1. ANS 460 EXTRA CREDIT ALYSSA FITZPATRICK Ground beef from grass-fed and grain-fed cattle: Does it matter?

2. Background Research conducted by Stephen B. Smith, Ph.D. Regents Professor, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University Published more than 180 scientific pork & beef articles 2 research studies published Comparing risk factors for CVD and type II diabetes

3. Research Americans consume 40% of their total beef intake as ground beef Ground beef is an important source of oleic acid Grass-fed ground beef contains more omega-3 fatty acids than grain- fed ground beef, but it is higher in saturated and trans fat Premium ground beef is very high in oleic acid and much lower in saturated and trans-fat than from grass-fed cattle

4. Comparisons Omega-3 fatty acids Oleic acid Total saturated and trans-fat Ground beef from grass-fed (grazing on native Texas pasture) 0.055 grams 6.3 grams9.8 grams Ground beef from grain-fed cattle (fed a feedlot diet containing primarily corn and milo) 0.020 grams 8.3 grams8.2 grams The most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in foods is α-linolenic acid (ALA) Daily reference intake: 1.1 g for women & 1.6 g for men ALA may slow the rate of cancer cell growth & reduce risk factors for CVD Ground beef from grain- fed cattle increases HDL- cholesterol Grass feeding does not increase the amount of oleic acid Grass fed beef costs $2 more per pound on average

5. Conclusion At this point, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims that ground beef from grass-fed cattle is a healthier alternative to ground beef from grain-fed cattle

6. Sources Stephen B. Smith, Ph.D. "Department of Animal Science." Ground Beef from Grass-fed and Grain- fed Cattle: Does It Matter? «. Texas A&M University - Department of Animal Science, 7 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Apr. 2014..