When it comes to choosing your beef, there is no doubt about it: grass-fed is better for the animal. These cows have none of the problems that come with feedlots and instead have a greatly improved quality of life.
Here are some other reasons to consider switching to grass-fed beef.
1. Animals have more space
With the freedom to wander around a paddock at their leisure, cows have an infinitely improved quality of life. When in a feedlot they are given only just enough space to stand, let alone move around.
Being able to behave naturally, socialise with the other animals and breathe fresh, clean air, the cow is undeniably happier.
2. They have access to pastures instead of grain
Cows are resilient animals and can survive on nutritionally poor grain and grass. However, when fed large quantities of grain, cows develop problems with digestion.
Grain is does not contain the nutrition cows need to live a full life. One of the primary health problems grain-fed cows suffer from is feedlot bloat, acidosis (bovine heart burn) and liver abscesses.
3. The animals are given fewer drugs and have a stronger immune system
Due to the fact that cows in feedlots have many more health problems, they are given more antibiotics and drugs. However, this leads to a higher resilience to these drugs and a much weaker immune system.
Alternatively, grass-fed meat is from cows who, with vastly improved living conditions, need barely any antibiotics and have robust immune systems.
In the same vein, because cows who grow up in a feedlot have a significantly impacted quality of life they do not grow at the same natural pace that they would otherwise. Therefore, they are often given growth hormones. Grass-fed cattle do not require growth promotants.
4. They have access to high quality soil
Grass is a yearly crop, and grass fed cattle actually contribute to the quality of the soil and grass – creating a beneficial life cycle. When cattle graze freely, they actually stimulate the grasses so they produce more leaves. When this happens, more carbon dioxide is absorbed and the roots become more stable.
5. Grass-fed cows have a better overall body function
With a dramatically improved quality of life, grass-fed cattle have longer, healthier lives. They don't fatten as quickly on a grass diet so are leaner and have lower levels of saturated fat. This reduces the pressure on their internal organs and ensures healthy body function.
