Meat and bone meal (MBM) is a by-product of the rendering industry. It is typically about 50% protein, 35% ash, 8-12% fat, and 4-7% moisture. It is primarily used in the formulation of animal feed to improve the amino acid profile of the feed. Feeding of this material to cattle is thought to be responsible for the spread of BSE. In most parts of the world, MBM is no longer allowed in feed for ruminant animals. However, in some areas, including the US, MBM is still used to feed monogastric animals.
In Europe, there is currently little that can be legally done with MBM, other than landfilling or incineration.
