Implementation of longer feeding periods required to produce a more marbled product for the Japanese and U.S. markets, is a good example of the ability to meet specific demand. The industry has both the ability and willingness to produce the type of product needed by you, our customers. Alberta's Feed Advantage Alberta's wide open spaces are a natural advantage and a key to the quality of Alberta beef. The large land base allows for the growth of barley, a prime feed source unique to Western Canada's feedlots. Barley is a high protein high energy feed source which contains almost two per cent more crude protein units, than corn.
Recent research shows that consumers prefer the tenderness and juiciness of barley-fed beef.
Beef from barley-fed cattle also has a firm white fat cover, in comparison to a more yellow, softer fat covering from beef fed corn rations. Barley-fed animals are the foundation of Alberta's beef, which is famous for its tenderness and flavor. In 1996, 1.76 million cattle were slaughtered in the province, up 15 per cent from the previous year. This is primarily due to Alberta's modern, efficient packing plants that process approximately 34,000 head per week. Since 1984, Alberta has increased its share of the total Canadian slaughter from 40 per cent to 60 per cent.