Raising Grass Fed Beef – Why It Is Preferred By Many Cattle Owners

raising grass fed beef cattle



Today, raising grass fed beef cattle is very popular among many cattle owners. Well, this is not really surprising considering that grass fed beef is healthier and better than grain fed beef. In fact, according to a report in the Nutritional Journal, grass fed beef has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and low levels of unhealthy fats and dietary cholesterol. It also has plenty of antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Moreover, compared to grain fed beef, grass fed beef has more CLA isomers or conjugated linoleic acids which are beneficial to the body. CLA can fight cancer, prevent diabetes, prevent heart diseases, reduce body fat, improve muscle mass, lower cholesterol, increase metabolic rate, and enhance the immune system.


Raising grass fed beef does not call for medications and antibiotic shots since they are healthier and more immune to diseases, including those that can affect humans such as foot and mouth disease.

So, there would not be any residues of risky antibiotics left in their flesh. Aside from the health benefits, raising beef cattle particularly on grass fed is also good for the environment. For starters, a grazed grass diet does not require as much fossil fuel as a dried corn and soy diet. Grazing animals also do their own harvesting and fertilizing on pasture. They eat on their own and their manure serves as natural fertilizer. Hence, they improve the quality of the soil and grass. They also contribute in the slowing down of global warming since grazed pastures actually eliminate carbon dioxide better than ungrazed prairies and forestlands.

To begin raising grass fed beef, you should search for breeds that thrive on grass.

Then, you have to provide grass and legumes to your cattle. Legumes improve the levels of nitrogen in the soil and provide more magnesium, protein, and calcium. Grass, on the other hand, prevents your cattle from being bloated from eating legumes. You can plant orchard grass and landino clover in your pasture. Rotate your cows so you can be certain that they constantly eat fresh grass. You may let out a few chickens into your pasture to aid in the fertilization process by evenly spreading the manure. Also, make sure that you provide lots of water to your cattle. Cows can drink up to twelve gallons of water everyday. So, it is ideal to purchase and maintain a water tank. When the winter comes, give your cattle hay. Growing your own hay is better but you can also buy it somewhere else. Make sure that it is dry and fresh, though. Old and damp hay can encourage the growth of molds which can be bad for your cows.

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