Beef By Products Usage - Executive
Summary
Beef by-products continue to be important in production of a variety of
edible and inedible products. The export of beef by-products is a
significant economic activity that offers additional potential for expanded
uses of beef by-products in industrial, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing,
leather and animal feed applications.
The use of beef by-products in animal feeds is the most significant
single application (other than hides) on a volume basis. The production of
meat and bone meal, by-pass proteins and an assortment of pet foods is an
expanding market. The growth of leather demand is potentially significant,
but is restricted by the availability of high quality hides suitable for
production of upholstery leathers. Gelatins, made from animal collagen,
continue to have a remarkable number of applications in the
pharmaceutical,
food, cosmetic and manufacturing industries. The use of beef tallow
components in industrial chemical formulations is a major market, and
while
competition from alternate compounds is significant, the biodegradable
characteristics and cost features of animal-based fatty acids is sufficient
to assure continued, if not expanded, utilization.
The use of beef by-products in human foods continues in some cases, but
is limited due to concerns about total fat intake. Pharmaceutical uses of
beef by-products as direct human therapies continues, but some
applications
have been replaced by alternate products. The export market for beef
glands
and other tissues with pharmacological applications is strong and provides
cost-effective alternatives for buyers who are limited by technology,
tradition or price.
The rendering industry, by-product brokers, oleo-chemical
manufacturers,
pharmaceutical producers and other industries who utilize beef by-products
offer numerous potential partners for the National Cattlemen's Beef
Association. Opportunities for market enhancement, public education
efforts
and other joint ventures ought to be explored as a mechanism to enhance
the
overall value of the products originating from the beef industry.
Furthermore, these organizations are an important part of the positive story
that beef producers have to tell. The utilization of beef by-products is not
only economical, but environmentally and ethically appropriate as well.
New or Not Previously Listed Uses of Beef By-Products:
o Anti-rejection drug
o Aroma chemicals for fragrances in a variety of household products
o Biodegradable outboard motor oil
o Carotid and femoral arteries for transplant
o Fishing line (adhesive)
o Food packaging
o Glycerin as a fat substitute
o New applications in pest control
o Organic fertilizers
o Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
o Slow release fertilizer technology
Increasing Uses of Beef By-Products:
o Animal feeds (by-pass protein, meat, blood and bone meals)
o Edible by-products for export
o Glycerin based meat casings
o "Gummy-type" candies
o Medical research and training
o Pet chews
o Pharmaceutical tissues for export (Asia, South America, Europe)
o Upholstery leather
Declining or Minimal Uses of Beef By-Products:
o Carpet backing
o Cellophane
o Direct domestic human therapies with:
Chymotrypsin, pancreatin, blood albumins, bone marrow, liver extract,
vitamin b-12, glucagon, iron (however, export continues)
o Gelatin in ice cream
o Domestic use of edible beef tallow (export off-sets the loss)
o Fire fighting foams
o Insulation
o Paint brushes
o Rennets
o Surgical sutures
Continued Uses:
o Adhesives
o Anti-corrosives
o Antibiotic production
o Asphalt emulsifiers
o Bile for cortisone production
o Biological adhesives
o Book bindings
o Brake fluid
o Candles
o Ceramics
o Coated leathers
o Coatings, protective film layers
o Cosmetics (mouthwashes, toothpaste, skin cremes, gels, soaps,
detergents, and lotions to name a few)
o Crayons
o Electrolytic surface treatment of metals
o Explosive compounds
o Fabric softeners
o Fining of wines
o Flavorings
o Gelatin capsules
o Glycerin for chewing gum base
o Heparin
o High performance greases
o High performance coatings (automobile and aircraft)
o Ink coatings on self-copying papers
o Insulin
o Leather products
o Lubricants (auto and jet engine)
o Ore floatation
o Paints
o Paper and cardboard carton glues
o Paper coatings
o Photographic emulsifiers
o Pills, ovules and suppositories
o Pituitary hormones
o Plasma extender
o Plastics
o Propellants for military and industrial requirements
o Regulation of metal deposition
o Research applications (bioactive peptide, immunochemicals, tissue
culture media, diagnostic kits and reagents)
o Sterile gelatin sponges
o Synthetic rubber
o Thrombin
o Variety of food applications
[Introduction]
Introduction
The utilization of beef by-products has been significant throughout
much of human history and continues to be an important contributor to a
variety of economic activities in the world economy. The National
Renderer's
Association (1993) classified the use of rendered products into four primary
categories - as an ingredient in animal (livestock and pet) rations, as
ingredients in industrial processes, in the manufacture of soaps and
personal
care products, and as edible products for use in the food industry.
The primary raw commodities by volume are hides, fat and bone, blood
and
meat meal. The use of beef by-products is particularly important in the
formulation of high energy or high protein animal feeds. This area of
utilization can be classified as a growth market and one which has been a
major focus of the packers and renderers of beef. Fats and proteins are the
primary commodities resulting from the rendering industry. Fats can be
classified as industrial tallows, edible beef tallow, lard, yellow grease,
and feed grade fats (NRA, 1993). A relatively high percentage of beef
tallow
is exported (~50%) and approximately 30 percent of all U.S. beef fat
production is exported.
The market for by-products, while variable, provides evidence of
significant economic contribution. Table 1 summarizes price trends for drop
value. The hide is the highest valued individual dress-off item. The
average 1994 drop value was $8.25 per cwt. Table 2 provides first quarter
of
1996 prices for various beef by-products utilized as inputs into the
pharmaceutical and research industries (USDA, 1996).
Beef By-Products Usage - Introduction
Introduction
The utilization of beef by-products has been significant throughout
much of human history and continues to be an important contributor to a
variety of economic activities in the world economy. The National Renderer's
Association (1993) classified the use of rendered products into four primary
categories - as an ingredient in animal (livestock and pet) rations, as
ingredients in industrial processes, in the manufacture of soaps and personal
care products, and as edible products for use in the food industry.
The primary raw commodities by volume are hides, fat and bone, blood and
meat meal. The use of beef by-products is particularly important in the
formulation of high energy or high protein animal feeds. This area of
utilization can be classified as a growth market and one which has been a
major focus of the packers and renderers of beef. Fats and proteins are the
primary commodities resulting from the rendering industry. Fats can be
classified as industrial tallows, edible beef tallow, lard, yellow grease,
and feed grade fats (NRA, 1993). A relatively high percentage of beef tallow
is exported (~50%) and approximately 30 percent of all U.S. beef fat
production is exported.
The market for by-products, while variable, provides evidence of
significant economic contribution. Table 1 summarizes price trends for drop
value. The hide is the highest valued individual dress-off item. The
average 1994 drop value was $8.25 per cwt. Table 2 provides first quarter of
1996 prices for various beef by-products utilized as inputs into the
pharmaceutical and research industries (USDA, 1996).
