AMPC will soon start research that is looking to get further value from all parts of cow hides. Generally, hides can be used to make leather or rendered to make proteins and minerals. Uses for the hair that comes from hides are less clear.
This research is looking at the process of extracting keratin from the hair on cow hides. Keratin is a protein that can potentially be used for cosmetics, food, animal feed, or fertilisers.
AMPC Program Manager Ann McDonald said, “There is an opportunity with this current research to provide benefits to red meat processors by looking at the value creation of extracting keratin from the hair on cow hides. Our research will explore options for the extraction of the hair and possible applications for its use.
“The research will involve talking to red meat processors, leather manufacturers, and stakeholders from cosmetics, fertiliser, feed, and food industries, analysis of the market for keratin, and a patent and literature review on hide ‘de-hairing’ and keratin applications. It will also evaluate keratin from two processes of extracting cow hair to see which is more effective and generates greater uses for the keratin.”
AMPC has engaged CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, to conduct the research using cow hair from a beef processing plant in NSW.
CSIRO Senior Research Scientist Dr Ciara McDonnell, said one process used to extract hair from cow hides uses chemicals, with an alternative not yet developed.
“This research will assess if the keratin remains functional after the chemical process and compare it to keratin from non-processed hair to inform on applications. Keratin yields will also be assessed, and further work will examine potential uses for keratin.”
The research will start in the coming months and finish up within the year.
Ann said, “We are investing in this research because a problem we have identified is an oversupply of hides and we are looking for alternative uses to improve returns to red meat processors from a low value product.”
The project outcomes will inform future research which may include trials at processing plants. The further research might also include looking for a commercial partner to work with processing plants to extract keratin and make products to sell.
For more information contact a.mcdonald@ampc.com.au