Why Is Buffalo Meat Leaner Than Beef?

The primary reason buffalo meat is leaner than beef is due to the total fat content in the cuts. Buffalo maintain a fat level of 2%, versus 15 to 20% for beef meat. Buffalo has half the cholesterol of beef, adding to its leanness. Since it also has 30% more protein, the cuts end up less fatty than beef. Buffalo are primarily grass-fed and consume 10 to 12 gallons of water per day, helping to filter bad elements from the meat. Bison never overgraze, eating 1/3 less food compared to other bovine animals. Due to their sheer size of nearly 6 feet tall and their weight of up to a ton, there is little need to subject buffalo to the processing standards found in raising beef cows. Buffalo are not force-fed and do not receive hormones or chemical injections. Unlike beef cows, buffalo are very active animals, prompting less fat to develop within the meat.

Also To Be Considered:

Bison meat is lower in calories, fat and cholesterol than beef, turkey or chicken.

Bison can survive wind chills of minus 100 degrees Fahrenheit without shelter or near constant feeding that cattle require.

Bison market potential is high with little to no export compared to chicken or pork.

Bison are self-sufficient, not needing to be milked or grained, with little or no veterinarian care, handling or calving problems.

Bison being raised on 1.5 acres per head are well fed, happy bison and therefore won’t stress the fences like other bovine animals.

Bison are majestic, intelligent, challenging and curious.

Bison are one of our most enduring, healthy, oldest and largest living land animal.