Beef By-Products Usage Materials and
Methods
In an effort to validate the uses of beef by-products, the largest
eight beef packing companies in the United States and 106 members of the
National Renderers Association were surveyed to ascertain the marketing and
eventual utilization of thirty-eight beef dress-off items. Surveys were
developed based on a review of the literature and then validated by members
of the packing and rendering industry. Six of eight packers returned
completed questionnaires for a 75 percent response. 41 rendering firms
responded for a 39 percent return rate. However, 6 of the respondents either
elected not to reveal company information or were not directly involved in
the rendering of beef by-products. Thus, 35 completed surveys representing
the rendering industry of the United States and Canada were summarized.
Individual company responses were aggregated to assure confidentiality.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 1. Cattle By-products and Hide Values, Dollars per Hundred Pounds, Live
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Total ByButt Branded
Hide as a Percent of
Year
product Value Steer Hide value
By-product Value
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1980
6.36
2.80
44.0%
1985
5.84
3.39
58.0%
1990
8.41
5.59
66.5%
1991
7.41
4.35
58.7%
1992
7.56
4.55
60.2%
1993
7.75
4.56
58.8%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Source: USDA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 2. USDA By-product Prices, 1st Quarter, 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Item
Price($)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Fetal Blood (per liter)
High-volume producers
Low-volume producers
60.00 - 68.00
51.00 - 60.00
Bile
Fresh
Cooked
0.09 - 0.13
1.25 - 1.40
Pancreas Glands
Steer/Heifer
Cow
0.50 - 0.67
0.30 - 0.45
Adrenal Glands
2.50 - 3.20
Pituitary Glands
Extra Trim
19.00 - 20.00
24.00 - 27.00
Thyroid Glands
Ovaries
Lungs (lobe-only)
2.00
7.50 - 10.00
0.22
Trachea (untrimmed)
0.14 - 0.20
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Source: USDA Market News (prices are quoted per pound unless otherwise
specified)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------In addition to the information collected via the surveys, an extensive
literature review was conducted to determine the various uses of beef byproducts. Furthermore, purchasers of beef by-products were contacted via
telephone to determine how beef by-products were utilized in the manufacture
of a variety of end products. Again, interviewees were assured that they
would not be directly identified.
[Packer Survey Results]
Packer Survey Results
Table 3 summarizes the response of six of the eight largest beef packers
in the United States in regards to their marketing of beef dress-off items.
There is a large amount of variation in the way that various packing
companies sort and sell beef by-products. Some commodities are sorted and
sold on an as is individual basis (hides, blood, fetal blood, etc.).
However, a majority of the offal items originating from the harvested beef
animal may be sold as edible (fit for human consumption), inedible (pet
foods) and inedible (rendered). Because individual companies might sell a
particular by-product in one or all these four categories, averages were not
reported. Instead the range of responses were reported in Table 1 to
summarize how individual dress-off components were sold. The diversity of
responses illustrates the multitude of alternatives available to packers as
they make marketing decisions relative to beef by-products.
Table 4 summarizes the response of packers in regards to the request -
"Inasmuch as is possible, describe the uses of these various by-products by
the final customer." The results suggest three significant trends:
1.
The export market serves as a significant channel for the sale of
edible tissues and organs.
2.
A significant amount of beef by-product is utilized in the
manufacture of animal feed.
3.
Packers have a variety of options in regards to the sale of beef byproducts.
Packers were also asked to provide information in regards to uses of
beef by-products that had been discontinued as well as to identify new uses
of these products. Packer responses are summarized in Tables 5 and 6.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 3. Packer Response to Surveys (n=6)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Sold as Sold as edible Sold as edible
edible
(per food)
(rendered)
Number
----------------------------------------of packers Range of
who sort report % of
this item to production
sell as is for sale
Item
(individual) as is: N Range N Range
N
Range
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Catle hides
6
100
(green/salted)
Switches
5 ^a
Hooves, horns
1
10
Ears
Blood
90-100
1
Fetal blood
5
80-100
Fetal hides
2
100
Bone
6
6
2
2
1
80-100
2
10-25
90-100
100
10
3
100
2
20-100
100
2
100
3
20-80
100
4
75-100
Tendons
2
50
4
50-100
Spinal cord
2
100
1
100
80
3
20-100
Xipoid cartilage
Fat:
1
Edible
3
10-100 1
40
Technical
2
60-100
Inedible
2
100
Glands:
Adrenal
Pancreas
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Ovaries
Supraranal
2
6
1
1
1
40
100
5
95-100
100
1
100
100
1
4
100
5
5
95-100
6
Organs:
Livers
3
100
1
100
5
50-80
4
5-50
Lungs
5
Kidneys
4
Brains
4
5
2
60-90
Reticulum
4
70-90
5
Abomasum
3
6
10-100
10-100
3
2
90
4
6
10-30
10-100
5
1
10
80-100
Bladders
10
30-100
10-100
10-100
1
10-30
4
5
Omasum
100
4
50-100
Rumen
Tongues
100
75-100
20-90
100
95-100
5
Pineal
Testicle
100
4
5
1
100
3
5-100
100
1
1
6
5
6
10-100
90-100
1-20
100
Small intestines
3
75-100
5
20-100
Large intestines
3
60-100
5
10-100
10-100
3
10-100
5-10
2
5-20
Spleen
2
Heart
6
Gall stone
5
100
90
4
80-100 2
Gall bladders
Bile
6
6
100
100
Paunch content 1
100
1 100
4
100
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------^a One packer reported that switches were land-filled.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 4. Packer Response to Surveys
MBM = meat adn bone meal
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Item
Inasmuch as is possible, describe the use of
these
various by-products by the final
customer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Cattle hides
upholstery, leather, shoes, clothing, gelatin
(tanned/collagen)
Switches
Hooves, horns
Ears
animal feed, MBM, minimal use for paint brushes
animal feed, MBM, animal chews, ornamental
MBM
Blood
fertilizer, split into blood factors, edible
sausages, pharmaceutical
Fetal blood
animal pharmaceuticals, spun into fetal serum,
pharmaceutical research
leather, MBM, fine parchment, animal feed
Fetal hides
Bone
animal feed, fertilizer, gelatin (Kind & Knox,
Kodak), piano keys
Tendons
Japan (edible), Asian (edible)
Spinal cord
(edible),
Mexico (edible), Japan (edible), Asian
soup stock
Xiphoid cartilage
Fat:
Edible
Technical
Japan (edible)
shortening
animal feed, fatty acids, tallow, Mexico
(export), soaps
Inedible
soap, animal feed, export, fatty acids
Glands:
Adrenal
pharmaceutical, render
Pancreas
pharmaceutical, render, insulin
Thyroid
pharmaceutical, render
Parathyroid
pharmaceutical, render
Ovaries
pharmaceutical, render
Suprarenal
pharmaceutical, render
Pineal
pharmaceutical, render
Testicle
render
Organs:
Livers
pet food, edible (domestic), edible (Egypt)
Lungs
pharmaceutical (heparin), pet food
Kidneys
pet food, edible (Egypt)
Brains
Rumen
pharmaceutical, edible
export (Poland, Mexico), pet food, MBM,
components used for cheese culturing
Reticulum
edible domestic, MBM
Omasum
export (China), MBM
Abomasum
export (Korea), MBM, food processing
Tongues
export (Japan), MBM
Bladders
MBM
Small intestines
MBM, surgical sutures
Large intestines
export (Japan), MBM
Spleen
pet food
Heart
edible, MBM
Gall stone
Gall bladders
export, aphrodisiac
MBM
Bile
domestic, pharmaceutical
Paunch content
animal feed, fertilizer
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 5. Packer Response: Regarding the Use of Beef By- product
Utilization, What Specific Uses Have Been Discontinued by
Your Customers in the past Ten Years?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Small intestine used for sutures has declined drastically,
but not totally discontinued.
