MEAT BONE MEAL

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a by-product of the meat industry, primarily used in animal feed. It's a dry, ground, rendered product containing meat and bone from various animals. MBM is a source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, and is used to improve the amino acid profile of animal feeds.

Composition and Production:

MBM is typically composed of 48-52% protein, 33-35% ash (primarily calcium and phosphorus), 8-12% fat, and 4-7% water.

It's produced from the by-products of the meat industry, including bones, meat, organs, and other tissues.

Hair, hooves, hide, and horn are generally excluded from MBM production.

Uses:

Animal Feed:

MBM is a common ingredient in animal feed, particularly for poultry, swine, and sometimes fish. It provides a valuable source of protein, amino acids, and essential minerals.

Organic Fertilizer:

MBM can be used as an organic fertilizer due to its high levels of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus.

Renewable Energy:

MBM's high calorific value makes it a potential fuel source for energy production.

Considerations and Regulations:

After the BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) crisis, the use of MBM in ruminant feed was restricted due to concerns about disease transmission.

The regulatory definitions for MBM specify a minimum phosphorus content and a maximum calcium level, and exclude certain by-products.

Sharpes Stock Feeds notes that MBM is a good source of calcium for laying hens, which helps develop thicker eggshells.