BUSINESS
PASSING THE TASTE TEST Meat quality under sustainable and regenerative farming systems are subject of study in New Zealand, with a focus on marbling. Jo Cuttance reports.
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he Impact of regenerative farming on meat quality observational study gathered data on whether meat quality differs between regenerative and sustainable (conventional) farms, and its relationship to botanical diversity. AgFirst agricultural consultant Steve Howarth commented in the study, that studies from overseas had shown cattle finished on diverse mountain pastures, with nearly 40 species, had improved meat quality and taste compared to pastures on the flats with few species. The observational study found some higher marbling in a regenerative system, though not statistically significant. Lawsons Angus (Australia) managing director Harry Lawson has spent decades researching and improving the meat quality of his stock and says there are many
confounding factors in terms of meat quality claims. It was good someone was doing a proper study. Key factors in marbling expression are genetics and diet, with other influences being age or maturity, rumen development at weaning, lifetime nutrition, and animal health, Lawson says. Starch is a big factor in expressing marbling. Diets high in starch like grain or corn help achieve consistent results. It is harder to achieve in grass-fed systems, but fodder beet, turnips, and some other bulbous brassicas are another source of starch. In terms of “mountain pastures,” this was where cattle could frolic in the hills under low stocking pressure. Often as plants matured and seeded this could provide a source of starch which would help express marbling. Agricultural scientist Jon Hickford questions
A BULL FOR THE FUTURE Harry Lawson aims to breed animals that are fast gaining, efficient and accountable for what they eat. Romulus R1217, bred by Lawsons Angus and descended from a New Zealand bull 10 generations ago, was one such animal. Lawson says many high growth animals also have big appetites and this is moderately heritable. R1217 recorded a test NFI of -188kg/ day. This meant his intake was 1.88kg drymatter (DM) feed per day, less than he was expected given his body weight and ADG. He had an average
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drymatter intake (DMI) of 8.56kg/d compared with the group average of 8.45kg/d. Over 71 test days R1217 feed intake was 134kg DM less than was expected. This equated to about $47 at $350/tonne DM. At the same time, he gained 0.58kg liveweight per day above his group average. This was an extra 41.2kg over the trial period. This equated to a $288 above group average at $7 per kg liveweight. Lawson says this was in a group of some of the best-balanced bulls in the global Angus population, against
the general population the difference would be greater again. Lawson says growth and feed conversion are important but it needs to be in the right package. Cows are with us for many years. They have the biggest appetites and are also big methane emitters. Producing faster growing calves is not the answer from an economic, whole farm system approach, or environmental footprint basis. “We need to get the balance right so our animals perform at optimal levels in all parts of the supply chain.”
Country-Wide Beef
May 2022
