Herdetid

Herdetid is a Dutch term used in agriculture and animal husbandry to denote the period during which a herd of domesticated animals is kept together and managed as a single unit. The concept covers planning for grazing, breeding, milking, or fattening, as well as animal health and welfare within the herd.

The exact meaning of herdetid varies by context and species. In dairy and beef farming, it can refer to a defined management cycle that begins when a group of stock is formed or moved to a new pasture and ends when the group is dispersed or restructured. In sheep or goat herding, herdetid may align with seasonal grazing patterns or breeding seasons. In all cases, the term emphasizes continuity of management and coordinated decision-making for the animals within the herd.

Management during the herdetid often includes pasture rotation, feed planning, vaccination and health monitoring, and record-keeping related to production, reproduction, and welfare. The length of a herdetid is not fixed and depends on factors such as ecological conditions, market requirements, and organizational practices of a farm or cooperative. The concept is primarily used in Dutch-speaking regions, but similar notions exist under different names in other languages and farming systems.

Herdetid reflects the broader goal of efficient and humane herd management, balancing productive objectives with the needs of the animals and the sustainability of the grazing environment.

See also: Herd management, Pasture rotation, Breeding season.