Reduction in pancreas use.
Reduction in demand for edible kidneys.
Reduction in demand for rennets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 6. Packer Response: Are You Aware of New Uses,
Particularly
for Inedible Beef By-product, Adopted in the past Decade?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Beef pizzle used for dog treats.
Face pleates used for dog treats.
Trachea for pharmaceutical use.
Eyes for research.
Blood components used in research.
Export market for edibles is growing.
Hide pieces and tunic tissue for lobster bait.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beef By-Products Usage Packer Survey
Results
In an effort to validate the uses of beef by-products, the largest
eight beef packing companies in the United States and 106 members of the
National Renderers Association were surveyed to ascertain the marketing and
eventual utilization of thirty-eight beef dress-off items. Surveys were
developed based on a review of the literature and then validated by members
of the packing and rendering industry. Six of eight packers returned
completed questionnaires for a 75 percent response. 41 rendering firms
responded for a 39 percent return rate. However, 6 of the respondents either
elected not to reveal company information or were not directly involved in
the rendering of beef by-products. Thus, 35 completed surveys representing
the rendering industry of the United States and Canada were summarized.
Individual company responses were aggregated to assure confidentiality.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 1. Cattle By-products and Hide Values, Dollars per Hundred Pounds, Live
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Total ByButt Branded
Hide as a Percent of
Year
product Value Steer Hide value
By-product Value
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1980
6.36
2.80
44.0%
1985
5.84
3.39
58.0%
1990
8.41
5.59
66.5%
1991
7.41
4.35
58.7%
1992
7.56
4.55
60.2%
1993
7.75
4.56
58.8%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Source: USDA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 2. USDA By-product Prices, 1st Quarter, 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Item
Price($)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Fetal Blood (per liter)
High-volume producers
Low-volume producers
60.00 - 68.00
51.00 - 60.00
Bile
Fresh
Cooked
0.09 - 0.13
1.25 - 1.40
Pancreas Glands
Steer/Heifer
Cow
0.50 - 0.67
0.30 - 0.45
Adrenal Glands
2.50 - 3.20
Pituitary Glands
Extra Trim
19.00 - 20.00
24.00 - 27.00
Thyroid Glands
Ovaries
Lungs (lobe-only)
2.00
7.50 - 10.00
0.22
Trachea (untrimmed)
0.14 - 0.20
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Source: USDA Market News (prices are quoted per pound unless otherwise
specified)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------In addition to the information collected via the surveys, an extensive
literature review was conducted to determine the various uses of beef byproducts. Furthermore, purchasers of beef by-products were contacted via
telephone to determine how beef by-products were utilized in the manufacture
of a variety of end products. Again, interviewees were assured that they
would not be directly identified.
[Packer Survey Results]
Packer Survey Results
Table 3 summarizes the response of six of the eight largest beef packers
in the United States in regards to their marketing of beef dress-off items.
There is a large amount of variation in the way that various packing
companies sort and sell beef by-products. Some commodities are sorted and
sold on an as is individual basis (hides, blood, fetal blood, etc.).
However, a majority of the offal items originating from the harvested beef
animal may be sold as edible (fit for human consumption), inedible (pet
foods) and inedible (rendered). Because individual companies might sell a
particular by-product in one or all these four categories, averages were not
reported. Instead the range of responses were reported in Table 1 to
summarize how individual dress-off components were sold. The diversity of
responses illustrates the multitude of alternatives available to packers as
they make marketing decisions relative to beef by-products.
Table 4 summarizes the response of packers in regards to the request -
"Inasmuch as is possible, describe the uses of these various by-products by
the final customer." The results suggest three significant trends:
1.
The export market serves as a significant channel for the sale of
edible tissues and organs.
2.
A significant amount of beef by-product is utilized in the
manufacture of animal feed.
3.
Packers have a variety of options in regards to the sale of beef byproducts.
Packers were also asked to provide information in regards to uses of
beef by-products that had been discontinued as well as to identify new uses
of these products. Packer responses are summarized in Tables 5 and 6.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 3. Packer Response to Surveys (n=6)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Sold as Sold as edible Sold as edible
edible
(per food)
(rendered)
Number
----------------------------------------of packers Range of
who sort report % of
this item to production
sell as is for sale
Item
(individual) as is: N Range N Range
N
Range
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Catle hides
6
100
(green/salted)
Switches
5 ^a
Hooves, horns
1
10
Ears
Blood
90-100
1
Fetal blood
5
80-100
Fetal hides
2
100
Bone
6
6
2
2
1
80-100
2
10-25
90-100
100
10
3
100
2
20-100
100
2
100
3
20-80
100
4
75-100
Tendons
2
50
4
50-100
Spinal cord
2
100
1
100
80
3
20-100
Xipoid cartilage
Fat:
1
Edible
3
10-100 1
40
Technical
2
60-100
Inedible
2
100
Glands:
Adrenal
Pancreas
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Ovaries
Supraranal
2
6
1
1
1
40
100
5
95-100
100
1
100
100
1
4
100
5
5
95-100
6
Organs:
Livers
3
100
1
100
5
50-80
4
5-50
Lungs
5
Kidneys
4
Brains
4
5
2
60-90
Reticulum
4
70-90
5
Abomasum
3
6
10-100
10-100
3
2
90
4
6
10-30
10-100
5
1
10
80-100
Bladders
10
30-100
10-100
10-100
1
10-30
4
5
Omasum
100
4
50-100
Rumen
Tongues
100
75-100
20-90
100
95-100
5
Pineal
Testicle
100
4
5
1
100
3
5-100
100
1
1
6
5
6
10-100
90-100
1-20
100
Small intestines
3
75-100
5
20-100
Large intestines
3
60-100
5
10-100
10-100
3
10-100
5-10
2
5-20
Spleen
2
Heart
6
Gall stone
5
100
90
4
80-100 2
Gall bladders
Bile
6
6
100
100
Paunch content 1
100
1 100
4
100
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------^a One packer reported that switches were land-filled.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 4. Packer Response to Surveys
MBM = meat adn bone meal
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Item
Inasmuch as is possible, describe the use of
these
various by-products by the final
customer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Cattle hides
upholstery, leather, shoes, clothing, gelatin
(tanned/collagen)
Switches
Hooves, horns
Ears
animal feed, MBM, minimal use for paint brushes
animal feed, MBM, animal chews, ornamental
MBM
Blood
fertilizer, split into blood factors, edible
sausages, pharmaceutical
Fetal blood
animal pharmaceuticals, spun into fetal serum,
pharmaceutical research
leather, MBM, fine parchment, animal feed
Fetal hides
Bone
animal feed, fertilizer, gelatin (Kind & Knox,
Kodak), piano keys
Tendons
Japan (edible), Asian (edible)
Spinal cord
(edible),
Mexico (edible), Japan (edible), Asian
soup stock
Xiphoid cartilage
Fat:
Edible
Technical
Japan (edible)
shortening
animal feed, fatty acids, tallow, Mexico
(export), soaps
Inedible
soap, animal feed, export, fatty acids
Glands:
Adrenal
pharmaceutical, render
Pancreas
pharmaceutical, render, insulin
Thyroid
pharmaceutical, render
Parathyroid
pharmaceutical, render
Ovaries
pharmaceutical, render
Suprarenal
pharmaceutical, render
Pineal
pharmaceutical, render
Testicle
render
Organs:
Livers
pet food, edible (domestic), edible (Egypt)
Lungs
pharmaceutical (heparin), pet food
Kidneys
pet food, edible (Egypt)
Brains
Rumen
pharmaceutical, edible
export (Poland, Mexico), pet food, MBM,
components used for cheese culturing
Reticulum
edible domestic, MBM
Omasum
export (China), MBM
Abomasum
export (Korea), MBM, food processing
Tongues
export (Japan), MBM
Bladders
MBM
Small intestines
MBM, surgical sutures
Large intestines
export (Japan), MBM
Spleen
pet food
Heart
edible, MBM
Gall stone
Gall bladders
export, aphrodisiac
MBM
Bile
domestic, pharmaceutical
Paunch content
animal feed, fertilizer
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 5. Packer Response: Regarding the Use of Beef By- product
Utilization, What Specific Uses Have Been Discontinued by
Your Customers in the past Ten Years?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Small intestine used for sutures has declined drastically,
but not totally discontinued.
