The Implications Of Grass-Fed Beef Farms
By Minnie Whitley
Before 1990, many ranchers were fond of fattening their animals on grain and soy among other supplements. They did so by taking the animals in the feedlots, where such food was provided. However, there has been a growing trend among farmers in keeping them on ranges at home where they feed on their native diet, pasture. Grass-fed beef farms are simply farms that entirely feed their animals on grass.
These ranchers do not resort to hormone treatment of their animals and neither do they feed them with growth promoting additives. This treatment is responsible for the growth of the animals at a natural pace. They hence live a low stress life which makes them very healthy and needless of antibiotic or any other drug treatment.
The main importance of this sort of farming is derived from its highly nutritious and healthy products. Pasture fed beef, when compared with grain fed beef; contain far less aggregate fat, calories, cholesterol and saturated fat. It has high content of beta carotene and vitamins E and C in addition to other healthy fats.
The high levels of fatty substances known as omega 3 contained in their meat are reported to as exceptionally healthy. They essentially lower the growth of a broad array of cancers, preventing their spread. The fatty acids also enhance the recovery rate after undergoing cancer surgery.
The study reveals further that individuals suffering from cancer and having high levels of omega 3 have quite a good response to chemotherapy. They have much far better response than those with low fatty acids. The omega 3 acids are found in plant foliage. They are manufactured in the chloroplasts of the green leaves. It is this reason that makes grass fed animal have more omega 3 fatty acids than grained animals.
The practice of this farming nevertheless requires some knowledge and skill. It is not all about sending the livestock to the feedlot. The exercise entails keeping and maintaining an exceptional quality of grass and legumes. This is the surest way to achieve a succulent and tender breed. The animals should be fed on quality feeds, especially the few months prior to slaughter. The farmer should enhance the health of the soil for quality and nutritious grass. Pasture management must also be undertaken to achieve a maximum plant growth stage. The practice, thus lies more in cultivating and maintaining a quality pasture.
Although the grain fed beef and animal products are quite cheap and convenient, the highly mechanized operations involved have elicited much concern. The practice leaves the animals stressed and abused and employs the unnecessary use of antibiotics, hormones and other drugs. It also produces products with relatively less nutritional value.
Although the practice of raising livestock on grass is seen as a paradigm shift from the modern ranching, it is, out of doubt, a return to a balanced and secure system. When intending to eat meat, it is upon you to make a choice, as a word of advice, remember to make the healthiest choice. Choosing products from a pasture fed farm reduces environmental degradation, promotes small scale farmers and enhances the health of your family. It is a win-win-win situation.
These ranchers do not resort to hormone treatment of their animals and neither do they feed them with growth promoting additives. This treatment is responsible for the growth of the animals at a natural pace. They hence live a low stress life which makes them very healthy and needless of antibiotic or any other drug treatment.
The main importance of this sort of farming is derived from its highly nutritious and healthy products. Pasture fed beef, when compared with grain fed beef; contain far less aggregate fat, calories, cholesterol and saturated fat. It has high content of beta carotene and vitamins E and C in addition to other healthy fats.
The high levels of fatty substances known as omega 3 contained in their meat are reported to as exceptionally healthy. They essentially lower the growth of a broad array of cancers, preventing their spread. The fatty acids also enhance the recovery rate after undergoing cancer surgery.
The study reveals further that individuals suffering from cancer and having high levels of omega 3 have quite a good response to chemotherapy. They have much far better response than those with low fatty acids. The omega 3 acids are found in plant foliage. They are manufactured in the chloroplasts of the green leaves. It is this reason that makes grass fed animal have more omega 3 fatty acids than grained animals.
The practice of this farming nevertheless requires some knowledge and skill. It is not all about sending the livestock to the feedlot. The exercise entails keeping and maintaining an exceptional quality of grass and legumes. This is the surest way to achieve a succulent and tender breed. The animals should be fed on quality feeds, especially the few months prior to slaughter. The farmer should enhance the health of the soil for quality and nutritious grass. Pasture management must also be undertaken to achieve a maximum plant growth stage. The practice, thus lies more in cultivating and maintaining a quality pasture.
Although the grain fed beef and animal products are quite cheap and convenient, the highly mechanized operations involved have elicited much concern. The practice leaves the animals stressed and abused and employs the unnecessary use of antibiotics, hormones and other drugs. It also produces products with relatively less nutritional value.
Although the practice of raising livestock on grass is seen as a paradigm shift from the modern ranching, it is, out of doubt, a return to a balanced and secure system. When intending to eat meat, it is upon you to make a choice, as a word of advice, remember to make the healthiest choice. Choosing products from a pasture fed farm reduces environmental degradation, promotes small scale farmers and enhances the health of your family. It is a win-win-win situation.