By "natural" we mean food derived from animals raised in "traditional" farm settings, rather than the high intensity, mass production methods ordinarily associated with feedlot type operations. Our animals are raised on pasture that is not treated. The animals are never exposed to feedlot conditions. The animals are provided shelter from wind and snow. They are given free access to well and spring water. We do not give them any sort of growth stimulants, steroids or any other sort of chemical additives. We do not give antibiotics to keep them healthy. Any animal that has required medical treatment is not offered for sale as "natural." We do give routine maintenance shots for tetanus and overeating disease and calf hood diseases. Because our grazing extends over several thousand acres, we have not had an internal parasite problem.

Not all lambs are destined for the replacement ewe/ram pen. One of the great economical qualities of the Dorper is that their true value will ripen as more processors handle the carcasses. Dorper lamb is mild, tender and juicy, and lean-meaning fewer calories. They typically grade USDA choice or better and yield a higher percentage on the carcass. To accomplish this, the Dorper does not need to be feed grains in a feedlot.

Grass finished meat is gaining popularity for a number of reasons. It gives consumers nutritional advantages over feedlot feed meat. Dorpers are naturally non-selective browsers, efficiently utilizing the many natural grasses available. Their bodies function best when they eat as nature intended.... browsing, not relying on grains. Research is demonstrating that many modem health problems are multiplying because of the meat industry's reliance on grain feeding of livestock.

Recent medical research indicates that grass fed animal fat has higher levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids than animals fed high grain diets. This leads us to believe grass fed animals are nutritionally superior to those raised on high grain diets. In his recent book, Natural Health, Natural Medicine, Dr. Andrew Weil argues that omega-3's reduce the clotting tendency of blood-thereby lowering the risk of heart attacks, may inhibit inflammation and have other beneficial effects. An increase in the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 series of fatty acids in the human diet is considered to be important in reducing incidence of lifestyle diseases.

Dr. Raymond Steen recently reported on research at Hillsborough Research Institute that showed animals raised on pasture had a ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 series four times greater than animals finished on concentrate (feedlot) diets Livestock raised on pasture also has significantly higher levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene than animals finished in a feedlot, according to a 1997 study by the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. Their research found that he beta-carotene content was twice as high as conventionally finished animals.

Also, according to research recently conducted at the Grange Research Center in Meath, Ireland, animals raised on pasture are high in CLA, conjugated linoleic Acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid that may help the body prevent cancer. When animals are raised on fresh pastures, their products contain from three to five times more CLA than products from animals fed conventional diets. CLA may be one of the most potent defenses against cancer. In laboratory animals, a very small percentage of CLA - a mere 0.1 percent of total calories --- greatly reduced tumor growth. There is new evidence that CLA may also reduce cancer risk in humans. In a Finnish study, women who had the highest levels of CLA in their diet had a 60 percent lower risk of breast cancer than those with the lowest levels. Researcher Tilak Dhiman from Utah State University estimates that one may be able to lower your risk cancer simply by eating the following grass-fed products each day: one glass of whole milk, one ounce of cheese, and one serving of meat. (Ruminants and non-ruminants (such as chickens) alike benefit from a grass-fed diet.)

In addition to being higher in omega-3s and CLA, meat from grass-fed animals is also high vitamin E. According to research pasture fed animals are four times higher in Vitamin E than meat from feedlot animals. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant may also have anti-aging properties.

And last, but not least, according to research conducted by Dr. Dennis Buege at the University of Wisconsin Meat Science Lab, pasture-raised animals has a third less saturated fat than 'conventional" meat and is closer to chicken breast without the skin. Pasture raised is also lower in calories.

For more information on the health benefits of omega-3's and CLA'S, please consult www.eatwild.com. Dr. Andrew Weil has also written extensively on this subject in his book: Natural Health, Natural Healing, and Eight Weeks To Optimum Health.

Jo Robinson also has a number of books written on the benefits of Grass-fed, Omega 3, CLA and Human Health, and Health Aspects of Grass-fed Products.

The American Dorper Society web page, www.americandorpersociety, also has a research section devoted to the breed itself as well as comparisons between breeds and results of various wool sheep crossed with Dorpers.

The following links may also be helpful. Whether the product is natural beef, natural lamb or free range chicken, the health benefits are the same.

www.eatwild.com
www.tallgrassbeef.com
www.americangrassfedbeef.com
www.americandorpersociety.com