Reduction in pancreas use.
Reduction in demand for edible kidneys.
Reduction in demand for rennets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 6. Packer Response: Are You Aware of New Uses,
Particularly
for Inedible Beef By-product, Adopted in the past Decade?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Beef pizzle used for dog treats.
Face pleates used for dog treats.
Trachea for pharmaceutical use.
Eyes for research.
Blood components used in research.
Export market for edibles is growing.
Hide pieces and tunic tissue for lobster bait.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beef By-Products Usage Renderer Survey
Results
Survey responses from 35 members of the National Renderers Association
are summarized in Table 7. Because renderers often combine a variety of beef
by-product items during the rendering process, respondents were asked to
identify which products were sold as individual items and which were rendered
into components prior to sale. Section I of Table 7 describes responses to
the first question. Section II then summarizes the answers to the second
question. Because not all respondents provided information in regard to
section II, the percentage of those who did are provided in the third column
of Table 7. The fourth and fifth columns of Table 7 contain the percent
responses of the survey population subset.
These data (Table 7) show that a majority of beef by-products handled
by renderers are separated into components for eventual sale. The uses of
these by-products and their components are summarized in Table 8. These
responses very clearly show that beef by-products in animal feed is very
significant and that beef fat components are used in a variety of
industrial, food and commercial products.
The responses of renderers to questions concerning discontinued and
new uses of beef by-products are outlined in Tables 9 and 10, respectively.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 7. Renderer Response to Surveys
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------I. Do you sell this | II. Do you render this item
item as an individual | into components which are
product?
|
sold separately?
(yes or no)
|
(yes or no)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Item
% Yes
% No
| % Responding % Yes % No
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Cattle hides
11.5
88.5
46
0
100
(green or salted)
Cattle hides
(collagen)
20
80
48
Switches
4.2
95.8
62.5
Hooves, horns
4.2
Ears
0
Blood
16.0
Fetal blood
4.2
95.8
100
84
95.8
8.3
91.7
26.6
66.6
73.4
37.5
62.5
66.6
37.5
62.5
80
60
40
75
27.8
72.2
Fetal hides
Bone
4.2
95.8
62.5
20
80
12.5
87.5
79.2
52.6
47.4
Tendons
0
100
73.9
35.3
64.7
Spinal cord
0
100
73.9
35.3
64.7
Xiphoid cartilage
0
100
31.8
68.2
68.2
Technical
45
55
55
Inedible
83.3
16.7
Fat:
Edible
Adrenal
0
Pancreas
Thyroid
4.3
95.7
66.7
69.6
69.6
40
64.7
60
27.3
72.7
65
35
43.7
56.3
43.7
56.3
43.7o
56.3
95.7
0
100
69.6
43.7
56.3
4.3
100
69.6
43.7
56.3
Suprarenal
0
100
69.6
35.3
4.3
Parathyroid
Ovaries
100
73.9
69.6
43.7
56.3
Pineal
0
100
69.6
43.7
56.3
Testicle
0
100
69.6
43.7
56.3
69.6
50
50
Organs:
Livers
4.3
95.7
Lungs
4.3
95.7
69.6
50
50
Kidneys
4.3
95.7
69.6
50
50
Brains
4.3
95.7
69.6
50
50
Rumen
4.3
95.7
69.6
50
50
Reticulum
4.3
95.7
69.6
50
50
Omasum
0
100
69.6
50
50
Abomasum
Tongues
0
100
4.5
95.5
68.2
68.2
46.7
46.7
53.3
53.3
Bladders
0
100
68.2
46.7
53.3
Small intestines
0
100
68.2
46.7
53.3
Large intestines
0
100
68.2
46.7
53.3
Spleen
4.5
95.5
68.2
46.7
53.3
Heart
4.5
95.5
68.2
46.7
53.3
Gall stone
Gall bladders
Bile
4.5
0
4.5
95.5
68.2
40
60
100
68.2
40
60
35.7
64.3
95.5
63.6
Paunch content
4.5
95.5
63.6
28.6
71.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 8. Renderer Response to Survey
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Item
Inasmuch as is possible, describe the uses of these
various by-products by the final customer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Cattle hides
leather products, garment leather, upholstery leather
(green or salted)
Cattle hides
(collagen)
sausage casings, pharmaceutical capsules
Switches
animal feed, landfill
Hooves, horns
animal feed, soaps
Ears
animal feed
Blood
animal feed, edible whole blood, fertilizers
Fetal blood
animal feed, medical research
Fetal hides
animal feed, leather parchment
Bone
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, piano keys, soup
bones
Tendons
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Spinal cord
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Xiphoid cartilage
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Fat:
Edible
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, margarine, cooking,
shortening, dri-fat production, oleo chemicals, food
products
Technical
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, high quality hand
soap, lubricants, export
Inedible
animal feed, industrial soaps, amines, fatty acids,
pet feed, lubricant, cosmetics -- lipstick base,
glycerin -- waxes and polishes, polymers for
synthetic lubricants, oleo chemicals, coatings for
steel to prevent rust, lubricant for steel rolling
mills, paints, plastics, rubber
Glands:
Adrenal
Pancreas
Thyroid
Parathyroid
Ovaries
Suprarenal
Pineal
Testicle
Organs:
Livers
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, insulin
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, sweetbreads
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, hormone
extraction research
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, Rocky Mountain
oysters
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, edible
Lungs
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, pharmaceutical
Kidneys
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, edible
Brains
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Rumen
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, scalded tripe
Reticulum
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, honeycomb tripe
Omasum
Abomasum
Tongues
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, edible
Bladders
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Small intestines
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Large intestines
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Spleen
Heart
Gall stone
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, edible,
pharmaceuticals
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, edible
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids, aphrodisiac
Gall bladders
Bile
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
animal feed, soaps, fatty acids
Paunch content
animal feed, compost, lawn/garden
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 9. Renderer Response: Regarding the Use of Beef By-product
Utilization, What Specific Uses Have Been Discontinued by
Your Customers in the past Ten Years?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Decline in red meat to pet food canneries -- chicken has
replaced beef.
