What is Dual-purpose cattle?
Van Loon Group is committed to achieving tangible sustainability by making conscious, circular choices throughout the supply chain. A good example of this is our beef from dual-purpose cattle. These cattle fulfil a dual role during their lives: they first provide milk for years and then also yield a flavourful, high-quality cut of meat. Through this dual role, they contribute to more sustainable livestock farming. They have a lower environmental impact than beef cattle and often have a more natural diet.
What are the objectives of the Dual-Purpose Cattle scheme?
The aim of the Dual-Purpose Cattle scheme is to make smart and optimal use of the Dutch dairy herd to ensure a responsible supply of meat. In this way, we reduce the pressure on the natural environment and create an efficient and robust supply chain. This programme is based on four key pillars: (1) An integrated business model, (2) High standards of animal welfare, (3) Respect for the environment and nature, and (4) High-quality milk and meat.
Pillar 1: Integrated business model
The Dual-Purpose Cattle scheme is all about making smart use of the animal throughout its entire life cycle. As the cattle are used for both milk and meat, costs and environmental impact are spread across two product streams. This circular approach results in a shorter and more efficient supply chain, whilst also contributing to a healthy and future-proof revenue model for the farmer.
Pillar 2: High standards of animal welfare
A dual-purpose cow is by nature a robust and strong animal. Because the focus is not solely on maximum milk production or rapid growth for meat, but on striking a good balance between the two, this results in a healthier method of production. This places less strain on the animal’s body and clearly benefits the animals’ welfare.
Pillar 3: Respect for the environment and nature
The dual purpose of these cattle is a smart way of reducing the environmental impact of beef. Furthermore, this type of animal is suited to a diet that meets its natural needs: primarily locally grown roughage, such as grass. This reduces dependence on intensively produced concentrated feed and helps to better protect local biodiversity and the natural environment.
Pillar 4: High-quality milk and meat
A dual-purpose cow proves her worth twice over. After a productive life during which she produces high-quality milk, she provides the basis for a fine cut of meat. Because the animal lives a longer, active life, the meat has time to mature naturally. This is reflected in the quality: beef with a rich, pure flavour and subtle marbling. Ideal for lovers of wholesome, flavourful meat.