Lakenvelder – Dutch Belted Cattle

The Dutch Belted, also known as Lakenvelder, is a dual-purpose cattle breed named for its distinctive color pattern and country of origin.

Their origins trace back to the Lakenvelder of Germany and the Netherlands, and they were recognized as an official breed in the 1600s.

These cattle were selectively bred for their unique coloration, which was considered aesthetically pleasing and associated with prestige.

The Dutch Belted breed was brought to the United States in the mid-19th century by P.T. Barnum, who was intrigued by their striking appearance.

The breed’s numbers dropped sharply in the middle of the 20th century. As high-production dairy breeds like the Holstein became more popular, interest in the Dutch Belted breed decreased. By the 1970s, the breed was almost extinct in the United States, with only a few purebred Dutch Belted cattle left.

Thanks to conservation efforts by organizations such as the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) (now known as The Livestock Conservancy) and dedicated breeders, the Dutch Belted has made a modest comeback.

It remains a rare breed but is no longer at immediate risk of extinction.

Characteristics

Colors

They come in two main colors: black and red.

Black is more common, but both are recognized as the official colors of the breed.

The breed’s hallmark is its unique white “belt,” also referred to as a “laken.” The white belt is continuous and well-defined, wrapping entirely around the body. It is positioned just behind the shoulders and before the hips.

Any irregularities, such as broken belts or additional white spots outside the belt area, are less desirable for breed standards.

Skin and Hair Coat

For black-coated individuals, the skin is usually dark or black-pigmented, while red-coated individuals often have a reddish or lighter pigmentation.

The hair coat is short, smooth, glossy, and has a fine texture.

Head, Face, Ears, Muzzle

The head is slightly narrow but well-proportioned to the body, with a clean-cut face and large, alert eyes. The medium-sized ears are set at a natural angle and covered with short, fine hair.

The broad, smooth muzzle matches the base coat color, while the wide nostrils support good airflow and respiratory health.

Horns

They are naturally horned, but polled individuals also exist due to modern breeding practices.

Neck and Shoulders

The neck is moderately long and connects smoothly to the shoulders. It is also clean, with minimal excess skin.

The shoulders are well-muscled but not overly prominent, blending naturally into the back.

Body

The overall body is medium in size, and well-proportioned, with a deep and strong frame that supports their efficiency and productivity.

The back is straight, strong, and level, running from the shoulders to the rump. The rump is broad and slightly sloping, while the hindquarters are muscular and well-rounded but not excessively bulky.

The belly is moderately deep and capacious, and the chest is wide and deep.

Front and Back Legs

The legs are straight, sturdy, and well-placed, and the hooves are well-formed, matching the color of the main coat.

Size

Dutch Belted cattle have a medium size.

Females have a height of 47 to 52 inches (120 to 132 cm) at the shoulder, while bulls are slightly taller, measuring around 55 to 60 inches (140 to 152 cm) at the shoulder.

Lifespan

Dutch Belted cattle can live up to 15 to 20 years, which is considered a good lifespan in the cattle world.

This places them alongside other breeds with notable longevity, such as Santa Gertrudis and Galloway.

Growth Rate

How fast do they grow?

They have a moderate growth rate, growing at a more measured pace compared to breeds like Charolais.

This aligns with their heritage as a dual-purpose breed rather than a specialized beef breed.

Their average daily gain is around 1.1 to 1.5 lbs (0.5 to 0.7 kg) under a healthy, well-balanced diet, which is a reasonable rate for a dual-purpose breed.

Weight

Cows weigh between 900 to 1,500 lbs (410 to 545 kg), while bulls are heavier, weighing around 1,600 to 2,000 lbs (590 to 815 kg).

Slaughtered Time

The ideal slaughter time for this breed is between 22 to 26 months of age.

At this age, the cattle have achieved a good balance of growth and fat development, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Another guideline is to consider the weight: when the animal weighs between 1,000 and 1,300 lbs (450 to 590 kg), it is a good time for slaughter.

Additionally, older Dutch Belted cattle, such as those retired from dairy production, can also be slaughtered, though the meat will typically be tougher and less tender.

Temperament

This breed is known for its calm and docile nature, making it manageable.

Their gentle behavior is especially beneficial for farmers who handle them regularly, such as during milking or health checks. Their docility also makes them easy to train and work with, even for those with limited experience in handling cattle.

Meat

The meat is tender, especially when the animals are slaughtered young.

It has a rich and natural flavor, which comes from its ability to turn grass into high-quality beef. The texture is smooth and fine, making it enjoyable to eat.

The meat has less marbling than breeds like Angus, but it still has enough fat to make it juicy and tasty. This makes it a good choice for different types of cuts and meals.

Milk

The milk of Dutch Belted cattle is highly valued for its richness and nutritional content.

The milk contains 3.5% to 5.5% butterfat, making it rich and creamy, ideal for drinking, and dairy products like cheese and butter.

It is also an A2 type that has a high protein-to-fat ratio and forms a soft curd, making it easier to digest compared to some other breeds’ milk.