+ Decline in edible beef tallow (loss of McDonalds, Wendys,
Burger King)
+ Soap makers have switched to use of edible fat instead of
inedible.
+ Partially defatted cooked beef fatty tissue has been
reduced as an edible use.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 10. Renderer Response: Are You Aware of New Uses,
Particularly for Inedible Beef By-product, Adopted
in the past Decade?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Pet toys, snacks
+ Organic fertilizers
+ By-pass proteins
+ Carotid and femoral arteries for transplant
+ Edible blood plasma -- spray dried for use in animal feed
+ Inedible blood plasma -- food additives (1), binders (1),
pharmaceuticals (1)
+ Hide -- rawhide dog chews
+ Bones -- smoked bones for dogs
+ Bones -- piano keys
+ Hooves -- dog and parrot chews
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description of Uses of Beef By-productsPart 1
Industrial Uses
Industrial tallow utilization typically involves the production of
lubricants, fatty acids and glycerol. The primary uses of fatty acids by
the industrial manufacturing sector include surfacants, soaps, plastics,
resins, rubber, lubricants, textiles, and cosmetics (Grummer, 1992).
Amides are nitrogen derivatives from fatty acids and are utilized as
ingredients in the manufacture of water repellants, synthetic detergents,
non-ionic surface active agents, printing inks and plastics (Grummer,
1992). Fatty acid amines are used to construct products in the rubber
and textile industry due to their excellent water repellant characteristics
(Grummer, 1992). Fatty acid esters are useful for manufacture of
emulsifiers, coating agents, textile sizers and lubricants, plasticizers,
and defoaming agents (Grummer, 1992). Long-chain fatty alcohols are
used in the production of sodium alkyl sulfates which eventually are
utilized in detergent production (Grummer, 1992).
Aluminum tristearate is a compound containing stearic acid and is
used in a variety of products including cosmetic gels, pharmaceutical
additives, additives to grease, toner adjuvants, antifoam agents,
explosive additives, and waterproofing agents (Kirk-Othmer, 1992).
Controlled release technologies have application in turf grass,
nursery and crop applications via POLYON-coated products. Haifa
Chemicals, Ltd. (Israel) produces a line of resin-coated products
that utilize fatty acids to form the coating. Fertilizers are then
coated for use in speciality crop production, turf application and
commercial ornamental plant production (Kirk-Othmer, 1993).
Industrial lubricants often contain fatty acid soaps or chemically
modified fatty acids. Fatty acid esters offer improved thermal and
oxidative stability, high viscosity indexes, low pour points, and are
often utilized in lithium-based greases, textile lubricants to minimize
abrasion, rolling and cutting oils, and tool lubricants used for the
manipulation of metals (cutting, machining, and stamping) (Grummer,
1992).
Natural product based adhesives were valued at $154 million in
1987 (Kirk-Othmer, 1991). Plywood manufacturing utilizes blood/collagen
based adhesives when critical features include moisture content of wood,
lack of foam in the coating, material that is roll coatable, appropriate
shelf life and moisture resistance are considered. A blood-soybean
blend adhesive provides the highest degree of water resistance
(Kirk-Othmer, 1991). The positive attributes of gelatin from animal
sources in glues include reversible gel-to-sol transition of
aqueous solution, acts as a protective colloid, permeable to water,
insoluble in cold water, completely soluble in warm water, and it forms
uniform coatings with medium flexibility (Kirk-Othmer, 1994).
Fatty acid amides are used as lubricants to reduce friction in
industrial processes due to excellent filming characteristics, fatty
amines are used in ore flotation, as corrosion inhibitors and metal
working lubricants. Separated and/or hydrogenated tallow-based acids
are used in the manufacture of plastics, tires, candles, crayons,
and cosmetics, and as lubricants. Tallow fatty acids are used in
soaps, lubricants, fabric softeners, asphalt emulsifiers, synthetic
rubber and plastics (Kirk-Othmer, 1992; Kirk-Othmer, 1993).
Oleo-based fatty acids are completely biodegradable and find
widespread usage in a variety of applications/industries due to their
origin from renewable natural resources (Kirk-Othmer, 1993).
Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives of
companies that purchase by- products and by-product components to
provide insight as to the utilization of tallow and fatty acids.
Tallow is rendered into fatty acids and glycerine. Fatty acids
are marketed as hardened or split (oleic, stearic or presterics).
Tallow is directly available from the packing industry in a multitude
of grades. Grades are determined by firmness, fatty acid composition
and other compositional differences. Approximately 40 to 50 percent
of fatty acids are exported with the U.S. generating approximately
one-half of the world's fatty acid production.
In terms of competing products to tallow, only palm stearin
from palm oil is considered to be similar to tallow although it is
not as cheap or efficient to produce. Palm stearin has a greater
demand for manufacture of Kosher-type products as tallow fails to
meet Kosher specifications.
One interviewee reported that the primary uses of fatty acids
produced by his company were:
+ Synthetic rubber, primarily for tire
manufacture
+ Plastic - automobile parts (distributor
caps, interiors, etc.) and for any use of
plastic (football helmets, etc.)
+ Calcium stearate for production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, etc. Metallic
stearates are also used in linoleum.
+ Majority of tallow goes into soaps.
Interview respondents reported that fatty acids from beef
by-products are used in soaps, auto lubricants, jet engine
lubricants, high performance greases and brake fluid. Splitting
oleic acid into 9 carbon chains yields the only C-9 natural acid
(pelargonic acid) to produce synthetic oils (Mobile and Exxon are
major users). The use of beef fatty acids to create a biodegradable
outboard engine oil is also being researched. Azelaic acid is used
in adhesives for floor coverings. Furthermore, fatty acids such as
stearic acid are used in derivative forms as processing aids (mold
release agents, use in tableting). Metallic stearates are
ingredients in plastics and paper.
Oleic acid is also utilized to produce antibiotics. Oleic
acid is fed to microorganisms to aid growth. These microbes then
yield antibiotics via biotechnical processes. Stearic acid is also a
component of by-pass protein. With rising feed costs and declining
market prices, by-pass proteins offer the industry an effective
mechanism to improve feed utilization which has positive benefits
from both an environmental and price of product perspective.
Stearic acid is used in high quality bar soaps; Lever Brothers
and Colgate were mentioned as significant purchasers. Glycerin, a
by-product of fatty acid production, can be used in reduced fat
cookies as an oil replacement. Glycerin is also used to replace
alcohols in mouth-washes and as a plaque fighting agent in toothpaste.
