Consumers' perception of beef from cattle raised in native grasslands in the Pampa Biome

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the perception of consumers about aspects related to the consumption of beef from cattle raised in “native grassland-based” conservation systems in the Pampa biome. The opinion of 1238 consumers was analyzed through objective questions and sensory analysis by free word association. In the association of words, sensory characteristics, sustainability, production chain, health/nutrition and hedonic attitudes/feelings were the most cited terms when consumers thought about beef from cattle raised in conservation systems in the Pampa biome. Most consumers are aware of the quality characteristics of meat from animals raised in native grasslands of this biome and relate this meat to conservation systems involving ecologically correct and environmentally sustainable processes. In addition, they are willing to consume more of that meat. Cattle farming in native grassland-based conservation systems in the Pampa biome promotes the integration of social, economic and ecological aspects, constituting a paradigm of modern production systems.