Resolving Social Issues through Our Business Nichirei Foods
The stem part refers to the seeds of flax, which is the raw material for linen.
Amani oil, or flaxseed oil extracted from the seeds, has attracted attention in recent years for its high health benefits.
Cattle and other ruminants generate methane gas, which has a greenhouse effect 28 times greater than CO₂, when they decompose and digest food, and is considered one of the causes of global warming. Beef, on the other hand, contains heme iron, which is about four times more absorbed from the intestines than iron contained in plants, and carnitine, which helps to burn fat, serving as an important source of nutrition. At the same time, beef creates a culinary culture that enhances joyous occasions in the form of steak and sukiyaki, among all. Amani Beef (Amani-no-Megumi), which is raised by flaxseed-based feed, was born in 2009 through industry-government-academia collaborative research led by Nichirei Foods (Nichirei Fresh at the time).
●Reduction in environmental impact
Cattle emit methane gas as burps in the process of discharging hydrogen accumulated in the stomach. Nichirei Foods paid attention to the fact that fatty acid calcium derived from flaxseed is expected to suppress the generation of methane gas. Liquid flaxseed oil is processed into powder to make it easier for cattle to ingest, and is given as feed to convert hydrogen in the stomach into saturated fatty acids, thereby suppressing the generation of methane gas.
●Balancing the health of cattle and the taste of beef
Multiparous cows (cows that have given birth) are processed into minced meat as “culled cattles” because their meat gradually becomes tough as they repeatedly get pregnant and give birth. In addition, it has been confirmed that producing a large amount of milk over a long period of time puts a strain on the liver and causes poor health conditions, leading to a tendency to lose appetite.
Against the background of farmers’ desire to give their multiparous cows a delicious meal until the end, Nichirei Foods conducted research and found that ingredients derived from flaxseed can efficiently supply energy to cows.
We also found that the meat of cows raised by flaxseed-based feed tended to have a higher level of free amino acids, which are more flavorful and tastier than regular cows.
With the aim of reducing the burden on the environment as a starting point, Amani Beef (Amani-no-Megumi) has evolved into a food that gives consideration to the health of cattle while also maintaining delicious taste. In the future, we will explore the possibility of spreading the flaxseed-based fattening method to farms overseas, mainly in the United States, where grain fattening is the mainstream.
●98% of 100 Doctors Would Recommend This Product
The Amani-no-Megumi series (chicken, pork and beef) was rated as “Recommended” by 98% of 100 doctors in the AskDoctors Evaluation Service, which allows doctors to objectively evaluate products and services.