Meat and Bone Meal: composition, applications, and quality

Date: 08/10/2026

On a meat and bone meal specification sheet, the crude protein percentage is usually the first figure people look at. For formulation, however, it is only one part of the nutrient matrix: minerals, moisture, fat, the stability of the lipid fraction, and digestibility also affect the ingredient's nutritional value and behavior.

The animal origin, the tissues used, the proportion of bone, and the processing conditions determine many of these characteristics. These variations affect the calcium and phosphorus balance, the energy contribution, the amino acid profile, and the need for adjustments with other ingredients. For this reason, products with the same designation should not be compared solely on price per ton or on a single nutritional parameter.

In this article, you will find:

What is Meat and Bone Meal and how is it used in animal nutrition?

Meat and Bone Meal is an ingredient of animal origin obtained by the thermal processing of animal raw materials, followed by the separation of part of the fat and by grinding. Among ingredients for animal nutrition, it can supply protein, residual fat, and minerals to the formulation, in proportions that depend on the species, the tissues used, and the processing conditions.

The MBRF portfolio includes two distinct products in this line: Beef Meat and Bone Meal and Porcine Meat and Bone Meal. The origin of the raw material must be taken into account because bovine and porcine products may have different specifications and applications and therefore should not be treated as necessarily equivalent ingredients.

What should be evaluated in the composition and quality parameters of Meat and Bone Meal?

Evaluating the ingredient means looking at how its components relate to one another. Raw material, proportion of bone, fat removal, final moisture, and processing intensity can all change the product's nutrient matrix.

Crude protein

Crude protein is one of the main nutritional and commercial parameters of animal meals. Its percentage should be interpreted together with the amino acid profile, digestibility, ash, and the other components, since a higher value does not, on its own, prove better utilization by the target species.

Ash

The ash content is related to the presence of bone and other inorganic components in the raw material. This value needs to be included in the diet balance, along with other minerals and ingredients.

Moisture

Moisture affects nutrient concentration per unit of weight and the stability of the ingredient during storage. The specified limit should be backed by process controls, packaging, and storage conditions, and should not be used on its own as proof of microbiological safety.

Fat or ether extract

Ether extract estimates the lipid fraction and helps quantify the meal's energy contribution. Because lipids can oxidize, the evaluation needs to include stability indicators, storage conditions, and the batch's use-by period.

Peroxide value

This value measures primary products formed at the onset of lipid oxidation and serves as a control indicator for the fat present in the ingredient. A result within specification is relevant, but it should be interpreted alongside the batch history and, when necessary, other oxidation indicators.

Digestibility

Digestibility indicates the amount of ingested protein that is actually digested and absorbed under the conditions evaluated. Performance, however, depends on the species, the production phase, the diet, the composition of the meal, and the assay method.

What is the difference between Beef and Porcine Meat and Bone Meal?

The species of origin and the composition of the raw materials can result in different guarantees for protein, fat, moisture, and ash. These differences do not define a universally better option; they show which values must be built into the nutrient matrix and weighed against the goal of the diet.

Parameter	Beef Meat and Bone Meal	Porcine Meat and Bone Meal
Crude protein	Min. 40%	Min. 46%
Moisture	Max. 10%	Max. 8%
Fat / ether extract	Max. 10%	Max. 16%
Peroxide value	Max. 5 mEq/1,000 g	Max. 10 mEq/1,000 g
Raw material (origin)	Bovine	Porcine

Source: MBRF Ingredients

How does composition affect the choice of meal for a formulation?

In formulation development, the meal's specification needs to be interpreted in terms of its actual contribution to the diet. This analysis relates the nutrient matrix, the guarantee limits, and the expected batch-to-batch variation to the requirements of the species and the production phase.

