Cattle fed with seaweed can provide healthier meat due to the seaweed in beef
On a farm in Missouri, farmer and Animal Sciences professor David Newman notes the recent healthiness of his two hundred Berkshire sows.
The reason for this surge in health and growth? Seaweed! There’s a growing trend among farmers who are starting to see how seaweed can help reduce the use of antibiotics on farms whilst also producing more nutritious meat.
Not only does seaweed in beef result in healthier beef, but it can also help reduce the greenhouse gases given off through cattle methane emissions.
So why is seaweed in beef the ultimate surf-and-turf? We’ll tell you!
Seaweed in beef is good for the animals
Seaweed is a superfood for animals as well as humans, due to a significant level of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids. Seaweed also contains fucoidans and laminarins, two bioactive compounds which have been found to increase good bacteria and reduce harmful bugs in a pig’s digestive tract.
As is the case with humans, good digestive health boosts overall health, and Martin says he’s noticed a significant reduction in the number of colds and flus among his herds since he started feeding them meals involving seaweed.
So not only does feeding animals seaweed produce healthier seaweed in beef and pork, it can also boost the animal’s own health too.
Seaweed in beef is good for you
Evidence suggests that livestock raised on diets which are rich in Omega-3s leads to a production of more Omega-3-rich milks and meats. Seaweed is a great source of Omega-3s for animals, meaning seaweed in beef, pork and other meats can help provide our bodies with vital dietary components.
Seaweed also happens to be a fantastic flavour-booster, making it a great salt replacement. Too much salt can raise your blood pressure, so finding ways to replace salt can improve your diet and your health overall. Seaweed in beef reduces the need for added salt, making for a healthier addition to your meals.
Seaweed in beef is good for the environment
Cows around the world produce a staggering 7.1 gigatons of CO2 each year in the form of methane. This equates to 14.5% of all human-related greenhouse gas emissions — more than cars! In fact, livestock is officially the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, only being beaten by electricity and power production.
Seaweed in beef could provide the answer. One study in 2015 found that a seaweed-heavy diet could reduce the production of methane by up to 99%!
It tastes great!
You might think about seaweed in beef and be put off, imagining a strange combination of fishiness and meatiness. But don’t worry — seaweed in beef tastes great! The richness of the Omega-3 creates a more moist and tender meat, whilst seaweed’s flavour-boosting qualities makes for some of the most flavourful beef and pork you’ll find.
And you don’t have to stop at seaweed in beef — seaweed can be a great ingredient in loads of different meals. Why not check out some fantastic seaweed recipes here?
