The term "grass-fed" in dairy lacks a universal standard, making its definition somewhat flexible. Generally, it refers to protein sourced from animals whose diet consists primarily of grass. The word "primarily" is key—while grass is the main component, cows often receive supplementary feed during periods of poor grassgrowth. These supplements may include grass silage, hay, and forage crops such as legumes and brassicas.

Because "grass-fed" is not strictly defined, interpretations vary. For example, some products labeled as grass-fed may come from cows that spend part of the year indoors due to unfavorable weather, even if they graze when conditions allow. This can be misleading for consumers who assume "grass-fed" means cows are always outdoors, feeding exclusively on pasture.

New Zealand dairy products stand out in this regard, as the country’s mild climate allows for year-round outdoor grazing. This ensures cows have consistent access to fresh pasture, setting one of the highest global benchmarks for grass-fed dairy.

Benefits of Grass-Fed Dairy

Grass-fed dairy offers two primary benefits:

• Improved Nutrient Profiles
• Enhanced Animal Welfare

Improved Nutrient Profiles

Research into the nutritional advantages of grass-fed milk has yielded some fascinating insights. One key finding is that grass-fed cows produce more protein than their grain-fed counterparts. While grain-fed cows receive ample energy allowing them to produce large volumes of milk, grass-fed cows benefit from a diet richer in essential amino acids like L-Lysine and Methionine. These amino acids, found in higher levels in grass-fed cows' rumens¹, contribute to increased milk protein content and improved dairy product quality due to superior processing characteristics, leading to higher quality end products^2,3.

Although dairy fat is not present in protein powders, it is worth noting that grass-fed milk exhibits differences in fat composition. Studies indicate higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid linked to benefits such as reduced cardiovascular risk, improved immune function, and enhanced inflammatory response⁴. Additionally, grass-fed milk contains increased omega-3 fatty acids and reduced omega-6 levels, leading to a healthier omega-3 to omega-6 ratio⁵. This balance is crucial, as omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation, whereas omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties⁶.

While switching to grass-fed dairy products—such as protein powders—won’t single-handedly transform your health, understanding how food production impacts nutrient quality can help you make informed dietary choices and contribute to an improved food system overall.

Enhanced Animal Welfare

Opting for New Zealand grass-fed dairy is also an ethical choice for consumers concerned about animal welfare. Cows raised on pasture generally have healthier skin, stronger hooves, and fewer infections compared to those kept indoors. Walking on soft grass instead of concrete reduces hoof problems, while resting on natural ground minimizes pressure wounds. Additionally, fresh air and ample space help prevent skin irritations and diseases^7,8,9,10.

New Zealand’s pasture-based system allows cows to graze in groups and spend most of their time outdoors, promoting natural behaviors such as free movement, socialization, and herd hierarchy formation. This environment fosters healthier, happier cows^11,12.

NZ Grass fed - a better choice

In summary, grass-fed dairy—particularly from New Zealand—offers superior nutrient quality and better animal welfare standards. Understanding these factors empowers consumers to make informed choices about the dairy products they consume allowing them to contribute to improving the food system overall.

References

1. O’Callaghan, T. F., Vázquez-Fresno, R., Serra-Cayuela, A., Dong, E., Mandal, R., Hennessy, D., ... & Ross, R. P. (2018). Pasture feeding changes the bovine rumen and milk metabolome. Metabolites, 8(2), 27.
2. O’Callaghan, T. F., Hennessy, D., McAuliffe, S., Sheehan, D., Kilcawley, K., Dillon, P., ... & Stanton, C. (2018). The effect of cow feeding system on the composition and quality of milk and dairy products. Sustainable meat and milk production from grasslands, 762.
3. Gulati, A., Galvin, N., Lewis, E., Hennessy, D., O'Donovan, M., McManus, J. J., ... & Guinee, T. P. (2018). Outdoor grazing of dairy cows on pasture versus indoor feeding on total mixed ration: Effects on gross composition and mineral content of milk during lactation. Journal of Dairy Science, 101(3), 2710-2723.
4. Siurana, A., & Calsamiglia, S. (2016). A metaanalysis of feeding strategies to increase the content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in dairy cattle milk and the impact on daily human consumption. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 217, 13-26.
5. Faulkner, H., O'Callaghan, T. F., McAuliffe, S., Hennessy, D., Stanton, C., O'Sullivan, M. G., ... & Kilcawley, K. N. (2018). Effect of different forage types on the volatile and sensory properties of bovine milk. Journal of Dairy Science, 101(2), 1034-1047.
6. Patterson, E., Wall, R., Fitzgerald, G. F., Ross, R. P., & Stanton, C. (2012). Health implications of high dietary omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2012(1), 539426.
7. Washburn, S. P., White, S. L., Green Jr, J. T., & Benson, G. A. (2002). Reproduction, mastitis, and body condition of seasonally calved Holstein and Jersey cows in confinement or pasture systems. Journal of dairy science, 85(1), 105-111.
8. Hernandez-Mendo, O., Von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Veira, D. M., & Weary, D. M. (2007). Effects of pasture on lameness in dairy cows. Journal of dairy science, 90(3), 1209-1214.
9. Olmos, G., Boyle, L., Hanlon, A., Patton, J., Murphy, J. J., & Mee, J. F. (2009). Hoof disorders, locomotion ability and lying times of cubicle-housed compared to pasture-based dairy cows. Livestock Science, 125(2-3), 199-207.
10. Burow, E., Rousing, T., Thomsen, P. T., Otten, N. D., & Sørensen, J. T. (2013). Effect of grazing on the cow welfare of dairy herds evaluated by a multidimensional welfare index. Animal, 7(5), 834-842.
11. Joubran, A. M., Pierce, K. M., Garvey, N., Shalloo, L., & O'Callaghan, T. F. (2021). Invited review: A 2020 perspective on pasture-based dairy systems and products. Journal of Dairy Science, 104(7), 7364-7382.
12. Legrand, A. L., Von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., & Weary, D. M. (2009). Preference and usage of pasture versus free-stall housing by lactating dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 92(8), 3651-3658.