P.PSH.1517 - Food-safe Collection and Preservation of Bovine blood for use as an Ingredient in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods - PoC
Results show that freeze-dried bovine blood products (FD-BBP) are a viable, food-safe product that have significant nutritional benefits.
| Project start date: | 01 June 2024 |
| Project end date: | 15 June 2025 |
| Publication date: | 22 September 2025 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
This research examines using nutrient-rich bovine blood products (BBP) in the Australian food industry. It focuses on the feasibility and commercial potential of freeze-dried BBP for aging or iron-deficient populations and nutraceuticals, involving meat processors and food manufacturers.
Objectives
- map out the blood collection process at a Tasmanian abattoir, ensuring compliance and assessing animal ethics approval
- establish a licensing agreement for blood collection
- collect blood safely and evaluate freezing and freeze-drying processes
- perform food safety and nutritional testing on freeze-dried BBP
- review regulatory classification under FSANZ and TGA guidelines
- assess FD-BBP's suitability for nutraceutical and functional food use
- deliver a Final Report with commercial implications and a process diagram.
Key findings
The project showed that collecting and freeze-drying bovine blood at a small-scale abattoir is technically feasible. The collected blood met food safety standards after undergoing a proper 'kill-step' and freeze-drying process.
Benefits to industry
- advanced opportunities for food safety and quality standards
- expansion of Halal product offerings
- collaborative opportunities and market expansion
MLA action
The proof-of-concept study provides some incentive for future MLA investment towards scaling of FD-BBP production, benefiting both small-scale processors and large food manufacturers.
Future research
- optimisation of freeze-drying process
- scaling up production
- bioavailability studies.
More information
| Project manager: | Angelica Pickup |
| Contact email: | Reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Startupbootcamp |
