Which is better, grain-fed or grass-fed beef? That is a question
Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is
trying to find the answer to; however, early studies have indicated
that grass-fed beef not only has less fat, but also has higher conjugated
linoleic acid (CLA)--indicating grass-fed may be an all-around healthier
choice.
CLA is a mixture of different types of fatty acids; the chemical
structure of these acids that are found in plants are changed in
animals' digestive systems.
The Project: Grass-Fed Versus Grain-Fed
Beef
Virginia Tech--together with West Virginia University and the University
of Georgia--is currently in the midst of a 10-year study to find
a definitive answer to the question of whether beef made from grass-fed
cattle is any healthier for you than grain-fed animals. The goal
is to develop pioneering concepts and practices to improve the efficiency
and sustainability of grass-fed beef production systems in Appalachia,
according to Virginia Tech researchers.
Each phase of the project takes place
at a specific organization:
-
Virginia Tech: Responsible for spring calving, weaning
and backgrounding stages of the animals. The cattle are transported
to West Virginia University ...
-
West Virginia University: Steers are held for the stocker
stage. Steers go to either a pasture-finishing or a feedlot
situation at Virginia Tech's Shenandoah Valley Agriculture
Research and Extension Center ...
-
University of Georgia: Slaughtered meat is evaluated.
During the meat evaluation stage, one rib is taken from each steer
and tested for cooking qualities, taste and fat and bone content.
Researchers also analyze the meat for minerals, vitamins and fatty
acids that are beneficial to human health (i.e. CLA).
Science
Daily April 7, 2005
Virginia
Tech News March 11, 2005
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