These cattle have a high milk yield for a heritage breed, producing around 20,000 lbs (9,070 liters) of milk per year. On average, this translates to a daily milk yield of 55 to 60 lbs (25 to 27 liters) during their lactation period.

Raising

Feeding

High-quality forage, such as fresh grass, silage, or hay during colder seasons, is excellent for providing fiber to support their digestion.

But, even though they graze most of the time, if they are used as dairy cattle, they still require a balanced diet to meet the high energy demands of milk production.

Supplemental feeding plays a key role in helping them perform at their best. You can include energy-rich foods in their diet, such as grains like corn, barley, and oats. These provide the extra calories they need to produce more milk while maintaining good health.

In addition to grains, include protein-rich feeds like soybean meal or legume hay, such as alfalfa. Protein is essential for supporting milk production and keeping the cows in good condition.

Make sure to introduce any new feeds gradually. Sudden changes can upset their stomachs, so slowly increase the amount of grains or supplements in their diet to allow their digestive system to adjust.

Don’t forget to offer minerals and vitamins. You can use mineral blocks or add supplements to their feed to ensure they get enough calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients.

Clean, fresh water is also essential since cows need plenty of water to produce milk.

Environment

They do well in systems that respect their natural ability to graze and their heritage as a hardy, dual-purpose breed. Allowing them access to pasture and a diet rich in forage supports their health and well-being.

Climate

They are suitable for many different climates.

They prosper in temperate climates where summers are warm, winters are cool, and pastures are plentiful. These conditions allow them to graze naturally and remain healthy.

In cold climates, their dense coat protects against the cold.

In warmer or tropical climates, they can adapt, but precautions must be taken to prevent heat stress. Providing them with shade, fresh water, and good ventilation is essential in hot weather.

Shelter

You should provide them with shelter even in temperate climates, as it will keep them protected during bad weather conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme heat.

In colder environments, a shelter is essential to shield them from snow, frost, and freezing temperatures. In wet climates, it helps prevent health issues caused by damp and muddy conditions.

A simple shelter ensures their comfort and protects their overall health in all types of weather.

How many cattle per acre?

You need 2 to 3 acres to raise a Dutch Belted cattle.

This can vary depending on how much you supplement their feed and the quality of the pasture.

If you provide more supplemental feed, the cattle will rely less on the pasture, which means you may need less land. However, if the pasture is rich in high-quality grass and other forage, they can graze more and require fewer additional feeds.

Good pasture quality means having plenty of fresh grass and plants for them to eat, while poor-quality pastures with sparse or low-nutrient grass will require you to provide extra feed to meet their needs.

Breeding

You can breed these cattle through the natural process of mating.

The breeding process can start early when heifers are 16 to 18 months old and have already reached about 60 to 65% of their mature body weight by this time.

Once the cow is in heat, you can introduce the bull.

Signs of a cow in heat are:

• allowing other cattle to mount her
• increased activity
• bellowing and vocalization
• swollen vulva
• mucus discharge
• frequent urination

Heat typically lasts for 12 to 18 hours, though it can range from 8 to 24 hours. The ideal time to breed is during the middle or later part of standing heat, usually about 6 to 12 hours after noticing the cow in heat.

Dutch Belted cattle have an excellent conception rate, far exceeding the average 2.7 services per conception seen in Holsteins, making breeding efficient and cost-effective.

The gestation period is similar to most cattle breeds, lasting about 9 months (approximately 283 days).

The cows are known for their ease of calving, thanks to an average calf birth weight of about 70 lbs (32 kg). This reduces the risk of complications and postpartum stress for the cow.

They are excellent mothers, displaying strong maternal instincts. They are attentive and protective of their calves, contributing to high survival rates.

Their milk production is very good, providing more than enough to ensure proper calf growth.

Health Issues

This breed is healthy, hardy, and resilient, with no specific breed-related health issues reported.

They can experience the same common health concerns as other cattle breeds like bloat, parasitic infections, mastitis, and hoof problems.

Why should you raise it?

These cattle are incredibly versatile, as you can raise Dutch Belted cattle for both meat and dairy.

If you enjoy creating your own dairy products like butter, cheese, and other homemade treats, this breed is an excellent choice.

They have a long lifespan and consistently produce a large amount of milk and calves for many years, ensuring reliable access to fresh, nutritious milk, home-raised meat, and even a steady source of income if you decide to sell surplus calves.

They also provide high-quality meat with a good yield. Their meat is tender and flavorful, making them a great choice for dual-purpose farming.

Whatever your reason, this docile and manageable cattle breed is a valuable addition to any homestead or farm.

Advantages

• High-quality milk and meat
• Good milk yield
• Long lifespan
• Adaptability and hardiness
• Docile temperament
• Ease of calving and strong maternal instincts
• Efficient grazers

Disadvantages

• Rare breed: Finding purebred Dutch Belted cattle or bulls for breeding may be challenging in some areas.
• Initial Costs: Due to their rarity, Dutch Belted cattle can be more expensive to purchase.

References

• The Dutch Belted Breed Association of America ^link
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ^link