Impact of grazing dairy steers on winter rye (Secale cereale) versus winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and effects on meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and consumer acceptability of organic beef

Abstract

Meat from Holstein and crossbred organic dairy steers finished on winter rye and winter wheat pastures was evaluated and compared for meat quality, fatty acid and amino acid profiles, and consumer acceptability. Two adjacent 4-ha plots were established with winter rye or winter wheat cover crops in September 2015 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris, MN). During spring of 2015, 30 steers were assigned to one of three replicate breed groups at birth. Breed groups were comprised of: Holstein (HOL; n = 10), crossbreds comprised of Montbéliarde, Viking Red, and HOL (MVH; n = 10), and crossbreds comprised of Normande, Jersey, and Viking Red (NJV; n = 10). Dairy steers were maintained in their respective replicate breed group from three days of age until harvest. After weaning, steers were fed an organic total mixed ration of organic corn silage, alfalfa silage, corn, soybean meal, and minerals until spring 2016. Breed groups were randomly assigned to winter rye or winter wheat and rotationally grazed from spring until early summer of 2016. For statistical analysis, independent variables were fixed effects of breed, forage, and the interaction of breed and forage, with replicated group as a random effect. Specific contrast statements were used to compare HOL versus crossbred steers. Fat from crossbreds had 13% greater omega-3 fatty acids than HOL steers. Furthermore, the omega-6/3 ratio was 14% lower in fat from crossbreds than HOL steers. For consumer acceptability, steaks from steers grazed on winter wheat had greater overall liking than steers grazed on winter rye. Steak from crossbreeds had greater overall liking than HOL steers. The results suggest improvement in fatty acids and sensory attributes of beef from crossbred dairy steers compared to HOL steers, as well as those finished on winter wheat compared to winter rye.

Yield, nutritional quality, and fatty acid content of organic winter rye (Secale cereale) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) forages under cattle (Bos taurus) grazing conditions

“…Based on results from this study and the previous supplemental study by Phillips et al [18], winter rye and winter wheat forages are viable options for cattle grazing in the early spring and summer in the Midwest of the USA. Results suggested that winter rye might offer more herbage mass in the early spring at the expense of lower crude protein and 18:3 n -3 concentration compared to winter wheat.…”

“…Beef lipid FAs of this study are presented in Phillips et al [18]. Briefly, beef lipids from steers grazed on WR and WW differed ( P < 0.05) in butyric acid (4:0), tetradecenoic acid (14:1 trans ), myristoleic acid (14:1), hexadecenoic acid (16:1 trans ), margaroleic acid (17:1), octadecadienoic acid (18:2 trans ), gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 n -6), eicosatrienoic acid (20:3 n -3), arachidonic acid (20:4 n -6), heneicosanoic acid (21:0), and docosadienoic acid (22:2 n -6).…”

“…Steers were grouped by age and breed composition. Details on care are explained by Phillips et al [18]. Prior to grazing, steers were housed in a loose-confinement barn in their respective groups, and were fed an organic total mixed ration diet of corn silage, alfalfa silage, corn, soybean meal, and minerals from weaning (ca.…”

Food safety considerations in integrated organic crop–livestock systems: prevalence of Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 in organically raised cattle and organic feed

“…Model integrated systems were established as observational study sites at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (Morris, MN), the Rodale Institute (Kutztown, PA) and an on-farm site in Iowa (Erlandson Farm, Greenfield, IA). Specific details of the model system design and grazing regime are described in Phillips et al (2017). Briefly, 3-year integrated system rotations were established within 10-to 50-ha sites in Fall 2015-Spring 2016 that included small grain forages of rye (Secale cereale L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for grazing the first year, followed by row crops of soybeans (Glycine max L.) and corn (Zea mays L.), and then a mixed-species pasture of fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) (Fig.…”

New varieties of winter rye of intensive type

“…Currently, rye is cultivated mainly in Europe as a grain crop [1], a number of countries use it as green fodder for domestic [4,5] and wild animals [6]. Due to its content with a number of valuable amino acids, the rye grain is a good additive to feed dairy and beef cattle, and with the use of certain feeding technologiesfor poultry and its young growth [7,8].…”