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Abstract

This project is investigating the effect of contrasting farming systems on the nutrient density of beef. Pipers Farm produces grass-fed meat in a minimal input, regenerative manner while Whiteheathfield Barton is a more intensive dairy grazing system with ryegrass swards. Both farms will raise six Red Ruby Devon cattle from a single breeding herd to slaughter weight. Post-slaughter, the nutrient density – fatty acids, amino acids and minerals – of the beef will be analysed by Ãå±±½ûµØ.

Description

This project will investigate the effect of contrasting farming systems on the nutrient density of native-breed beef.  Pipers Farm has produced 100% grass-fed meat in a minimal input, regenerative manner using no artificial fertilisers and only essential medication for over three decades. Whiteheathfield Barton has been farmed for three generations as a more intensive dairy grazing system, with predominantly ryegrass swards, using artificial fertiliser, farmyard manure and regular medication. Both farms will raise six Red Ruby Devon cattle from a single breeding herd to slaughter weight. Post-slaughter, the nutrient density of muscle, liver and bone marrow will be analysed for fatty acid, amino acid and mineral content. Herbage will be sampled during the final six months of grazing before slaughter and analysed for protein, energy, fibre and mineral content to establish links between finshing diet and nutrient density of animal products.