[5]: 172 [4] The Dutch Improved Red Pied derives from the Meuse-Rhine-Issel, a dual-purpose breed reared both for milk and for beef.
The muscular hyperplasia known as double muscling was first observed in that breed in 1937, but because of the associated dystocia was regarded as undesirable or as a defect.
Selection of these animals for beef production alone led to the creation of the Verbeterd Roodbont, for which a breed association was started in 1988.
[5]: 172 [4] In the twenty-first century, a research project aimed to reduce the proportion of births requiring delivery by Caesarian section to less than half by 2020.
[5]: 172 In 2006 there were about 8000 of the cattle in the hands of approximately 200 breeders, and in 2007 the conservation status of the breed was listed by the FAO as 'not at risk'.