● Protein requirement: the meal's contribution to total protein depends on its protein content, its amino acid profile, and the inclusion level of the ingredient in the diet.
● Mineral balance: ash, calcium, and phosphorus affect the nutritional balance and the amount of other mineral sources required.
● Energy contribution from fat: ether extract contributes to the meal's energy value and also calls for attention to oxidative stability during storage.
● Digestibility of the source: this parameter indicates the share of protein digested and absorbed under the conditions evaluated, and it may vary with the species, the production phase, and the ingredient.
● Amino acid profile: the amino acid composition shows how the meal complements the other protein sources and which nutrients may limit the formulation.
● Batch-to-batch consistency: similar results across deliveries narrow the gap between the nutrient matrix used in the calculation and the composition of the ingredient received.
● Interaction with other ingredients: protein, fat, and minerals change the balance of the diet and can affect processing, stability, and the final product.
● Cost per performance: the effective cost combines price, nutritional contribution, batch-to-batch regularity, the need for corrections, and the expected response of the formulation.

A lower price per ton does not necessarily mean the lowest cost in the diet. Meals with greater variation in composition may require safety margins, additional analyses, or frequent adjustments, which raises their effective cost.

Which formulations can Meat and Bone Meal be used in?

Applications depend on the meal's species of origin, the legislation in force, the nutrient matrix, and the positioning of the final product. The inclusion level needs to be set according to the nutritional requirements of the species, the production phase, and the characteristics of the diet.

Pet food

In dog and cat food, Meat and Bone Meal can contribute protein, fat, and minerals. In this case, the amino acid profile, digestibility, ash, standardization, safety, and compatibility with the product's nutritional concept should all be evaluated.

Swine production

In swine production, Meat and Bone Meal can be part of feed composition as a source of protein, fat, and minerals. Its use broadens the range of animal-origin ingredients available to this segment.

Aquaculture

MBRF Ingredients also recommends Porcine Meat and Bone Meal for formulations intended for tilapia, salmonids, shrimp, and other aquaculture species. The decision to use it needs to consider feeding habits, nutritional requirements, digestibility, feed processing, and the profile of the other ingredients. Each species and production stage may respond differently to the same matrix.

Why do the origin and processing of the raw material matter?

The final composition starts to be defined before the formulation stage. Species of origin, tissues present, proportion of bone, time until processing, and fat separation all influence the values that appear in the specification.

During production and distribution, controls need to preserve the identity and regularity of the ingredient. The six points below help clarify the whole process.

● Raw material selection: the stage dedicated to defining permitted materials, species of origin, and receiving criteria.
● Freshness: relates to the time and conditions under which the raw material is obtained and transported before processing.
● Processing: the stage in which the ingredient is produced, also marked by process control and product quality control.
● Process parameters: the stage that monitors operating limits, deviations, and analytical results of the finished product.
● Storage: aims to protect the meal from moisture, excessive heat, cross-contamination, and deterioration of the lipid fraction.
● Traceability: makes it possible to link raw material, production, analyses, inventory, and shipping to each batch sold.

Controls like these ensure that the ingredient meets the declared composition. They also make it possible to investigate deviations and determine whether an observed difference stems from the raw material, processing, storage, or formulation.

Learn how these ingredients are produced at MBRF Ingredients.

Beef Meat and Bone Meal from MBRF Ingredients

Beef Meat and Bone Meal is produced with bovine raw materials from MBRF's 100% integrated chain. This information documents the declared origin of the material and makes it easier to follow its path within the company.

Porcine Meat and Bone Meal from MBRF Ingredients

Porcine Meat and Bone Meal is obtained by processing pork meat, tissue residues, viscera, and bones. The use of fresh raw material and process control influence the composition and regularity of the ingredient.

For technical evaluation, the current specification and the batch's analytical results indicate whether the product meets the established parameters. These documents are the basis for assessing its consistency, ensuring alignment between nutritional needs and ingredient choice.

Which parameters indicate the quality of Meat and Bone Meal?

Quality, in this context, means conformity to the specification and to the intended use. The checklist below helps organize the technical review.

