Field peas can enhance eating qualities of beef

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

Following is part 2 of an article on using peas from Ron Lackey, Feed Ingredients and By-products Feeding Specialist, OMAF and MRA.
What makes peas even more exciting are the results of some interesting research conducted at North Dakota State University. Dr. Vern Anderson and his colleagues there have discovered that in addition to supporting superior animal performance, field peas can actually enhance the eating qualities of beef.
In one of the University’s feedlot finishing trials that included peas, Dr. Anderson was very encouraged when the marbling scores of the beef improved significantly. The results demonstrated that 44% of the pea fed carcasses graded choice compared to 25% for the cattle not fed peas. In a subsequent feeding trial with 117 yearling heifers they fed rations containing 10%, 20% and 30% field peas in a corn-based finishing ration for 76 days. When the steaks from cattle fed in this trial were presented to an expert taste testing panel, the pea fed steaks ranked superior on juiciness and tenderness!
Dr. Anderson’s enthusiasm and excitement about the potential for peas to create an improved beef product and superior eating experience is quite evident when speaking to him. He reports however, the pea effect may encounter some genetic limitations because the peas do not appear to create this same marbling effect with the beef from breeds presently known for their marbling and inherent juiciness. The research team at North Dakota State University are continuing their work with peas to more fully understand why peas have this beneficial effect on beef quality.
Field peas are a legume and as such have the ability to fixate nitrogen and have been reported to fixate as much as 45 kilograms of nitrogen per acre in the soil for use by following crops. This is an important further economic consideration that should not be overlooked.
Peas are being shown to be a very versatile and effective feed ingredient for beef cattle both in terms of animal performance and for potentially enhancing the eating qualities of the meat. As with any decision to grow a particular feed ingredient, it will largely depend upon the economics, but certainly growing peas for inclusion in beef cattle rations deserves some consideration

Dates to Remember
Apr. 10 – Food Security Day, 10:00 – 3:00, Emo Inn.