Forage finished beef refers to meat that has been produced by feeding beef cattle a diet of high quality forage from start to finish. Grain is not utilized at all during this process. The end product is a high quality meat that is equivalent to grain finished beef. The meat has a fat and marbling level consistent with grain fed beef, however, unlike grain fed beef it contains a high level of omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), two components reputed to have significant health benefits.
CLA’s have been shown to have positive health benefits including the suppression of cancerous tumors and the ability to moderate body weight, body composition, glucose metabolism and the immune system. Clinical trials have also demonstrated the heart health benefits of omega-3 and are regularly promoted in eggs and margarine in today’s market.
Environmental benefits are another factor spurring interest in forage finished beef. Forage finished animals in Manitoba have the potential to spend the majority of their life on pasture rather than a feedlot, thereby, reducing the costs associated with manure clean up and the risk of runoff into adjacent waterways.
Why is Grass Fed Beef Better for You?
If healthy cows should be grazing on grass, why are mass-produced commercial cows being fed corn and grains? The answer is simple: to get the beef to the market cheaper and faster. Unfortunately, this also results in lower quality meat that is higher in saturated fats.
Although grass fed beef is slightly higher in price, not only are you paying for better-tasting beef, you are also receiving many health benefits:Leaner than grain-fed beef (contains less overall fat, and less saturated fat)
Higher in proteinContains fewer calories
Lowers LDL cholesterol levels (“bad” cholesterol)
Higher in omega 3 essential fatty acids
decreases blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels
decreases blood pressure
enhances brain and nerve development
enhances memory
decreases inflammation
increases immune function
High in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)
CLA cannot be produced by the human body, and humans cannot activate the form of CLA found in supplements
Assists individuals in weight loss and prevents weight gain
Anti-cancer properties
Higher in vitamins, especially antioxidants, beta carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A
Contains no hormone or antibiotic residues
From an animal-rights standpoint, cows are raised in pasture for their entire lives, and not in confined feed lots
When cooking, it is important to remember that grass-fed beef cooks differently than its grain-fed counterpart. Less fat means less moisture, which means less cooking time is required. Grass-fed beef needs about 30% less cooking time and should be cooked medium to medium-rare to prevent toughness. For those who prefer well-cooked meat, marinate the beef or coat with olive or coconut oil to retain moisture.
