The grain-based feed given to cattle in the US may help produce a nice cut of beef, but such feeding practices come with a price -- including, researchers warn, an increased risk of exposing meat eaters to Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

Much attention has gone to cattle-feeding practices in the UK, since the country's past use of animal remains in cattle feed is believed to have triggered the spread of "mad cow" disease. Now it seems that the grain feed used in the US may have its own -- albeit less severe -- problems.

Grain feeds are starchy and low in fiber, a fact that makes them hard on cows' stomachs and makes it easier for E. coli bacteria to thrive in the animals.

While E. coli infestation does not harm cattle, people who eat meat contaminated with the E. coli 0157:H7 strain can develop potentially deadly infections.

In a review of the consequences of grain-based feeds, researchers at Cornell University and the US Department of Agriculture in Ithaca, New York, note there is growing evidence that replacing some of the grain with fiber would be more healthful for cattle and the people who eat them.

Cattle are meant to consume fiber-rich products like hay.

Starchy, low-fiber grains spur rapid growth in the animals and produce "nicely marbled" beef. But they also trigger digestive problems in cattle that can cause liver abnormalities and allow bacteria to proliferate.

US feedlots use feeds that are up to 90% grain because cattle grow about three times faster on such a diet as they would on hay. Yet, because grain-based diets can make the animals sick, grain feeds must contain additives such as antibiotics.

This practice is of growing concern because scientists put part of the blame for the emergence of treatment-resistant infections in humans on the widespread use of antibiotics in food animals.

However, if more fiber were added to the diets of cattle, feedlots might be able to cut their antibiotic use.

But the feedlot industry doesn't like hay. One reason is that it's hard to handle.

Science May 11, 2001;292:1119-1122

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Well here it is again. This time published in one of the most well respected scientific journals on the planet, Science. When you feed cows grass they are healthier. Some people in rural areas where cows are grown are confused on this issue. The problem is that all cattle are initially raised on grass. But prior to slaughtering, nearly ALL cattle that are sold commercially in this country are shipped off to feed lots where they gain their last several hundred pounds of weight. This is the phase that causes most all of the problems and increases the risk of disease and contamination. It is a completely unnatural environment for the cattle and this is one of the reasons they are put on so many antibiotics. Orthodox Jews have an inspection system that many are familiar with called "kosher". When an animal is kosher slaughtered it is killed in a very specific way to minimize the potential for infectious material to contaminate the meat. However, the rabbi also inspects the animal, such as its lungs and liver, for signs of ill health. It turns out ONLY 5% of cattle qualify as "clean" animals with the highest level of kosher rating. Folks 95% of these cattle are sick that you are eating. Much of this has to do with them eating grain. I am only a few weeks away from offering cattle that were exclusively raised on grass. I am also in the process of arranging for future grass fed cattle to be slaughtered in a kosher fashion with full inspection. To the best of my knowledge this is not being done ANYWHERE in the country today. There are no commercial slaughterhouses that are kosher slaughtering grass fed cattle. I will be very interested to see the rejection rate when this process happens. Additionally, properly slaughtered grass fed beef has virtually zero risk of being contaminated with E. Coli and it will provide an excellent alternative to the irradiated beef when it rears its ugly head in the market place. In the meantime hang tight and I will be able to offer the grass fed beef very shortly. Unfortunately this will only be available to US readers as the shipping costs are prohibitive once one crosses the US border. Related Articles: Grass Fed Beef