● Physicochemical composition: batch analysis results within the current guarantees for moisture, protein, fat, ash, calcium, and phosphorus.
● Batch-to-batch standardization: analytical history compatible with the tolerances used in the nutrient matrix.
● Origin and traceability: identification of the species, the raw materials, and the batch's path.
● Microbiological safety: sampling plan, limits, methods, and results set out in the supplier's documentation.
● Oxidative stability: peroxide value and other controls applicable to the lipid fraction and the storage period.
● Proven digestibility: assays conducted with a compatible method, species, and diet, when available.
● Amino acid profile: values used in the formulation accompanied by the corresponding source, method, or report.
● Mineral content and availability: calcium and phosphorus guarantees interpreted within the complete balance of the diet.
● Processing control: operating criteria, handling of deviations, and verification of the finished product.
● Technical documentation: current specification, certificate of analysis, storage guidelines, and regulatory information.

What should be evaluated in a Meat and Bone Meal supplier?

Supplier approval should reduce technical and operational uncertainty across deliveries. More than presenting an average value, the company needs to demonstrate how it controls the origin, production, release, and supply of the ingredient.

● Clear specifications: unambiguous guarantees, units, methods, and tolerances.
● Supply consistency: the ability to reproduce the agreed characteristics and communicate relevant changes.
● Quality control: analysis plan, release criteria, and management of nonconformities.
● Microbiological safety: documentation of controls and results compatible with the legislation and the application.
● Regulatory compliance: up-to-date designation, target species, labeling, and restrictions.
● Production capacity: the structure to meet volume, lead time, and continuity of supply.
● Technical documentation: access to data sheets, certificates, declarations, and usage guidelines.
● Technical support: contact with quality, R&D, and sales teams to respond to deviations or specific projects.

Meat and Bone Meal: composition and consistency guide the choice

Choosing Meat and Bone Meal on crude protein content alone leaves out variables that can change the diet matrix. Animal origin, ash, moisture, fat, amino acid profile, digestibility, and oxidative stability need to be evaluated together.

Beef and Porcine Meat and Bone Meal have different specifications and applications. Suitability depends on the target species, the nutritional goal, and the other ingredients.

Finally, price per ton should be weighed against cost per performance, documentation, and predictability of use. A supplier with traceability, process control, consistency, and technical support reduces the need to decide on the basis of a single guarantee.

Discover MBRF Ingredients' Animal Meals and access the specifications of the Meat and Bone Meal options to evaluate the most suitable solution for your formulation.

Frequently asked questions about Meat and Bone Meal

What is Meat and Bone Meal?

It is an ingredient produced by the thermal processing of animal raw materials, with partial or total separation of the fat and subsequent grinding. Its composition includes protein, minerals, and residual fat in proportions that vary with origin and process.

Which parameters need to be evaluated in the composition of Meat and Bone Meal?

The specification normally includes maximum moisture, minimum crude protein, ether extract, ash, calcium, and phosphorus. The values are not universal and must be confirmed for the species of origin, the product, and the batch being evaluated.

What is the difference between Beef and Porcine Meat and Bone Meal?

Bovine and porcine meals differ in the species of origin and in the composition of the raw materials, which can result in different guarantee levels for protein, fat, moisture, and minerals. The choice should take into account the diet matrix and the application.

Is Meat and Bone Meal a source of protein?

Yes, it belongs to the group of animal protein sources used in authorized formulations. The crude protein content, however, needs to be analyzed together with digestibility, amino acids, minerals, fat, and product consistency.

Which minerals are present in Meat and Bone Meal?

Calcium and phosphorus are among the most abundant minerals because of the bone in the raw material. Guarantees and availability should be checked in the specification and considered in the complete mineral balance of the diet.

Which feeds can Meat and Bone Meal be used in?

The meal can be used in pet food and in feeds for different non-ruminant species, depending on origin, specification, legislation, and the supplier's recommendation. MBRF also recommends the porcine version for swine production and aquaculture, always at an inclusion level defined by the formulator.

Can Meat and Bone Meal be used in ruminant feed?

Not in Brazil: current regulations prohibit meat and bone meal in ruminant feed. The feed manufacturer must check the current rule, the labeling, and the measures to prevent misuse or cross-contamination.