Researchers at Clemson University in South Carolina have
found that cattle perform differently, and the beef flavours differ, with
different forages.
They compared five different forages for pasturing Angus cattle –
alfalfa, Bermuda grass, chicory, cowpea and pearl millet.
Over two years, the cattle were grazed on five-acre plots.
“Finishing steers on alfalfa and chicory during summer increased
steer performance,” they reported in the Journal of the American Society
of Animal Science.
Carcass quality was better for cattle finished on alfalfa and cowpea
and consumers preferred the taste.
The fat of cattle fed Bermuda grass and pearl millet is deemed to be
healthier because of its blend of fatty acids.
