Average slaughter weights of animals in the three test groups were about
1070 pounds. Forage finished steers were fed 161 days before reaching
slaughter weight and the feed lot group required 72 days to reach slaughter
weight.
The pasture finished meat contained more than twice as much beta carotene as
the feedlot beef.
Hope this info helps.
>Steve had said:
>
>We have anecdotal information that consumers like grass finished beef (per
>these few farmers),
>>but have not determined widespread acceptance by consumers.
>>Most of our beef production is in Southern Indiana, so perhaps we
>>could look to future collaboration on this effort.
>>
>
>Can this be true? You read and hear so many conflicting things. A recent
>article in
>Backwoods Home Magazine suggested that to really get good beef (even if
>dairy beef
>steer) you should corn feed from as soon as possible and never use hay.
>
>Others have told me that if you feed out beef with hay or fodder, they get hay
>bellies and are worthless eating. Certainly could not sell them for more than
>canner and cutter prices.
>
>Any more comments on first hand knowledge or experience. After all these
>years there
>must be some definitive info on this rather basic issue.
>
>Rick
>Richard K. "Rick" Williams
>Internet Address: willi_r@mail.uwlax.edu
Steve Bonney, President
Indiana Sustainable Agriculture Association
100 Georgton Ct.
W. Lafayette IN 47906
(317) 463-9366, fax (317) 497-0164
email sbonney@holli.com