Healthy Protein
There is a wide degree of discussion and sometimes disagreement on the taste and benefits of meat protein as you progress from the fast high productivity of “factory” raised protein and the various meats and processes of “naturally” raised protein.
Some of the most common questions about protein are:
What does the animal eat?
Organically fed animals will eat a grain that is certified as to contents. Some animals like chickens may eat grain and have access to grass. Many free range chickens eat grain and the free range is some time out doors but indoors they are not over crowded. Grass fed or pastured animals will exist on grain but might be supplemented with alphalfa hay in winter months. Grass fed animal raisers vary in finishing with grain. Many say the grain creates marbling and a better tasting meat. It is up to the consumer to decide on the purity they demand and the taste they prefer.
How humanely is the animal raised?
Feed lot animals are generally subject to crowding which creates the need for anti-biotics to keep them healthy. The process also includes hormones and fillers to finish the process quickly for maximum turn around time. Grass fed and pastured animals have room to roam and are matured at a slower more natural rate. Pasture raised animals are usually harvested in a more humane manner where the animal does not experience high stress before they are harvested.
Is the animal stressed?
Over crowding creates a certain stress where the animal cannot experience its natural tendencies. If animals are confined or even raised in crates which is becoming illegal in more states, the animal does experience stress. The advantages of living in a pasture are that the animal is in a more natural habitat, eats what it needs, and rarely experiences stress when harvested.
What are the different degrees of quality in the “Natural” process?
Natural means there are no hormones or anti-biotics in the food. Beyond this there is not a lot of standards. Organic means there is certified feed that is free of anti-biotics and hormones. Organic food would also be free of animal by products. It is usually accompanied by animals raised at a more natural rate, with more room to roam, and less stress. Free range has a variety of meanings. A chicken may be free range if raised in a barn but with a door to get outdoor access a few hours a day. Organic free range may mean a chicken is raised on certified grain and has some outdoor access. Grass fed free range means the animals is outdoors all the time and eats a great deal of grass. Pastured and free range mean the same as the previous description. There are variances between grass fed and grass finished. Many breeders purposely introduce a grain finish for taste and marbling. Some animals remain on grass except for alphalfa in the winters when there is no grass or as a supplement. The pure grass fed animal is likely to be given more time to mature.
What is the difference in animal meats?
The food the animal eats has an affect on the fat and the nutrient content. The more grass the animal eats, the more lean an animal is likely to be and the more Omega 3 fatty acids, CLA (Conjugated linoleic acid), Vitamin E, and pantothenic acid. In general grass fed has less fat, less calories, and more anti-oxidants Between chicken, venison, goat, lamb, beef, and bison the animal meat characteristics vary by animal type, food, and time to maturity.
For a more serious read see Eat Wild.com/healthbenefits.htm
What is sustainable farming?
The land is not fertilized with pesticized nor manure from animals that could be infected. Since everything on the land fnds its way to the water system, the natural fertilizers preserve the quality of meat or produce raised and the general health of the planet by not introducing altering and harmful substances.
Is the product worth the price?
This is a value judgment. The type of farming conducted affects what you eat, the life of the animal, and the long term health of the land. Each person has to decide how they want to contribute. Every little bit helps.
