Bone meal

Bone meal is a mixture of finely and coarsely ground animal bones and slaughter-house waste products. It is used as an organic fertilizer for plants and as a nutritional supplement for animals. As a slow-release fertilizer, bone meal is primarily used as a source of phosphorus and protein.

History

The use of bone meal in agriculture dates back to the 19th century when it was first discovered as a source of fertilizer. It was initially used in the United Kingdom to improve the soil conditions of farm fields.

Production

Bone meal is produced from the waste products of slaughterhouses. The bones are first cleaned and then boiled to remove any remaining meat. The boiled bones are then dried and ground into a fine powder. This process ensures that the bone meal is free from any harmful bacteria or pathogens.

Uses

Agriculture

In agriculture, bone meal is used as an organic fertilizer. It is a rich source of phosphorus, which is essential for the healthy growth of plants. Phosphorus helps in the formation of roots, flowers, and fruits in plants. Bone meal is also a good source of calcium, another essential nutrient for plants.

Animal Feed

Bone meal is also used as a nutritional supplement in animal feed. It is a good source of protein and minerals for animals. However, the use of bone meal in animal feed has been controversial due to the risk of transmitting diseases like bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease.

Health Risks

The use of bone meal has been linked to several health risks. In the 1980s and 1990s, the use of bone meal in cattle feed was linked to the outbreak of BSE in the United Kingdom. This led to a ban on the use of bone meal in animal feed in many countries.

See Also

• Fertilizer
• Organic farming
• Slaughterhouse