Summary
This peer-reviewed study investigated how feeding system — grazed grass, grass silage, or concentrate-based diet — influenced the fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat in beef steers, with particular attention to conjugated linoleic acid. Published in the Journal of Animal Science in 2000, it is an early and frequently cited contribution to the evidence base linking pasture-based feeding with nutritionally favourable fatty acid profiles in beef. The work is relevant to both livestock production science and human nutrition, given the interest in CLA and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids as beneficial dietary components.
UK applicability
Although conducted in Ireland, the findings are highly applicable to UK conditions given the comparable grass-based beef and cattle systems prevalent across the British Isles, and are frequently cited in UK and EU policy discussions on pasture-fed beef quality and labelling.
Key measures
Intramuscular fatty acid composition (% of total fatty acids); conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, mg/g fat); omega-3 fatty acids (mg/g fat); omega-6:omega-3 ratio; saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acid proportions
Outcomes reported
The study measured intramuscular fatty acid composition, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6:omega-3 ratios, in beef steers fed contrasting diets of grazed grass, grass silage, or concentrate-based rations. Findings likely showed that grass-fed steers had higher CLA and omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in intramuscular fat compared with concentrate-fed animals.
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