Animal by-products are useful materials we get from animals apart from meat. Many people think animals are only useful for meat, but that is not true. Animals provide many other important products that we use in our daily lives.
These by-products are used in making clothes, food items, household materials, and even industrial products. That is why animal production is very important in agriculture and the economy.
Meaning of Animal By-Products
Animal by-products are materials obtained from animals after processing, apart from the main product (meat).
These include items like milk, eggs, skin, bones, blood, and horns which can be used for different purposes.
Types of Animal By-Products and Their Uses
1. Milk
Milk is one of the most important animal by-products obtained mainly from cows, goats, and sheep. It is a liquid food that contains important nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamins, and fats which help in body growth and development.
Milk is not only consumed directly, it is also processed into other products such as cheese, butter, yoghurt, and ice cream. For example, in many homes, milk is used for tea, pap, and custard, while industries use it to produce packaged dairy products. This makes milk very valuable both at home and in industries.
2. Eggs
Eggs are mainly produced by poultry birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. They are highly nutritious and contain protein which helps in building the body.
Apart from eating eggs directly (boiled or fried), they are widely used in baking cakes, bread, and pastries. For example, a baker cannot make cake without eggs because it helps in binding and improving texture. Eggs are also sold in markets, making them a good source of income for poultry farmers.
3. Hides and Skins
Hides and skins are obtained from animals after slaughter. Hides come from large animals like cattle, while skins come from smaller animals like goats and sheep.
They are processed into leather which is used to make products such as shoes, belts, bags, jackets, and furniture materials. For example, many school shoes and belts students use are made from leather. This shows that animal skin is very useful beyond meat production.
4. Wool and Hair
Wool is obtained mainly from sheep, while hair can come from animals like goats (e.g., Angora goats). These materials are very useful in the textile industry.
They are used to produce clothing items like sweaters, scarves, blankets, and carpets. For example, in cold regions, woolen clothes are worn to keep warm. Even in Nigeria, wool products are sold in markets and shops.
5. Bones
Bones are obtained after animals are slaughtered and processed. Instead of throwing them away, they are used for many useful purposes.
They are processed into bone meal which is used as animal feed and fertilizer because it contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Bones can also be used in making glue and decorative items. This helps farmers reduce waste and earn more money.
6. Blood
Animal blood is collected during slaughter and is also very useful. Although many people ignore it, it has important uses in agriculture.
It is processed into blood meal, which is rich in protein and used in feeding animals like fish and poultry. Blood meal is also used as fertilizer to improve soil fertility. This shows that even waste materials can be turned into something valuable.
7. Horns and Hooves
Horns and hooves are hard body parts found in animals like cattle, goats, and sheep. After slaughter, they are collected and processed.
They are used to make items such as buttons, combs, knife handles, and decorations. For example, some local crafts in Nigeria use horns to produce traditional items. This creates employment and supports small-scale industries.
8. Fat (Tallow and Lard)
Animal fat is obtained from animals like pigs (lard) and cattle (tallow). This fat is processed for different uses.
It is used in making soap, candles, polish, and sometimes cooking oil. For example, local soap makers use animal fat in producing bathing soap. This makes animal fat very useful in both homes and industries.
9. Feathers
Feathers are obtained from poultry birds like chickens, ducks, and turkeys. They are soft and light in weight.
They are used in making pillows, mattresses, cushions, and decorations. For example, many pillows used at home are filled with feathers to make them soft and comfortable. Feathers can also be used in making poultry feed after proper processing.
Other Animal By-Products
Apart from the common animal by-products already discussed, there are other by-products that can also be obtained from animals. These may not be as popular, but they are still very useful in agriculture and industries.
- Manure (Dung) – This is animal waste used as organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility and crop yield.
- Urine – Animal urine can be used in making manure and sometimes in local pest control.
- Gelatin – This is obtained from animal bones and skin and is used in food, medicine, and sweets.
- Cheese and Butter – These are processed products made from milk and are widely consumed as food.
- Silk – Produced by silkworms and used in making expensive fabrics and clothing materials.
- Honey and Beeswax – Obtained from bees, honey is used as food while beeswax is used in making candles and polish.
Importance of Animal By-Products
Animal by-products are very useful to farmers and the society in many ways.
- They provide extra income to farmers apart from selling meat.
- They help to reduce waste on the farm by making use of all parts of the animal.
- They serve as raw materials for industries such as leather, soap, and textile industries.
- They provide important food items like milk and eggs for human consumption.
- They are used in producing animal feed and fertilizers like bone meal and blood meal.
- They create job opportunities for people involved in processing and selling them.
Problems of Animal By-Products
Despite their usefulness, animal by-products also have some challenges.
- Poor preservation can cause by-products like milk and blood to spoil quickly.
- Lack of processing equipment can prevent proper utilization of these materials.
- Some by-products may produce bad smell if not properly handled.
- Poor storage can lead to contamination and spread of diseases.
- Low awareness can make farmers ignore valuable by-products.
- Transportation problems can make it difficult to distribute them to markets.
Revision Questions
- What are animal by-products?
- Give five examples of animal by-products.
- Explain the difference between hides and skins.
- State three uses of animal bones.
- Mention two products made from animal fat.
- Explain the importance of animal by-products to farmers.
- List four types of animal by-products and their uses.
- State three problems associated with animal by-products.
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