Beef IQ

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Beef in the Diet
Three ounces of lean beef is packed with essential nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12. Beef can help you maintain a healthy weight, build muscle and fuel a healthy and active lifestyle.

• Why do we eat beef? | View Video
  Beef is a nutrient-dense and rich food product that is an essential part of the American diet. It provides consumers with a protein-dense diet choice such as zinc, iron, vitamin B complex, colene, and etc. Including beef in the diet is an easy way to ensure you receive the many nutrients your body needs throughout your day.
• What’s in 3 ounces of cooked beef? | View Video
  The recommended serving size for beef is 3 ounces. These 3 ounces contain significant portions of the daily value of protein, B12, selenium, and zinc. This makes it a nutrient dense and healthy addition to the diet.
• What is beef’s contribution to the diet moderation and balance? | View Video
  The USDA recommends that you eat different foods to provide all of the nutrients needed for a nutrient rich diet.Beef provides a heme iron that is more absorbable than a plant based iron.  Incorporating beef can help add moderation and variety to your diet.
• Why is meat considered a high quality protein? | View Video
  Your body needs essential amino acids everyday because the body cannot synthesize these amino acids by itself. Beef helps provide these essential amino acids. The difference between plant protein and meat protein is significant. The combination and amount of plant protein needed is significantly higher than in a beef diet.
• What about the fat in meat compared to other foods? | View Video
  When compared to other foods, lean beef is relatively low in fat. Beef fits well within the American Heart Association’s guidelines for a healthy amount of fat. Dr. Hale recommends that consumers pick the right cut of meat that is lean or is trimmed of fat, prepare it properly by letting the fat drip away, and then eat it in the right proportions.
• How important is food safety to the beef industry? | View Video
  Food safety is one main concern of every segment within the beef industry. A Beef Quality Assurance program has been put in place to help train cattle producers on how to care for their cattle to ensure food safety as well as animal welfare.
• What are the steps taken by each production system of the beef industry? | View Video
  There are multiple programs and steps utilized by the industry to ensure the safety of beef for consumers. Programs such as Beef Quality Assurance is focused on preventing food safety concerns at the producer level. By utilizing the HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) processors as well as producers implement procedures that eliminate potential risks in food safety.
• What does the consumer do to keep food safe? | View Video
  Even with all the safety steps put into place on the production side of beef, if consumers don’t follow directions and safe food handling rules, any perishable food becomes unsafe. By ensuring that the food product is cooked at the proper temperature and in sanitary conditions, consumers can reduce potential risks.

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Beef and Health
In this section we explore how beef has evolved over the years. We also explore the types of fat found in beef and the healthfulness of beef.

• Is today’s beef leaner? | View Video
  The amount of fat and calories in beef has changed since the 1900s. Producers are working to supply the consumer with leaner beef through production practices and selecting for leaner genetics. Retailers are also trying to provide a much leaner product to their customers by trimming outside fat from beef products.
• What kind of fat is found in beef? | View Video
  There is very little fat in beef after years of making beef leaner and healthier. Beef is one of the best sources of monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil.
• Overview of fatty acids | View Video
  Fatty acids play an important role in the body. Dr. Stephen Smith explains the different forms of fatty acids and how to include them in a healthy diet.
• What is the fatty acid profile difference for grass-fed vs. feed yard finished cattle? | View Video
  Inherently, there is very little difference between a grass-fed and grain-fed beef product. Even though there is a difference in production methods, there is very little difference in the fatty acid profile of grain-fed and grass-fed beef. Grass feeding actually has a higher percentage of saturated fat when compared to grain-fed beef.
• Are some types of beef healthier than others? | View Video
  With different production methods of beef, there is consumer concern about the nutritious value of each. Labels such as grass-fed, all natural, organic, and non-GMO create the idea to consumers that they are more healthy for consumption than conventionally raised beef. However, research shows that there is very little significant difference in nutritional value among these labels.
• What about ground beef? Is it healthy? | View Video
  The healthiness of ground beef depends on preparation, moderation and variety in the diet. A lot of the fat found in ground beef will drip away when cooked on a grill. The beef patty itself has very little fat.There is also no difference in cholesterol levels among any of the meats.
• Do most of our calories come from meat? | View Video
  While we are consuming more calories than in the past, the addition is not coming from increased meat consumption. Grain, flour, cereal products, and added fats and oils are adding a lot more extra calories to the diet. In the 1970’s, there was a fad for high carb and low protein diets that has led to the higher obesity rates within the U.S.
• Does meat cause cancer? | View Video
  There are some studies that claim that beef is the causing factor of a certain type of cancer. Dr. Alexander did a study that examined these research reports and came to a different conclusion. He found that there is no significant evidence that red meat causes cancer because of the fact that the studies do not take other variables of the diet and lifestyle into account.
• Why is beef packaged differently? | View Video
  The difference in packaging can be attributed to different things including production and cost. Consumers like to see what they’re buying so the over wrap packaging is used but it can be a little more expensive. There is no difference in nutrition, no matter how the product is packaged.
• Why is there beef in many different places in the store? | View Video
  The placement of meat in the store is based on different criteria. The three tiered case is utilized for beef that is more economical and price driven for the consumer. The full service counter is utilized to target consumers who are more taste driven and buy more of the prime cuts.

