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Wednesday 31 October 2012

By Buying Grass Fed Beef California Residents Will Be Eating Tasty, Nutritious Meat

By Tonia Michael


When looking for grass fed beef California residents will need to go no further than their local supermarket. There is increasing evidence that grass fed beef is much healthier for consumers than beef coming from animals raised in feedlots. People are beginning to look for healthier products in all areas.

Beef producers need to nurture their land and grass if cattle are to gain weight and produce a profitable carcase within a reasonable time frame. The soil needs to be in good fettle to grow nutritious legumes and herbage. If the soil is in good health, there will be plenty of high quality grass and cattle won't need additives, antibiotics or hormones. Growth will be at a natural rate and the animals will be contented and stress-free.

It has been proven that free-range meat has many benefits over feedlot beef. There are less saturated fats and cholesterol, less calories but higher levels of antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E are all substantially higher in animals off free range. Only feedlot cattle are fed various drugs and hormones.

Most fats contained in grass-fed beef are the 'good' fats or omega 3s. People with adequate amounts of omega 3s have only half the incidence of heart attacks as others. Another potent element found in grass-fed beef is CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). There is increasing evidence to suggest that even small amounts of CLA can reduce the risk of some cancers. Although small quantities of omega 6 fatty acids are essential to health, feedlot cattle may have ten times the amount of pasture raised stock. Excessive omega 6 raises the risk of diabetes, obesity, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Levels of calcium, potassium, thiamine, riboflavin and magnesium are all elevated in open range animals. Chickens, sheep and other animals bred for human consumption all show higher nutritional value in their meat if they are raised as naturally as possible. All types of CAFO (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) animals produce less nutritious meat.

Cattle in feedlots consume mainly soy and grain. These are often genetically modified and provided under government subsidies. These foodstuffs increase productivity. Food costs are further reduced by feeding so-called by-product feedstuffs. This might include stale pastry and bread products as well as other unnatural foods.

Cows are ruminants and chew their cud. For their digestive system to operate well, they need plenty of roughage and fiber. In a natural situation, this is provided through fibrous grass and legumes. Feeding starchy grains that are low in fiber puts stress on cattle. When moved from pasture to feedlot, it is not uncommon for cattle to develop subacute acidosis and other problems. These are treated with chemical additives and antibiotics.

Another problem is the amount of manure produced when a number of cattle are kept in a confined area. The manure is collected and, to cut costs, is usually dumped nearby. This causes water and ground pollution. Under free range conditions, manure is deposited over a large area. Because it isn't a problem, it is normally left to be absorbed naturally back into the ground as organic fertilizer. Pastured livestock are becoming the meat of choice for many more people as they begin to appreciate the tasty, healthier product. When first purchasing grass fed beef California residents will be amazed by the delicious taste.




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