The difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef extends beyond what the animals eat. Choosing to raise cows on grassland pastures requires more labor, if done in conjunction with sustainable agriculture practices, and additional time for the animal to mature for market. The resulting grass-fed beef products cost more than grain-fed beef.
Nutrition
Proponents of consuming grass-fed beef point to a reduced risk of E coli and mad cow disease, less omega-6 fatty acids in the meat and a smaller environmental footprint in comparison with grain-fed or corn-fed beef. A review in the September 2010 "Nutrition Journal" by Cynthia A Daley reports that grass-finished cattle have less fat than grain-fed animals, with higher values for desirable saturated fatty acids, such as omega-3. Grass-fed cattle had a healthier ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids than beef from grain-fed cattle. However, a study done for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association by Dr. Stephen Smith found pasture raised beef to be higher in saturated fat than beef taken from cattle consuming a diet of grain typical of feedlot operations.
Cooking
Because grass-fed beef has less fat than grain-fed beef, the cooked meat may be tougher and considered off-flavor, according to Utah State University researchers. However, Kim Cross writing for "Cooking Light," as reported on "CNN Health News," produced excellent tasting cooked beef by adjusting cooking methods slightly. He recommends cooking tougher cuts like short ribs or brisket very slowly at low temperatures. For the typically more tender steak cuts, he suggests adding a bit of butter to the pan to insulate the meat. The butter is not absorbed into the meat, so the eventual serving does not have more calories.
Animal Living Conditions
The United States Department of Agriculture requires that beef labeled grass-fed shall consume only grass and forage after weaning. In their label standards they specify, "Animals cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season." Grain-fed cattle begin life on mother's milk and pasture grass, usually for several months until they reach approximately 600 lbs. The grain-fed cattle then move to a feedlot, called a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, or CAFO, for months until they reach the ideal weight of 1,200 lbs. Conditions in the CAFO may include little room to move and a residue of manure on the ground. Cattle housed in a CAFO may or may not have available shelter.
Sustainable Agriculture
Ranchers choosing to produce grass-fed beef often also practice sustainable agriculture. To keep grass available to cattle, small herds move daily to a new area where they eat a variety of grasses. The animals move on a 14 day cycle, allowing each grazing area to recover and produce fresh grass. Free-range chickens often remove insects from grassy areas, rather than applying insecticides. The grassy areas receive nutrients from the cow's manure and chicken droppings instead of petroleum-based fertilizers.
References
- Eat Wild: Grass-Fed Products are Clean and Safe; Jo Robinson; 2009
- Nutrition Journal: A Review of Fatty Acid Profiles and Antioxidant Content in Grass-fed and Grain-fed Beef; Cynthia A Daley; September 2010
- AgriLife News: Study Shows Ground Beef from Grain-fed Cattle Healthier than Grass-fed
- CNN Health: The Grass-fed vs. Grain-fed Beef Debate; Kim Cross; March 29, 2011
- Utah State University: Grass-Fed vs. Conventionally Fed Beef; J. Severe and D.R. ZoBell;
- United States Department of Agriculture: Grass Fed Marketing Claim Standards
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