Prized italian beef

The high quality of the beef produced by Italy's autochthonous breeds is the outcome of three combined factors: genetics, nutrition and management. In recent years, genetic improvement has augmented meat-production capabilities, improving early maturation, growth capacity and muscle development in these cattle that, by nature, produce lean meat that is low in cholesterol. The type of management system also contributes to the genuine and healthy characteristics of the product. In fact, cattle are raised on small closed-cycle ranches that breed the animals following the cow-calf line, bringing a limited number of animals born on the farm to slaughter weight. The animals are fed using the finest animal feed and fodder, which are usually produced directly on ranch property. Instead, grazing is widespread during good season. These management conditions these ensure that close attention is paid to the animal being raised and its well-being, guaranteeing complete harmony with the surrounding environment. As of 1982, the beef produced by the five Italian breeds has been safeguarded by the 5R Consortium. The Consortium has also gained the 5R quality trademark, which has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Agricultural Policy and the "Vitellone Bianco dell'Appennino Centrale", the firs IGP quality trademark officially approved by the European Community. The Consortium closely monitors its own production in order to guarantee consumer health and protect the interests of its members, who have always made quality their main objective.