What is the Piedmontese breed?  They are a moderate sized beef breed that evolved over many centuries in the Alps of north western Italy.  They are uniquely consistent in the ability to produce more and better beef.  Piedmontese cattle are fundamentally different in genetics.  Researches at the University of Michigan isolated and documented the genetic difference several years ago during a study of Piedmontese cattle.  Cattle have a myostatin gene in their DNA chain that controls the muscle growth of the animal.  In traditional beef cattle that gene is active, limited muscle growth and encouraging storage of fat, the trait that gives beef its' marbling.  In Piedmontese cattle that gene is inactive and the animals grow much heavier muscle and store less fat.  This gives Piedmontese beef about half the calories and a third of the fat of traditional beef.  The flavor and tenderness profile, however, is comparable to the highest quality marbled beef.

November 2000 Forbes Magazine listed "Piedmontese Steaks" as one of the 100 items worth every penny that they cost.

 

Cholesterol, Calories and Protein Content per 3.5 oz or 100 g serving

 

	Cholesterol	Calories	Protein
	(mg)		(g)
Traditional Beef	68	245	18.50
Bison	79	177	29.45
Chicken (skinless)	70	119	21.39
Pork	72	275	16.74
Swordfish	39	121	19.80
Salmon	52	116	19.94
Turkey (skinless)	73	110	22.32
Burger  **	85	60	29.00
McDonalds Big Mac **	85	560	26.00
Subway Cold Cut Trio **	47	374	19.00
Piedmontese (1-copy) *	60	168	20.60
Piedmontese (2-copy) *	36	95	21.20

*Beef, Bison & Piedmontese Beef from rib-sections.  Traditional beef raw 1/41 trim; Pied 1-copy raw 0-trim.  Warren Analytical Lab: Pied 2-copy raw 0-trim  Industrial Lab Co Bison USDA NDB#17335: Comparison source:  USDA handbook #8.

** 2001 circa data.
 

 

Nutrient Analysis

USDA nutrient analysis studies show that while Piedmontese beef (compared to traditional beef) is lower in saturated fat, it is higher in polyunsaturated fats.  For example, it has 2 times more of the Omega 3 Fatty Acid DHA; an essential nutrient in brain development and function.  This makes Green Acres Piedmontese Beef “The Smart Choice”.