Review of meat bone by-product processing

Summary

By-products constitute a major percentage of the live weight of an animal. However, in their unprocessed state they are worth 10-20 percent only of the total value of the animal. Technological developments have made it possible to process and convert the many different animal by-products into a host of value-added end-products.

This project explored product and business opportunities using red meat bone by-products for human and pet consumption. Value chain mapping was completed to assist with conceptualizing where an opportunity might be able to make an impact. Relevant lessons from other protein sources that could be transferrable to red meat have been identified. Many of the technologies and processes used in the treatment of bone material to make other useable raw ingredients is well established. Many of the more interesting current opportunities leverage these known technologies and value add to make a new product or are based on interesting business models.

The report includes a dedicated high-level assessment of consumer trends/insights, as well as interviews with consumer groups and various people in the value chain. Finally, several opportunities that warrant further investigation (inclusive of human food/pet/business models) beyond the current commodity offer were identified and next steps suggested.