Fatty acids are also being tested as possible ingredients in
mosquito control and natural-based weed control systems. The approach
to mosquito control is to spray the product over a body of water
while the insect is in the larval stage to suffocate the larvae. This
product is currently being tested and has market appeal due to
biodegradability and the ability to reskim across the water after being
wind-disturbed, both of these characteristics are advantages compared to
diesel-based alternatives. The use of tallow components in these
products will depend on price.
Furthermore, tallow derivatives are being substituted for a number
of petro-chemical uses, including use as a carrier for pesticides according
to a representative of the chemical industry. Fatty acids of animal origin
play an important role in the formulation and enhancement of pesticides and
herbicides. They also perform an important function in the agri-chemical
industry as wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersing agents, defoamers,
solubilizers and viscosity modifiers.
Another respondent reported that azelaic acid (a triglyceride produced
from fatty acids) can be reacted with the backbone of a polymer to form
products such as urethane coatings and polymer adhesives. A widely used
product is high performance coatings for airplanes and automobiles.
Adhesive uses include food packaging (2-3 ply individual serving condiment
bags), furniture and fishing line. Laminated foils containing propylene
are used to package such things as coffee bricks. While cellophane can be
made from azelaic acid, it was reported that this market is small and
dwindling. It was also reported that Shearing Pharmaceuticals in Germany
is producing an acne medication from azelaic acid.
Protein based fire-fighting foams are being manufactured but are
finding limited use as synthetic alternatives are finding broader
acceptance. One telephone interview respondent reported that nearly
all runway foams tend to be synthetic as opposed to the protein products.
Edible Beef Tallow
Edible tallow produced by the rendering industry of the United States
is available in either deodorized (no effect on flavor of foods) or
undeodorized (selected to enhance food flavor) forms (NRA, 1993). Tallow
is created from fatty tissues and bone. The food service industry is a
major user of edible fats. During the mid 1980's the largest fast food
chains moved towards a greater use of vegetable oils for cooking of french
fries which displaced market demand for edible fats for use in frying
(Morton et al, 1988). Edible fats are utilized in the creation of tallow
shortenings used in making sweet bakery products and fried foods. Tallows
used to manufacture baking shortenings are used in making breads, rolls,
crackers, cookies and other baked goods. Furthermore, the blending of
animal fats with vegetable fats is commonplace (NRA, 1993; Morton et al.,
1988).
Edible tallows offer domestic and international markets an all-natural
product with superior consistency, shelf-life, and quality at an economical
price. Animal fats and oils because they are biodegradable are designated
by the Food and Drug Administration as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)
and provide superior environmental qualities particularly in relation to
petroleum-based oils (NRA, 1993). Edible tallow benefits including
taste, product life, price and because it is a natural product doesn't
require artificial hydrogenation. Furthermore, because of its chemical
properties, tallow allows foods to fry quickly and thus absorb less oil.
Gelatin
World production of gelatin in 1993 was 200,000 t of which 30,000 t
was produced in the United States. Gelatin utilization in the U.S. is
characterized as follows: the food industry consumes ~20,000 t/yr with
an annual projected growth rate of 0.5%, the pharmaceutical industry
consumes ~10,000 t/yr with an annual growth rate of 2.5% per year, and the
photographic industry takes ~7,000 t/yr with this use projected as stable to
slight increases in the future (Kirk-Othmer, 1994). Of the photographic
uses, 55% is used for color paper and x-ray products while graphic arts and
instant films account for 30% (Kirk-Othmer, 1994).
Gelatin is created via partial hydrolysis of collagen which is the
major protein component of skin, bones, hides and white connective tissues.
Gelatin is typically classified as type A or B and the source of each is
described in Table 11.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 11. Source of Gelatin Types A and B
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Type
A
B
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Raw Material
Pigskin, bone
Bone, hide
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Source: J. Poppe, 1992
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increasing or New Uses of Gelatin Include:
+ "Gummy" type candies have increased gelatin demand worldwide.
+ Use as an emulsifier and extender in production of reduced fat
margarine products.
+ Sterile gelatin sponge known as Gelfoam or Absorbable Gelatin
Sponge to arrest surgical hemorrhage. This is used in combination
with thrombin, another bovine by-product.
+ Used as a plasma extender.
+ Used as a diet supplement and therapeutic agent to deal with
muscular disorders, peptic ulcers, infant feeding and to spur
nail growth (Kirk-Othmer, 1994).
Declining Uses of Gelatin Include:
+ Use in ice creams has greatly diminished.
A major manufacturer of gelatin describes the use of
their gelatin products in the following ways:
I.
Jellies
II.
Confectionary (beans, jelly babies, gums, pastilles)
Aerated Confectionary (marshmallow, meringues, nougats, fruit chews)
Caramels, sugar-coated almonds
III. Desserts and dairy products (bavaroises, mousses, pie-crusts,
margarines, dietetic products, yogurts, ice creams and sorbets)
IV.
Clarification of wines (fining agent)
V.
Decoration (garnish, galantines, foie gras, eggs in jelly)
VI.
Gel reinforcement for cooked meats to improve slicing.
VII. Gels the liquor exuded from hams, etc. during cooking; also to
preserve pates and other meat products.
VIII. Dietetic Products (dietary breads, biscuits, powdered soups)
IX.
Cosmetics (protective creams, beauty masks, lotions, shampoo bases)
X.
Health-pharmaceutical products (soft capsules, hard shell two piece
capsule, hemostatic sponges, biological adhesives, blood serum, as
a binder in pills, ovules and suppositories)
XI.
Industrial (binding of inflammable substances in matches, photographic
emulsions, film binding, protection and backing layers, improves
mechanical properties of paper, "crispness" of bank notes, coats the ink
microparticles of self-copying papers, glueing of paper and cardboard
cartons, manufacture of book bindings, electrolytic surface treatment
of metals, and regulation of deposition of chrome, nickel and copper)
Description of Uses of Beef By-products Part II
Cosmetics
Cosmetic manufacturers are reverting to the use of older cosmetic
formulations that were tested using the Draize Eye Irritating test long before
animal testing became a concern. Thus, the cosmetic companies "can say
their "new" cosmetic versions have not been tested on animals" writes Ruth
Winter (1994).
Manufacturers have also removed the word "animal" from ingredient
labels but not out of the ingredients. For example, hydrolyzed animal protein
is now called hydrolyzed-collagen (Winter, 1994).
Soap manufacturing in North America and Europe utilizes approximately
80 percent tallow and 20 percent palm ingredients in a typical bar soap
(Myers, 1992). Beef tallow is the largest component of bar soaps because
it is affordable, readily available and chemically appropriate (Myers, 1992).
Synthetic ingredients, however, are dominant in the manufacture of laundry
detergents (Myers, 1992).
Cosmetic ingredients as described by Winter in A Consumer's Dictionary
of Cosmetic Ingredients (1994) are listed in Table 12.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 12. Utilization of Beef By-products in Cosmetic Ingredients
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------AMNIOTIC FLUID (bovine) - limited use in moisturizers, hair lotions, scalp
treatments and shampoos.
ANIMAL TISSUE EXTRACT (Epiderm Oil R) - made from thymus, placenta, and
udder is used in moisturizers and cosmetic creams.
