Meat and Livestock Australia is the premier body https://www.mla.com.au/
According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), grass-fed beef refers to beef from cattle that have been primarily raised on a diet of grass and forage throughout their lives, with the majority of Australian cattle falling under this category. While they may be supplemented with grain, particularly during times when pasture is limited, the defining characteristic is their reliance on grass as the main feed source.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Primary Diet:
Grass-fed cattle primarily consume grasses and other forages like clover and legumes, which are natural for their digestive systems as ruminants.
Pasture Life:
They typically spend the majority of their lives grazing on pasture, often in open paddocks, with access to a variety of grasses depending on the region and season.
Supplementation:
While primarily grass-fed, some cattle might be supplemented with grain, especially during periods of drought or when pasture quality is low. However, the key factor is that grass remains the main component of their diet.
Australian Context:
MLA estimates that around 97% of Australian cattle are grass-fed for the majority of their lives.
Nutritional Profile:
Some food and nutrition websites say grass-fed beef is generally leaner and has a different flavor profile compared to grain-fed beef. Other websites say it may also contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
Australian Production:
In Australia, grass-fed beef production is a significant part of the overall beef production, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the total.