The majority of chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese that are raised for meat are kept inside in confined conditions and eat a diet consisting primarily of grain. Birds raised outdoors on pasture eat green plants, insects, and small animals, in addition to being fed grit and grain. They are exposed to sunshine and are able to forage, run, jump and peck. This results in healthier animals … and more nutritious food for people as well.
Better Fat Quality
Less saturated fat, more heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats
► Replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats is associated with reduced blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol. ► Studies suggest that replacement reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths.
Lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fats
► Omega-6 fats are generally more inflammatory than omega-3 fats. ► Research suggests a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is more desirable and may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. ► Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can improve neural health and result in lower total mortality.
Increase in Nutrients
Higher levels of protein, collagen and vitamin E
► Protein is needed to build, maintain, and repair tissue. Collagen is a type of protein that can reduce joint pain and improve athletic performance. ► Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals.
By the numbers…
Compared to conventionally-raised poultry meat, pasture-raised poultry meat has up to:
► 2.3x more omega-3 fats ► 3x more long-chain omega-3s ► 90% lower omega-6: omega-3 ratio ► 1.9x higher polyunsaturated: saturated fats ► 6% higher protein ► 15% more collagen ► 1.3x more vitamin E
The How & Why
Forages are the edible parts of plants other than grain and include pasture vegetation and grasses. They are good sources of beneficial omega-3 fats.
In contrast, grains such as corn are dominated by more inflammatory omega-6 fats. Due to the way poultry digest their food, the beneficial fat and nutrients in the pasture are absorbed relatively unchanged before they are incorporated into the meat. When it comes to chicken, turkey, duck and goose meat, “you are what you eat!”
In addition, meat birds that live most or all of their lives outside on pasture exercise more than birds do in confinement. This factor likely contributes to muscle development and results in higher protein and collagen content.
Shopping For Poultry Meat
“Free-range” implies that the birds were raised freely outdoors 100% of the time. However, under USDA labeling laws, this is not always the case as animals only have to be allowed access to the outdoors with no provision for how much time or space must be allowed outside.
“Pasture-raised” suggests pasture was included in the bird’s diet. However, there is no standard diet requirement and on-farm inspections are not required to verify the claim.
Because these claims are not 100% reliable or tightly regulated, look for third party verified labels, or a local farm that uses humane practices but may not be certified due to the costs involved. Learn more at: foodanimalconcernstrust.org/food-labels
The Bottom Line
Pasture-raised animals produce nutritionally superior food for people. In addition to the nutritional advantages, there are many animal welfare and environmental benefits associated with pasture-based animal agriculture. Please consider supporting your local family farmers who raise their animals humanely on grass and well-managed pasture.
Updated June 2021 from www.foodanimalconcernstrust.org/ Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) is a national nonprofit organization that works to ensure that all food-producing animals are raised in a humane and healthy manner. FACT offers grants, scholarships, webinars and a mentorship program for livestock and poultry farmers and ranchers who wish to raise their animals on pasture.