AORTA EXTRACT - used in "anti-aging" products.
ARACHIDONIC ACID - isolated from the liver for use as a surfactant and
emulsifying agent in skin creams and lotions.
BILE SALTS - powerful cleansing agents.
CASEIN - bovine milk protein used in protective creams and as the "protein"
in thickening hair preparations.
CHOLESTEROL - emulsifiers and lubricant in brilliantine hair dressings, eye
creams and shampoos.
COLLAGEN - used to fill out acne scars, wrinkles and other depressions via
injection under the skin.
COLLAGEN AMINO ACIDS - used in moisturizers, emollients.
FATTY ACIDS - bubble baths, lipsticks, soap, detergents.
GELATIN - protein shampoos, peelable face masks, fingernail strengthener.
GLYCERIN - by-product of soap manufacturing used in cream rouges, face packs
and masks, freckle lotions, hand creams and lotions, hair lacquers, liquid
face powder, mouthwashes, skin fresheners, and protective creams.
HEPARIN SALTS - used to prevent lumping of cosmetics.
HYALURONIC ACID - protein found in umbilicus and joint fluid used as a
cosmetic oil.
HYDROGENATED FATTY OILS - used in baby creams and lipsticks.
HYDROGENATED TALLOW* - used as a binder in cosmetics.
HYDROLYZED** COLLAGEN - widely used in a variety of products.
HYDROLYZED ELASTIN - used in "youth" creams.
HYDROLYZED PROTEIN - used to improve combing ease.
KERATIN - permanent wave solutions, hair rinses.
OLEIC ACID - soft soaps, cold cremes, toilet soaps, brushless shave creams,
shampoos, pre-shave lotions, liquid lip rouge, and liquid makeup.
PALMITIC ACID - texturizer in shampoos, shaving creams and soaps.
STEARIC ACID - wide use in deodorants, antiperspirants, liquid powder
foundation cremes, hand cremes and lotions, shaving creams and soaps,
bar soaps and lubricants. Large percentage of cosmetic cremes contain
this ingredient.
TALLOW - shaving cremes, lipsticks, shampoos, soaps.
THYMUS EXTRACT - skin cremes.
UDDER EXTRACT - moisturizers.
UMBILICAL EXTRACT - moisturizers.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------* Also look for these label ingredients - hydrogenated tallow acid,
hydrogenated tallow betaine, hydrogenated tallow glyceride, hydrogenated
tallowamide DEA, hydrogenated talloweth-12-60, hydrogenated tallowtrimonium
chloride.
** Also look for these label ingredients - hydrolyzed casein, hydrolyzed
keratin, hydrolyzed fibronectin, hydrolyzed hemoglobin, hydrolyzed reticulin,
hydrolyzed serum protein.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Pharmaceuticals
Perhaps the biggest change in by-product usage has occurred in regards
to pharmaceutical application. The primary bovine tissues used in the
direct application to human therapy are the pituitary gland, heart, pancreas,
and intestinal mucosa. A significant market that has accompanied the
biotechnical age is the expanding use of beef by-products in research work
as cell media, blood factors, peptides, enzymes, etc. The adrenal gland,
thyroid, parathyroid, ovaries, brain, spinal cord, spleen and eyes have
significant application in research (Table 13).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 13. Research Applications of Beef By-Products
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Bioactive Peptide
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ endorphins and B-lipotropin fragments
+ gastrointestinal peptides
+ growth hormone releasing peptides
+ opioid peptides
+ parathyroid hormone and fragments
+ corticotropin releasing hormone
+ endothelins
+ insulin
+ thyrocalcitonin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Immunochemicals
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ monoclonal antibodies
+ antibodies and reagents for cell biology
+ antibodies and reagents for neurosciences and signal transduction
+ polyclonal antisera to animal proteins
+ antibody conjugates
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Molecular Biology
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ bovine serum albumin for use in nucleic acid analysis
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Tissue Culture Media and Reagents
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ sera
+ serum replacements
+ biological buffers
+ growth factors
+ endothelial cell
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Diagnostic Kits and Reagents
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Sigma Chemical Company, 1996
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------The heart is used for its valves, as a medical training medium for
surgery and utilization of biomedical equipment, and as a source of enzyme.
Insulin continues to be utilized in the field of human medicine and many of
the other hormones and enzymes originating from the pancreas are used in
research applications. The pituitary yields luteinizing hormone, growth
hormone, and vasopressin which have both human and animal application.
Collagen from the trachea or soft cartilage is utilized in cosmetic surgery.
Fraction I is used to treat hemophilia and thrombin is utilized as a
coagulant. Fetal blood is very heavily used in cell cultures and
microbiological research. Bovine eyes are also used as a research medium.
Beef by-products with minimal use in human medicine therapies in the
United States include pancreatin, glucagon, chymotrypsin, blood albumin
for RH factor types, iron, bone marrow, cholesterol, prolactin , liver
extract, and vitamin B-12. Many of these products have been replaced by
recombinant techniques. Iron from bovine blood is used in fertilizers and
blood albumin is used as an animal blood expander or as an experimental
standard. Gall stones and bile are exported to Asia. Bile is also used
as a source of biochemicals for production of cortisone by the pharmaceutical
industry. Heparin is utilized as a therapeutic anticoagulant and is
extracted from bovine lungs or intestinal mucosa.
Pharmaceutical industry representatives confirm that blood fractions
I, II, III, IV and V are utilized in the production of an anti-rejection
product. Heparin continues to be an ingredient in anticoagulants. Bovine
fetal serum and trypsin are utilized in the manufacture of vaccines.
Pharmaceutical companies produce animal-source and human insulin. They
specify the use of porcine and bovine pancreas tissue as a source of insulin.
Human insulin is made either by recombinant technique or via chemically
altering pork insulin to human insulin. Porcine sourced insulin would
provide the majority of animal based product. Nonetheless, the use of
bovine insulin continues. Apparently some people experience allergic
reactions to the recombinant form of insulin which likely assures the
continued use of animal-based product. Approximately 8,000 pounds of
animal pancreases are required to isolate one pound of purified zincinsulin crystals (Brange, 1987).
The market for animal based pharmaceuticals is still relatively
strong both from the research standpoint but also due to a strong export
market for these products. While recombinant technologies and other
purification/production systems have displaced much of the use of cattle
by-products in human therapies in the U.S., a strong export market exists
particularly where price becomes an issue. Another expanding market, in
both the U.S. and Europe, is holistic and homeopathic medicine. In
this particular market, "diluted" or "natural" therapies are sought which
often include animal by-product components.
Leather and Hide
A majority of the cattle hides produced in the U.S. are exported to
China and Korea for use in manufacture of automobile and furniture upholstery,
shoes, sporting goods, luggage, garments, gloves, wallets, purses, and a
variety of other finished products which are then imported back into the
United States. A representative of the leather industry categorized leather
utilization as 40% upholstery, 50% for shoes and shoe leather, and 10%
for other uses.
Telephone interviews with representatives of the hide and leather
industries are summarized in Tables 14 and 15.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 14. New and Increasing Uses of Leather and Cattle Hides
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Less desirable pieces are coated with polyurethane and used to produce the
new "shiny white" athletic shoes.
