Organic Cattle Practices

Growing up, I have only known one type of ranching, conventional cattle practices. Since I have grown older, I have become more interested in learning about an organic form of cattle practices.Together, let 's venture into the differences between the two. In both practices, you have to look at the land your cattle are run on and the set up a person uses. The rancher must also look at what treatments are given to their cows and calves.

Have you ever heard the saying, “You are what you eat?” This phrase, among others, has brought up the debate about whether organic or conventional beef is better for you. When looking at the differences, one must keep in mind what researchers are discussing. According to the USDA standards, organic livestock

The fatty acid composition is one of the key areas to observe when looking at the difference between organic and traditional meat and dairy products. According to Chris Kresser, a beef producer, organic beef’s Omega-3 level is “47% higher” than conventional beef. Omega-3 is a fatty acid found in the meat of a cow that “reduce inflammation and have been shown to be protective against cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.” Another difference is the alpha-lipoic acid and ALA in milk. In organic milk, it is “69% higher than in conventional milk,” according to Kresser. ALA is “a powerful antioxidant” that is “used to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and enhance its clearance from the bloodstream” according to Kresser. In Kresser’s words,“Organic milk also had 41% higher conjugated linoleic acid(CLA) and 57% higher Omega-3 fatty acids.” Equally important to consider is the iodine and selenium levels. Other studies observed by Kresser shows that Organic meat has “slightly lower iodine and selenium levels, but higher iron and vitamin E levels.” Iodine is given to those with “elevated anti-thyroid antibody levels and hashimoto’s thyroiditis” before they can be given selenium supplements” according to Jeffrey Dach MD. The study being looked at says that “the iodine concentrations in conventional milk may be too high in animals receiving large amounts of fortified feed.” Some researchers of cattle that claim all these items can be found in conventional beef as