The Implications Of A Grass Fed Beef Farm

By Minnie Whitley


For many years, consumers have been made to believe in the fallacy that meat is just meat. In other words, regardless of what the animal is fed, there is no difference between their nutritional value. This is however not true. An animal diet indeed has a profound influence, especially on the nutrient composition of its products. A comparison between a grain fed and a grass fed beef farm animal reveals a dramatic difference.

The feeding method used together with the animal treatment goes a long way. Grass fed farming entails raising livestock purely on pasture. It is the most recommended technique as it facilitates the animals to grow naturally. At no time are additives employed. The practice does not make use of antibiotics and hormones, which renders the cattle very healthy.

On the other hand, the commercially raised livestock feed in unnatural diet. They are fed on diets designed to improve their productivity while lowering costs. The ingredients are mainly genetically modified soy and grain. These are readily available at artificially very low prices and often subsidized by the government. To make it worse, the feed sometimes entails by-product feedstuffs, including chicken feathers, municipal garbage among others. The unnatural practice is often argued to be the cause of mad cow disease, otherwise called BSE.

The pasture fed animal stands out in ensuring a healthy and nutritious supply of meat. Their products are generally much lower in aggregate fat as opposed to the commercial livestock products. The difference is as large as one half to a third. The grass fed animals also contain less total calories, saturated fat and cholesterol. The content of nutritious beta carotene and vitamin C and E are quite high.

The natural grown meat contains low bad fat while providing you with extra omega 3s. This essential fatty acids play a crucial role in each cell and system in human body. They are heart friendly and people having ample supply in their diet have very low chances of experiencing high blood pressure.

The omega fats likewise good for your brain. They lower the rate of attack by depression, hypertension and schizophrenia. The fatty acids are helpful to cancer patients as they prevent the growth of cancer and improve their healing after surgery.

Despite the benefits accruing from this type of farming, it is not a ride in the park. The practice is knowledge and skill intensive. The secret to success heavily lies in establishing and maintaining above par quality of pasture. The soil must be well taken care off to facilitate quality plants and feeds. The rancher, on his part, should provide a great pasture and leave the rest to his livestock.

It is evident that natural farming is friendly both to the environment and to the animals themselves. The technique also amounts to produce that is nutritious and healthy. Despite this, the farmers involved who mainly practice in small scale experience a major setback. The competition from the cheap, readily available commercial fed animal products has rendered their market insignificant. In a bid to create awareness of the importance of pasture fed products, be sure to try them and if they are to your liking, refer to a friend.




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