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Labels and Beef Production Methods
Cattle are raised in different ways. Family farms make up the majority of cattle producers in the United States. The labels on meat help consumers make purchasing choices at the store.

• Who raises beef? Family farms or factory farms? | View Video
  Family farms make up 96% of the United States farm production system. Only 2-3% of farms are family owned corporations and less than 1% of farms are actually corporate farms. Half of the beef cattle produced are raised on ranches that have a 100 cattle or less.
• What do the different labels on beef mean? | View Video
  With so many different labels in the meat case, Dr. Ron Gill gives a break down on what they mean. Dr. Ron Gill explains how grass-fed ranches are operated as well as how a beef product can be labeled all natural. He also describes the definition of locally raised beef.
• What is the difference in labels?  Natural, organic, locally raised … | View Video
  The different labels on beef help the consumer determine which type of beef is best for them. The main labels explain how to handle and cook the product itself. Other labels on the product are used for marketing the beef to certain consumers’ preferences.
• Why does grass-fed beef taste different? | View Video
  The difference in taste between different grass-fed beef is due to different factors. Forage can have variable plants within it that cause beef to have variations of flavor. Grain finished cattle have a more consistent flavor due to the fact that grain has very little variation.
• Why is the taste of beef finished on pasture different than beef finished in the feed yard? | View Video
  The flavor profile of beef finished on grass and beef finished on grain is different. The feedlot industry helps produce a more uniform flavor in the end product of beef by feeding grain. Weather and management  of an operation can also impact the taste of a beef product.
• What does antibiotic free label mean? | View Video
  Antibiotic free labeled beef is different than USDA Organic. Cattle are required to have a withdrawal period from antibiotics before they are harvested to ensure there is no antibiotic residue in the meat product.
• What are the consequences of removing technologies or going to strictly grass feeding cattle? | View Video
  The beef industry uses technology at every phase of production to increase the quality and yield of red meat. Removing technology from the beef industry would require more cattle to produce the same amount of beef we produce today which would require more resources. By using technology, ranchers are able to produce more beef with less resources.
• Is beef gluten free? | View Video
  Gluten free is a trendy term in the current market place but it is not necessary on a beef product. Meat products do not contain gluten. Putting gluten free on a meat product is only for marketing purposes.

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Cattle Production
There are three types of beef cattle operations: Cow-calf, stocker and feedlot. Cattle production makes up a large part of the Texas and U.S. economy.

• What is the contribution of cattle to the Texas and U.S. economies? | View Video
  The Beef Industry is the third largest economic generator in Texas and has a huge economic impact on the state. It is the largest livestock industry in Texas as well. The beef industry contributed $12 billion to the Texas economy in 2015.
• Why are cattle raised in Texas? | View Video
  The amount of range and pasture lands located in Texas makes it ideal conditions to raise ruminant animals, such as cattle. Cattle are able to take grass and other forages that we cannot utilize and turn into consumable energy. Cattle are good at taking unusable energy sources and turning them into a high energy food source.
• How does beef production change across Texas? | View Video
  Due to the diverse landscape across Texas, different methods are used in production to maximize production levels in different climates and landscapes. The different climate patterns are also factors that influence the way that beef is raised. Producers use historical data and other resources to create production plans.
• What are the most common kinds of cattle used in Texas? | View Video
  Beef producers use certain breeds of cattle to deal with the diverse landscape and climate of Texas. There are two major groups of cattle that influence the breeds used in Texas, Bos taurus and Bos indicus. It takes different kinds of cattle with different characteristics to produce beef across Texas and the United States.
• What is so special about cattle – the amazing ruminant? | View Video
  A Ruminant has a 4-Compartment stomach that ferments the grass that they digest. The compartments are: reticulum, rumen, omasum and abomasum. Rumination allows cattle to convert feed into protein and fat. The four compartments allow cattle to breakdown different feedstuffs that non-ruminants cannot.
• What do cattle eat? | View Video
  Cattle can digest structural carbohydrates in the plant and are able to digest grains, grass, hay, byproducts, and bakery waste. The structure of cattles stomachs allow them to digest different forages and grains.
• What do you mean cattle are great recyclers? | View Video
  There are several reasons that cattle are considered great recyclers.
• What do cattle eat over their lifetime? | View Video
  80% of the beef produced is created through digestion of forages. Cattle are finished on grain in the feedyard before harvest.
• Why do we feed corn to cattle in the first place? | View Video
  There are two different groups of corn raised in the United States – corn raised for human consumption and corn raised for animal consumption.
• What is a seedstock producer and a commercial producer? | View Video
  Seedstock and commercial producers serve different phases of the beef industry.
• What is a seedstock producer? | View Video
  The seedstock phase of the beef industry establishes the standards for generations because of sires and replacement heifers.
• What is a commercial producer? | View Video
  Commercial producers raise cattle to produce calves to send to market.
• What is the gestation period for cattle? | View Video
  The gestation period of cattle is similar to that of humans.
• How are cattle raised? | View Video
  Cattle are raised in different sectors of the industry to bring a safe and diverse product to the consumer.
• How much of a calf’s life are they fed grass? | View Video
  Calves consume some type of forage throughout its lifetime.
• What does a feedyard look like? | View Video
  The Feedyard contains a variety of cattle that are being raised to their best genetic potential for a high quality beef product.
• What is the total time from birth to finished? | View Video
  Cattle are usually weaned between 5 and 6 months of age and then are sent to a finishing operation. Most cattle will come out of the Feedyard at 15 to 18 months of age.
• Are cattle detrimental to wildlife? | View Video
  There are many misconceptions about cattle and one is that they are detrimental to wildlife.