Scraps and shavings are digested enzymatically and then used in animal feed
or as fertilizer.
Production of gelatin for cosmetics, synthetic skin, film manufacture and
other collagen-type materials.
Bonded leather where fibers are mechanically broken down and put back
together with adhesives.
Collagen-based glues and adhesives.
Leather upholstery market is increasing rapidly as people no longer consider
it an unaffordable luxury. Branded hides will become an even bigger issue
in the future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Table 15. Declining Uses of Leather and Cattle Hides
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------No longer used for insulation or carpet backing. One respondent reported
that hair was still in use for these applications. At the very least,
leather fiber or hair use in insulation is minimal. However, hair is still
utilized in creating felts for use as weather striping.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beef By-Products Usage Summary
Beef by-products continue to be important in production of a variety
of edible and inedible products. The export of beef by-products is a
significant economic activity that offers additional potential for expanded
uses of beef by-products in industrial, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing,
leather and animal feed applications.
The use of beef by-products in animal feeds is the most significant
single application (other than hides) on a volume basis. The production of
meat and bone meal, by-pass proteins and an assortment of pet foods is an
expanding market. The growth of leather demand is potentially significant,
but is restricted by the availability of high quality hides suitable for
production of upholstery leathers. Gelatins, made from animal collagen,
continue to have a remarkable number of applications in the pharmaceutical,
food, cosmetic and manufacturing industries. The use of beef tallow
components in industrial chemical formulations is a major market, and while
competition from alternate compounds is significant, the biodegradable
characteristics and cost features of animal-based fatty acids is sufficient
to assure continued, if not expanded, utilization.
The use of beef by-products in human foods continues in some cases, but
is limited due to concerns about total fat intake. Pharmaceutical uses of
beef by-products as direct human therapies continues, but some applications
have been replaced by alternate products. The export market for beef
glands and other tissues with pharmacological applications is strong and
provides cost-effective alternatives for buyers who are limited by
technology, tradition or price.
The rendering industry, by-product brokers, oleo-chemical manufacturers,
pharmaceutical producers and other industries who utilize beef by-products
offer numerous potential partners for the National Cattlemen's Beef
Association. Opportunities for market enhancement, public education efforts
and other joint vetnures ought to be explored as a mechanism to enhance the
overall value of the products originating from the beef industry.
Furthermore, these organizations are an important part of the positive story
that beef producers have to tell. The utilization of beef by-products is
not only economical, but environmentally and ethically appropriate as well.
[Literature Cited]
Literature Cited
American Meat Institute. 1994. Meat and Poultry Facts. Washington, D.C.
Brange, Jens. 1987. Galenics of insulin: The physics-chemical and
pharmaceutical aspects of insulin and insulin preparations. SpringerVerlag. Berlin, Germany.
Grummer, R.R. 1992. Inedible fats and greases. In: Inedible Meat
By-Products. A.M. Pearson and T.R. Dutson (Eds.). Elsevier Science
Publishers, Ltd. London, England.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1991. Volume 1: A
to Alkaloids. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley
and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1992. Volume 2:
Alkanolamines to Antibiotics. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.).
John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1992. Volume 3:
Antibiotics to Batteries. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John
Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 5:
Carbon and Graphite Fibers to Chlorocarbons and Chlorohydrocarbons-C.
J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New
York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 7:
Composite Materials to Detergency. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant
(Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 8:
Deuterium and Tritium to Elastomers, Polyethers. J.I. Kroschwitz and
M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 10:
Explosives and Propellants to Flame Retardants for Textiles. J.I.
Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1994. Volume 12:
Fuel Resources to Heat Stabilizer. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant
(Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Myers, E.G. 1992. Soup and detergents. In: Inedible Meat By-Products.
A.M. Pearson and T.R. Dutson (Eds.). Elsevier Science Publishers, Ltd.
London, England.
National Renderers Association. The natural choice.
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 207,
Alexandria, VA.
Poppe, J. 1992. Gelatin. In: Thickening and Gelling Agents for Food.
A. Imerson (Ed.). Blackie Academic and Professional. London, England.
Sigma Chemical Company. 1996. Biochemicals, organic compounds and
diagnostic reagents. St. Louis, MO.
Systems Bio-industries. 1995. Gelatine. 620 Progress Avenue, P.O. Box
1609, Wankeshe, WI.
USDA. 1994. National carlot and trade review. Livestock and Seed
Division -- Livestock and Grain Market News Service. Des Moines, IA.
USDA. 1996. Quarterly pharmaceutical report. Livestock and Seed
Division -- Livestock and Grain Market News Service. Des Moines, IA.
Winter, R. 1994. A consumer's dictionary of cosmetic ingredients. Crown
Publishers. New York, NY.
Beef By-Products Usage Literature Sited
American Meat Institute. 1994. Meat and Poultry Facts. Washington, D.C.
Brange, Jens. 1987. Galenics of insulin: The physics-chemical and
pharmaceutical aspects of insulin and insulin preparations. SpringerVerlag. Berlin, Germany.
Grummer, R.R. 1992. Inedible fats and greases. In: Inedible Meat
By-Products. A.M. Pearson and T.R. Dutson (Eds.). Elsevier Science
Publishers, Ltd. London, England.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1991. Volume 1: A
to Alkaloids. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley
and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1992. Volume 2:
Alkanolamines to Antibiotics. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.).
John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1992. Volume 3:
Antibiotics to Batteries. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John
Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 5:
Carbon and Graphite Fibers to Chlorocarbons and Chlorohydrocarbons-C.
J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New
York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 7:
Composite Materials to Detergency. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant
(Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 8:
Deuterium and Tritium to Elastomers, Polyethers. J.I. Kroschwitz and
M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1993. Volume 10:
Explosives and Propellants to Flame Retardants for Textiles. J.I.
Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant (Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Kirk-Othmer. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 1994. Volume 12:
Fuel Resources to Heat Stabilizer. J.I. Kroschwitz and M.H. Grant
(Eds.). John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY.
Myers, E.G. 1992. Soup and detergents. In: Inedible Meat By-Products.
A.M. Pearson and T.R. Dutson (Eds.). Elsevier Science Publishers, Ltd.
London, England.
National Renderers Association. The natural choice.
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 207,
Alexandria, VA.
Poppe, J. 1992. Gelatin. In: Thickening and Gelling Agents for Food.
A. Imerson (Ed.). Blackie Academic and Professional. London, England.
Sigma Chemical Company. 1996. Biochemicals, organic compounds and
diagnostic reagents. St. Louis, MO.
Systems Bio-industries. 1995. Gelatine. 620 Progress Avenue, P.O. Box
1609, Wankeshe, WI.
USDA. 1994. National carlot and trade review. Livestock and Seed
Division -- Livestock and Grain Market News Service. Des Moines, IA.
USDA. 1996. Quarterly pharmaceutical report. Livestock and Seed
Division -- Livestock and Grain Market News Service. Des Moines, IA.
Winter, R. 1994. A consumer's dictionary of cosmetic ingredients. Crown
Publishers. New York, NY.