Herd Register of the Dutch Belted Cattle Association: Containing a Record of All the Dutch Belted Cattle Admitted for Registery ... ... - Primary Sourc

The Herd Register of the Dutch Belted Cattle Association represents a foundational archival project established to preserve the lineage and genetic integrity of the Lakenvelder, or Dutch Belted, cattle breed. First compiled in the late 19th century, these volumes served as the official pedigree record for breeders in North America, ensuring that animals met strict standards for the distinct white belt patterning characteristic of the breed. By formalizing the registry, the association aimed to protect the economic and aesthetic value of these cows, which were prized both for their striking appearance and their dual-purpose utility in dairy and meat production.

The publication was structured as a formal register, meticulously recording the names, birth dates, sire and dam lineage, and owner details for every registered animal. These records were critical for agricultural societies during the industrializing era of farming, where breed standardization became a focal point for herd improvement. The design is utilitarian, prioritizing clear, tabular, and sequential information to function as a reference text for cattlemen. The volumes remain essential historical documents for genealogists and agricultural historians studying the migration of European livestock and the development of specialized breeds in the American landscape.