Cows received this week use beer in crafting world's most expensive beef

 

President Mokgweetsi Masisi received a Phase II consignment of live animals, including 150 breeding dairy goats and 92 breeding beef cattle, imported from Australia on Tuesday. The arrival of the consignment at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport has been hailed as a significant milestone in bolstering Botswana's livestock industry and promoting economic development.

Among the 92 breeding beef cattle are Wagyu cows, a Japanese beef cattle breed. The consignment includes four bulls and eight heifers.

According to American FarmSteadhers, these unique cows are believed to be fed beer, which is said to stimulate their appetite. However, this practice is just a small part of an overall management program aimed at maintaining the cattle's nutrition during the summer heat.

Wagyu beef is well-marbled with omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that contributes to its renowned taste and texture. This contrasts with traditional grass-fed beef that typically has higher levels of healthy fats compared to grain-fed beef, which tends to have more saturated fats that can contribute to heart disease.

Wagyu cattle are also known to receive massages. These massages are believed to relieve stress and reduce muscle stiffness in the animals.

Another practice common among Wagyu breeders is brushing the cattle's coats with sake. Producers in Japan believe that hair coat quality and skin softness are related to meat quality. As such, brushing the haircoat with sake is thought to enhance the animal's appearance and softness, which is considered to be of economic importance.

According to The Sun, a UK newspaper, a restaurant in London is selling Britain's most expensive steak at £900, which is equivalent to P15 300. The high-priced steak is a 14oz sirloin cut from the Tajima strain of black Wagyu cattle, known for its superior quality and taste.

The live dairy and beef cattle will be sent to the Ramatlabama National Artificial Insemination Laboratory (NAIL). The importation of livestock and small stock is aimed at catalysing the Thuo Letlotlo program, which is commercially oriented to facilitate the transformation and development of the livestock industry into an export-led sector.

The Thuo Letlotlo program seeks to improve the quality and quantity of the national herd, promote the use of modern technology in the livestock industry, and increase the country's export potential. By importing high-quality livestock and leveraging the capabilities of the Ramatlabama NAIL, the program aims to strengthen the livestock sector and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.