Assessing the value of keratin extracted from bovine hair
Research has demonstrated that bovine hair represents a technically viable and underutilised source of keratin that could be redirected from disposal into value added applications.
AMPC and the Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) assessed whether cattle hair, which is typically removed during hide processing and often treated as waste, could be turned into valuable products. The work was undertaken in response to declining hide returns and rising disposal and transport costs that are creating financial and operational pressure for Australian meat processors, particularly small and regional facilities.
It showed keratin can be recovered from both untreated (native) hair and tannery hair waste (from a modified Sirolime process) at high yields, confirming that existing processing practices do not preclude keratin upcycling.
Overall, the top two value propositions which emerged were keratin hydrolysate/peptide ingredients for aquafeed and keratin-based fertiliser products. These options will be further considered.