Have you ever wondered what happens to the blood of animals after they are slaughtered?
It turns out that the blood is a valuable byproduct that can be used in a variety of ways. While some of it is used for human consumption, a large portion of it is deemed “inedible” and is instead used as a cheap source of protein for livestock or even as an ingredient in plant fertilizers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at inedible pork blood and explore the many surprising ways it is used in various industries.
Get ready to learn about the fascinating world of blood byproducts!
What Is Inedible Pork Blood Used For?
After pigs are slaughtered, their blood is collected and stored in giant tanks. This crimson harvest is then processed and used in a variety of ways. One common use for inedible pork blood is as a cheap source of protein for livestock. When dehydrated, it can be used as an ingredient in animal feed, providing a nourishing supplement for pigs, cows, and other livestock.
In addition to being used as animal feed, inedible pork blood is also used in the production of plant fertilizers. Blood meal, a type of animal fodder made from dried blood, is often used as an ingredient in fertilizers due to its high nitrogen content. This makes it an excellent choice for promoting plant growth and improving soil quality.
But that’s not all – inedible pork blood is also used in the production of a variety of food products. Blood sausage, also known as black pudding, is a popular dish made from pig’s blood and other ingredients such as spices and intestines. It is often served as a breakfast food in many countries around the world.
In addition to blood sausage, inedible pork blood is also used as a meat colorant. Haemoglobin powders extracted from pig blood are often added to processed meats such as hot dogs and minced meats to give them a more appealing color.
Another surprising use for inedible pork blood is in the commercial baking industry. Blood plasma has the ability to form a gel-like substance that resembles cooked egg whites. This makes it an excellent substitute for egg whites in baked goods such as cakes and cookies. It’s also much cheaper than using real eggs, making it an attractive option for food manufacturers.
Finally, inedible pork blood is also used in the medical industry. Cow’s blood contains bovine thrombin which can help with wound treatments and skin grafts. It can also act as a coagulant, helping to stop bleeding.
What Is Inedible Pork Blood?
Inedible pork blood is the blood collected from slaughtered pigs that is not fit for human consumption. It is collected in giant tanks and then processed to minimize waste and maximize profit. Inedible pork blood is commonly used as a cheap source of protein for livestock when dehydrated and used as an ingredient in animal feed. It is also used in the production of plant fertilizers, such as blood meal, which is a type of animal fodder made from dried blood that contains high nitrogen content.
In addition to being used as animal feed and plant fertilizers, inedible pork blood has several surprising uses in the food industry. Blood sausage, also known as black pudding, is a popular dish made from pig’s blood and other ingredients such as spices and intestines. It is often served as a breakfast food in many countries around the world. Inedible pork blood is also used as a meat colorant. Haemoglobin powders extracted from pig blood are often added to processed meats such as hot dogs and minced meats to give them a more appealing color.
Another surprising use for inedible pork blood is in the commercial baking industry. Blood plasma has the ability to form a gel-like substance that resembles cooked egg whites. This makes it an excellent substitute for egg whites in baked goods such as cakes and cookies. It’s also much cheaper than using real eggs, making it an attractive option for food manufacturers.
Finally, inedible pork blood is also used in the medical industry. Cow’s blood contains bovine thrombin which can help with wound treatments and skin grafts. It can also act as a coagulant, helping to stop bleeding. In summary, while inedible pork blood may not be fit for human consumption, it has several important uses in the livestock, plant fertilizer, food, and medical industries.
The Nutritional Value Of Inedible Pork Blood
In addition to its various uses, inedible pork blood also has nutritional value. It is a rich source of protein, with a protein content of around 15-20%. It also contains essential amino acids, including lysine and tryptophan, which are important for muscle growth and repair.
In terms of minerals, inedible pork blood is high in iron, with a concentration of up to 66 mg/kg. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. In addition to iron, inedible pork blood also contains phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
Inedible pork blood also contains a variety of vitamins, including vitamin B12 and folate. Vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells and the functioning of the nervous system. Folate is important for cell growth and development, particularly during pregnancy.
Inedible Pork Blood In Animal Feed
One of the most common uses for inedible pork blood is as a source of protein in animal feed. After pigs are slaughtered, their blood is collected and dehydrated to create a dry, inert powder known as blood meal. Blood meal is then used as a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer and animal feed supplement. It contains approximately 13.25% nitrogen, 1.0% phosphorus, and 0.6% potassium, making it one of the highest non-synthetic sources of nitrogen available.
Blood meal is primarily used as a protein supplement for livestock such as pigs and cows. It provides a cheap and nourishing source of protein that can help to promote growth and improve overall health. Additionally, the plasma from pig blood is often separated from the red blood cells and used as a protein supplement for piglets. This is because piglets are weaned at a young age and need a substitute for mother’s milk.
While some may cringe at the thought of using inedible pork blood in animal feed, it has been a common practice for over a century. The rendering industry is responsible for processing every last bit of what comes into a slaughterhouse in order to minimize waste and maximize profit. According to David Meeker of the National Renderers Association, only the odd blood splatter goes unused. The bulk of all this blood goes towards “inedibles” such as animal feed and fertilizers.
Inedible Pork Blood In Fertilizer Production
One of the most common uses for inedible pork blood is in the production of plant fertilizers. Blood meal, a type of animal fodder made from dried blood, is often used as an ingredient in fertilizers due to its high nitrogen content. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and blood meal is one of the highest non-synthetic sources of nitrogen available.
By adding blood meal to soil, farmers and gardeners can improve the quality of their crops and promote healthy growth. In addition to providing nitrogen, blood meal also contains other important nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and can help improve soil quality over time.
Blood meal is typically made from the blood of cattle or hogs that are slaughtered for meat. After the blood is collected, it is dried and processed into a fine powder that can be easily added to soil. This powder can be used in a variety of ways, including as a top dressing for plants or as an ingredient in potting soil.
While the use of inedible pork blood in fertilizer production may seem unusual, it is actually a very effective way to reduce waste and maximize resources. By using every part of the animal, slaughterhouses can minimize waste and create valuable products that benefit both the agricultural and medical industries.
Other Uses For Inedible Pork Blood
Apart from the uses mentioned above, inedible pork blood has several other uses as well. One such use is in the production of protein powder. Protein extracted from pig blood can be blended with other ingredients to create a protein powder that can be added to juices, ice cream, and dairy drinks. This protein powder is also used in hospitals and elder care facilities where older people may have difficulty getting enough protein in their diets.
Inedible pork blood can also be used as a thickening agent in soups and stews. Coagulated pig blood is used in several Asian dishes such as Tom Lued Moo, a classic Thai pork blood soup. In Scandinavia, blood soups and stews are also popular and are made using pig or cow blood.
Finally, inedible pork blood is also used to extract iron which can be used as a dietary supplement or natural food colorant. This iron-rich pigment is often added to cookies and cakes to provide iron fortification and replace egg whites.
The Environmental Impact Of Using Inedible Pork Blood
While inedible pork blood has a variety of uses, its production and disposal can have a negative impact on the environment. The process of collecting and storing large amounts of blood can lead to the release of harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which can contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems for nearby communities.
Improper disposal of inedible pork blood can also lead to water pollution. If not treated properly, the high nitrogen content in blood can cause algal blooms in bodies of water, leading to oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life.
However, when managed properly, the use of inedible pork blood can actually have environmental benefits. For example, using blood meal as a fertilizer can help reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can have harmful effects on soil quality and water systems.
Additionally, by using inedible pork blood as a source of protein for livestock, animal farmers can reduce their reliance on soy-based feed, which is often associated with deforestation and habitat loss.
