding program.
Females are about 135 cm in height and weigh
900 kg. Males stand 142 cm and average 1,250 kg in weight.
Reference:
Genus Bos: Cattle Breeds of the World, 1985,
MSO-AGVET (Merck & Co., Inc.), Rahway, N.J.
Mason, I.L. 1996. A World Dictionary of Livestock
Breeds, Types and Varieties. Fourth Edition. C.A.B International.
273 pp.
Photographs:
VVFC (Veterinary Cattle Breeding Club), Faculty
of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Digiteelt, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Sue Griffiths, "Beckenham" PO Box 37, Kyneton
3444, Australia
