Is Oxtails Good for You?

Strengthens and repairs muscles[*]. Other than the big dose of protein you get with each serving—don't forget, the oxtails are protein-packed, too— collagen has been shown to improve muscular strength after challenging workouts. Strengthens bones and helps decrease bone loss[*].

Is it safe to eat oxtail?

The spinal cord, a part of the central nervous system of the beef animal affected by Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), does not extend into the tail. Oxtails are safe to cook.

Is oxtails beef or pork?

If you are unfamiliar with oxtails, they are tails of beef cattle (formerly only steers, now both male or female), typically sold cut into segments. Most of what you buy is bone, and the meat is well exercised and fatty, so oxtail preparations lend themselves to slow cooking.