Gerard Brickley, Manager Meat Division, Bord Bia

In a recent study at Teagasc’s Grange Beef Research Centre, results showed that Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) in grass-fed beef has health advantages related to protecting against illnesses including coronary heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. 

The trial involved feeding obese mice on diets containing either grass-fed beef or concentrate-fed beef. Samples were subsequently obtained from fat, liver and muscle tissues of animals on the respective diets. It was found that the mice on the grass-fed beef diet had enhanced immunity to these conditions.

Although the level of CLA was several times higher in the grass-fed beef, compared to concentrate-fed, it was found that its concentration could be further enhanced by including sunflower oil, sunflower seeds and/or fish oils to the diet of cattle.  While the researchers detected up to 18 variants, or isomers, of CLA, it is the "cis 9, trans 11" form of the compound which has the most beneficial health attributes. This isomer is the form which principally occurs in un-supplemented grass-fed beef

This study highlights the health benefits associated with CLA-rich grass-fed beef, compared with concentrate fed beef: a very positive fact for Irish beef, given the predominance of grass in the diets of our cattle.

For further information on the Relay Research: Click Here