Grass vs. Corn Fed Cows
Approving Views on Grass Fed Cows:
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One way to look at this controversy is to support grass fed cows. "...cows have been fed on grass for so long, and it is a natural process, where over time the cows grow and produce meat, milk, etc. Why do we have to start filling up these animals with a starch, corn?" as said by Michael Pollen. The grass-fed cow, which eats from a pasture and is not "finished" on a diet of grains and supplements for rapid weight gain, is said by its promoters to be better for the planet (less energy goes into growing grass than grain); better for the beef eater (less overall fat, and more omega-3's and other "good" fats). A recent analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists found that grass-fed steak has about twice as many omega-3s as a typical grain-fed steak and better for the cow (critics decry feedlot practices as inhumane). Although grass fed beef may be more expensive, the cook and consumer can notice that the meat often looks different -- sometimes a lot darker, often with less of the coveted fat-marbling you see in the highest-grade grain-fed meat. In addition, since grass-fed cattle are typically leaner, almost all cuts of grass-fed beef have less total fat than beef from corn-raised cattle. Of course, the breed of cattle leads to variation, too. These are some of the many views from different people and websites, all supporting grass fed cows.
Approving Views on Corn Fed Cows:
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Another way to look at this controversy is to support corn or grain fed cows. Some people believe that it is tastier than grass fed, since grain-fed beef produces a more palatable meat that is both tender and flavorful. Cattle fed grain consume higher amounts of starch, which affects the percentage of fat opposite the rib eye as well as marbling. Marbling is the finely dispersed fat particles that melts into the meat during cooking, giving more flavor to the cut. Marbling also keeps the meat moist during cooking, resulting in a more tender textured cut. Another advantage of feeding cattle grain is economically. Managing the amount of feed fed to cattle lowers health risks and aids in proper growth. Grain is high in energy, which helps cattle to fatten at a faster rate than grass-fed beef. The fast turnaround rate lowers costs and aids in economic flow. Finally, although grass fed cows have more omega-3's, grain fed cattle has been proven to produce higher amounts of low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) particle diameters and lower amounts of insulin, according to the study by "Texas AgriLife" Research. The research shows grain-fed beef is an equally healthy source of protein compared to grass-fed. Results from the study show the large amount of fat marbling present in grain-fed beef to be low in unhealthy saturated and trans-fats and high in monounsaturated fats. These are some of the many views from different people and websites, all supporting corn and grain fed cows.
My Opinion:
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I personally believe that cows should be fed grass, and not off corn and other grains. I based this opinion on the above facts, after reading and considering both points of view. One reason is since grass-fed cattle are typically leaner, almost all cuts of grass-fed beef have less total fat than beef from corn-raised cattle. Additionally, the grass fed cattle is better for the environment, since it takes less energy to grow grass for the pastures, as opposed to growing and harvesting corn. Grass-fed cattle is healthier for the consumer, since it contains much more omega-3's in the meat, along with other "good fats". I personally would rather pay a little bit more for my meat, yet know whats in it, then buy cheaper beef without knowing what's in it or without the extra omega-3's and other good minerals / vitamins. Finally, cows have been fed on grass for so long, and it is a natural process, where over time the cows grow and produce meat, milk, etc. Why do we have to start filling up these animals with a starch, corn now? After reading and researching both points of view of this controversy, I have made an educated opinion of why I personally believe that cattle should be fed and graze on grass, as opposed to cattle.