Melkveestapel

Melkveestapel is the term used in Dutch to denote the population of dairy cattle kept for milk production within a country, region, or farm during a given period. It typically focuses on cattle kept for lactation and future milk production and excludes beef cattle and bulls not used in dairy production. The size and structure of the melkveestapel are influenced by milk demand, feed resources, prices, and policy.

Within the melkveestapel, the main components are lactating cows, dry cows (non-lactating but pregnant), replacement heifers, and calves destined to become cows. The most common dairy breeds are Holstein-Friesian in many countries, often with crossbreeding with Jersey or Ayrshire. Herds vary from small family farms to large specialized dairies. The age structure and culling rates affect productivity and stability of the herd.

Production systems range from pasture-based or grass-based systems in some regions to intensive housing with mechanized milking in others. Calving is often seasonal or year-round, with management focusing on feed efficiency, reproduction, and animal welfare. Environmental and regulatory factors may constrain or encourage herd size and management practices.

Statistically, melkveestapel is tracked by national agricultural surveys and international organizations. Metrics include the number of dairy cows, average herd size, milk yield per cow, and total milk production. Trends in many regions show changes due to policy, market demand, and technological progress.