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Antibiotics and Residues
The use of antibiotics in cattle is regulated by the government to ensure no residue is left in the meat. Different programs and agencies help to ensure the safety of beef.

• Why do you use antibiotics? | View Video
  Antibiotics are used to fight Bacterial infection in cattle. Antibiotics prevent and control disease, such as Respiratory disease.
• What is the veterinarian’s role in the cattle industry? | View Video
  The veterinarian plays a crucial role in ensuring the health of the animal and ensuring that producers follow labels on health products.
• Do animal health products go through an approval process? | View Video
  Animal health products go through a series of tests and experiments before being released to ensure safety of the product.
• Does BQA work to ensure the safety of animal products? | View Video
  BQA or Beef Quality Assurance, is a program used by the beef industry to ensure a safe product for the consumer.
• What is the FDA’s role in animal health products? | View Video
  The FDA plays a critical role in ensuring that all food products entering the market are safe and free of residues.
• What is an ionophore? Are they used in human medicine? | View Video
  Dr. Ted McCollum explains how an ionophore affects cattle and how they shift the microbial agents inside the rumen.
• How does antibiotic resistance bacteria spread? | View Video
  Antibiotic resistance is a problem that the beef industry and the medical community try to reduce.
• What is epidemiology? | View Video
  Disease plays an important role in the health of not only the beef industry but also the world.
• What is the difference between medically important and non-medically important antibiotics? | View Video
  Medically important and non-medically important antibiotics refer to the impact they have on human medicine.
• What is the Veterinarian Feed Directive? | View Video
  The Veterinarian Feed Directive has been in place since 1996 but new regulations are being enforced to help ensure the safety of meat products

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Animal Welfare
Cattle producers are stewards of the earth and ensure the safety and comfort of their animals. The “Five Freedoms” are principles that guide the production of cattle.

• Are cattle raised humanely? | View Video
  Animal welfare is a big concern that the public has about the beef industry. As a result, the industry works everyday to ensure that animals are treated ethically and humanely.
• What is the cattlemen’s worldview? | View Video
  Cattlemen view themselves as stewards of the resources they produce.
• What is the average worldview in the United States? | View Video
  95% of the US population is that if animals are treated humanely they don’t have a problem with them being used for a food source.
• What are the “Five Freedoms”? | View Video
  A concept developed in England, the Five Freedoms encompass the standards cattlemen and women strive for every day.

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Beef, Environment, and Sustainability
To feed the world, beef producers take into account the impact to the environment and the sustainability of the industry.

• Has beef become more sustainable in the last 30 years? | View Video
  Agriculture takes solar energy and converts it into a product for the consumer to use for energy.
• How can the beef industry continue to improve? | View Video
  While the industry has changed for the better, in regards to sustainability, there are more steps the industry can take to increase sustainability.
• What about greenhouse gasses? | View Video
  Greenhouse gasses are a concern for the agriculture industry as well as others.
• What is the carbon footprint of cattle? | View Video
  Agriculture accounts for about 8% of the greenhouse gasses in the United States.
• How does the US beef industry stack up among beef producing nations in the world? | View Video
  The U.S. beef industry has continued to improve over the last 30 years.
• How do they determine how much water is used for cattle? | View Video
  Water is a valuable natural resource that needs to be used accordingly.
• How much water do cattle use? | View Video
  Water is used in each phase of the production chain, from grain and forage production to harvest.
• What is the difference between nitrogen from manure and synthetic fertilizer? | View Video
  Fertilizer is used to increase the yield of forage for use in production.
• Where does nitrogen come from? | View Video
  Nitrogen goes through a cycle before it can be utilized by plants.
• All things are chemicals | View Video
  Everything is made up of chemical elements.
• Violative, toxicity, and lethal | View Video
• Chemicals used on crops are low toxicity and safe.
• What is genetic engineering and GMO technology? | View Video
  GMO stands for genetically modified organism. These are organisms that have been modified by human intervention. Genetic engineering is how GMO’s are made.
• What happens to GMO feeds when fed to cattle? | View Video
  Animals fed GMO feeds are safe for consumption.