What is a Lakenvelder cow? (Dutch Belted)

The Lakenvelder (English: Dutch Belted) is a real Dutch breed of cow that can be recognized by its typical cowhide with a white band (also called the cloth) that runs over the back and belly of the animal. The cloth is always white, besides the white cloth the Lakenvelder is black or red in color. The majority of the Lakenvelders have the color black and white.

 
 
 
 

 

What are characteristics of the Lakenvelder cow?

The Lakenvelder cows bring with them a friendly character and are therefore often found at hobby farmers, children's farms and care farms. The breed is also becoming increasingly popular in nature grazing projects. The advantage of these cattle is that they are almost entirely maintenance free, can easily calve and survive well on poorer grassy plains and they do not need concentrate. When a calf is born it weighs about 30 kilograms. An adult bull weighs about 600 to 900 kilograms and an adult cow weighs about 400 to 700 kilograms.

As a true dairy breed, Laekenfielders can give up to 9,000 kilograms of milk per year. The fat globules in the milk are naturally very small, making the milk easily digestible and better homogenized. (Homogenization involves squeezing milk through very small openings to ensure that the fats do not rise to the top).

The history of the Lakenvelder cow

In the 12th century, the Lakenvelders breed was already roaming the Dutch soil. The painting "The adoration of the child" (which is from about 1450) depicts a Lakenvelder by the artist Hieronymus Bosch. This is the earliest known depiction of a Clothvelder. For centuries the Lakenvelder breed was bred and kept by the Dutch, however, this valued livestock was not readily sold.

Around the 19th century, the Lakenvelder became popular mainly in the higher circles. These animals were then kept for their unique drawing. From this time comes also the nickname "Parkrund" as the Laekenvelder is also called.

In 1950 the breed was seriously threatened with extinction. In this year a cattle regulation was issued, which meant that only bulls recognized by the studbook could be used for breeding. However, this studbook had been abolished earlier in 1931. There were about five herds left.

Although the Lakenvelder is still a rare breed its numbers are gradually increasing. Worldwide there are now about 3000 animals.

Association of Laekenfield Cattle (VLR)

In 1979, a breeding club specifically for the Clothfielders was established. This club was renamed Vereniging Lakenvelder Runderen in 1997. The main goal of this association is to maintain the Lakenvelder cattle in the Netherlands and abroad.

Once a year a special Laekenfielders day is organized which is also known as "The day of the Laekenvelder". On this day some breeders open their farms to the public.