In a previous post I wrote about the 3 things people are looking for from Grass-Fed Beef. They are, Nutrient Density, Happy Animal-Environment and Trust

I then wrote about the 5 Factors that determine the quality of your grass-fed beef.

They were: 1. Genetics 2. Sex 3. Grass management 4. Butchering process 5.Quality assurance/Label

We’ve already explored genetics so So Let’s talk about SEX baby….

Sorry couldn’t resist it! I haven’t changed  much from the spotty youth reading the back of the cornflake box at breakfast table and breaking me arse laughing at my aunts discomfort as Salt N Peppa played “lets talk about sex baby”  on the radio.

But what’s got to do with Grass-Fed beef? Well, it’s another distinction that one can make as an educated consumer of beef. And if you’re looking for Grass-fed Beef that ticks all the boxes you’ll want to know. So what are the options?

Well, deep breath… when it comes to in cattle there are 3 options. A bit less that 57options that apply to humans, they are  Male, female and steer; (castrated male).

Males;

Males or bulls, grow very vigorously up to 15% faster than females/steers and convert feed 20% more efficiently. They are generally leaner and with more testosterone there is a chance of taint in the meat. In order to ameliorate this Bulls must be harvested young around 15-22months

Females; Divided into Heifers and cows. Cows have had offspring heifers haven’t. However even if a Heifer hasn’t had a calf she will be deemed a cow at 36months old.

Steers; In order to control breeding most Males are castrated before they reach sexual maturity. This makes the animal more docile and eliminates Testosterone taint.

Does it make a difference and what do I do?

Does it make a difference? Maybe if you’re only talking about burgers it wouldn’t but any of the better cuts it surely would! And let’s face it if you’re paying for grass-fed Beef  so would you want to be short-changed?

I personally have raised all three types, but I only use heifers for my direct-to-consumer product. It is possible to raise heifers and steers together on pasture and that is what I do.

Bulls however require a different regime! They can do ok on pasture early in their early development but eventually they reach a point where their intake of (naturally energy poor) pasture relative to their growth potential cross. Thereafter two things must be done to get the best results; They must be confined to reduce energy use, and fed with concentrates such as grain, soya, Corn etc for a minimum of 90days. This is an extremely efficient way of producing Beef Calories. However the purchasers of Grass-Fed are specifically trying to avoid “empty” calories

I’ve raised bulls myself and their growth rate is extraordinary. That said you have to make sure they don’t fight or hurt each other with their “rambunctious” behaviour. I must admit I’ve never eaten bull beef before but when you see these bovine body builders packing on muscle you have got to be concerned that the tenderness score aint going to be wonderful! Add to that the 3 things people are looking for from Grass-fed beef.

The Nutritive Density if the animals have been fed concentrates then the omega3-6 ratio is going to change within 10days of starting on concentrates.

Happy Animals/Environment; Bull beef can’t be said to be score high on this front. Removed from the pasture there are no Methanotrophs to absorb their methane. Also while “all the Boys together” is manageable fighting and “Jockeying” doesn’t epitomise a happy animal setting. Maybe a setting more reminiscent of a prison shower block.

Trust; While I’ve never eaten bull beef myself id be quite happy to try it. The key is I just want to be told that’s what I’m getting! I don’t see that happening in the mass market Grass-fed Beef Standard which doesn’t differentiate at all on sex only to say bulls must be fed a certain way(max 10% non grass over their lifetime). This from a customers viewpoint you would have to have a problem with. Bull Beef in my opinion should have Zero association with grass-fed beef much less a standard that defines  the Irish Beef.

Its all fine and well till a customer has a bad experience for all Irish grass fed beef to be tarred with the one brush. The inclusion of bull beef in the standard has nothing to do with giving the customer what he is looking for but driving volume into a “premium” category and I think that is very short sighted.

Steers vs Heifers

Looking at the science it seems that Steers have a greater tenderness measured by sheer force. However heifers seem to outperform steers in fat marbling which has a lubricating effect on the bite. From my personal experience I don’t believe there is  much difference between steers and heifers looking at them in the field. Maybe Steers can grow a bit faster and reach bigger sizes. They could both check off the Nutritive Density/Happy animal and Trust questions. But when you ask any butcher what he picks to hang in his shop its always the heifer!

Steers even after castration (their first bad day) have residual testosterone. Not enough to change the taste, but whether it’s an old wives tale or hard won butcher wisdom its believed that occasionally steers can have a stress reaction in the abattoir. The occasional beast might, and this could discolour the meat and leave it only suitable for burgers. Heifers certainly of traditional breeds are even tempered creatures. They only have one bad day in their lives and in reality, its only a fraction of a second.

Their smaller carcase size is also a factor for butchers who have to carry them but most importantly it’s because the butcher best trusts the heifer to deliver a quality to their customers that they can stand over and keep customers coming back for more

So even if your not buying from me I recommend you ask your local butcher for either steer or heifer meat.  Id be happy enough to eat Bull beef also but I wouldn’t be prepared to pay Grass-fed price for it.

I hope that was useful information for you. In my next  few posts ill cover the butchering process and the Quality Assurance Label. Feel free to sign up if you’d like to get them in your inbox