Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made a comparative assessment of the animal welfare, environmental and human health benefits of pasture-fed livestock, against livestock raised on a primarily grain-based diet.

The Department has not made a direct comparative assessment of the animal welfare, environmental and human health benefits of grass-fed against grain-fed diets, although we are aware of various research reports and industry initiatives which support the view that grass feeding can have benefits for animal welfare and the environment, and play a part in determining meat quality.