koeproove

Koeproove is a term used in cattle husbandry to describe an official or semi-official examination of cows to assess their suitability for breeding, production, or sale. The term derives from Dutch roots: koe meaning cow and proeve (or proef) meaning test or proof.

Used in dairy and beef farming, a koeproove can include evaluation of body conformation, udder development, leg structure, health indicators, fertility, and sometimes measured production data such as milk yield and milk components. In some programs, tested cows receive a certificate or rating that accompanies sales or enrollment in breed registries. The procedure is typically conducted by trained inspectors or by farm personnel under standardized guidelines, and results may inform breeding decisions and herd management.

Historically, koeproove procedures emerged with formal cattle fairs and agricultural societies in Dutch-speaking regions, serving to demonstrate the quality of stock and to set prices at auctions. As modern livestock evaluation evolved, many programs integrated performance testing, genomic testing, and centralized record-keeping, and the term koeproove has become less common in professional usage, though it may still appear in regional practice or historical references. In contemporary contexts, related concepts include breed evaluation, herdbook entry, and genetic merit testing, which perform similar roles in certifying cattle but often with more rigorous data and standardized protocols.