Meat Flashcards
Describe feedlot/intensive farming for meat production
- Created in the late 1950s
- High yield
- Cost effective
- 100% grain fed
Describe extensive farming for meat production
- Pasture raised
- Less use of antibiotics
- Focus on natural diets of non GMO grains, grass
- Happier the animal, better the meat
What is a ruminant?
- A mammal evolved to consume hard and dry fibers such as grass and hay
- Multi-chambered stomachs which allow animals to ferment and digest hard fibers, creating a PH neutral environment
- E.g. cows
Is grain feed healthy for cows?
No, grains disturb the PH balance, antibiotics are needed to reset PH, allow animal to cope
What are the advantages and disadvantages for a grass based diet for cows?
- Lower caloric intake compared to grains, takes longer to achieve market weight
- Higher content of beta carotene
What is the chemical that makes fat yellow?
Carotenoids
What type of feed generally creates better marbling for cows?
Grain
At what age is a cow used for veal production?
6-7 months
How does grass fed beef affect fat content and distribution?
- Less marbling, more fat near skins
- Contains omega 3 fatty acids
- Yellow due to more carotenoids
How does grain fed beef affect fat content and distribution?
- Fat is more marbled
- Contains negligible omega 3 fatty acids
- White fat due to fewer carotenoids
What are the 6 quality factors when choosing a meat?
Colour
Texture
Wet or dry
Smell
Taste
FAT
At what age are the most common meats slaughtered?
- Cows 30 months
- Veal 6-7 months
- Lamb 4-6 months
- Mutton 1-3 years
- Pork 5-6 months
- Chicken 6 weeks
Who is the British chef famous for promoting “nose to tail eating”
Fergus Henderson
What is the importance of ageing fresh meat?
- Relax muscles and tighten fat
- Most beef is hung for 2-4 weeks before being cut and sold
At what temperature and humidity are animals aged?
1-3°c, 70-80% humidity
