Conversion Ratio of Raw Bone to Bone Meal

Average conversion of raw bone to bone meal is:

Correct Answer: 3 : 1

The average conversion ratio of raw bone to bone meal is 3 : 1 — meaning 3 kg of raw bone yields approximately 1 kg of bone meal.

Bone Meal Production

• Raw bones are crushed, defatted, and then dried/steamed to produce bone meal.
• The high moisture and fat content of raw bone means significant mass is lost during processing (water evaporation and fat extraction).

Compare: Blood Meal Conversion

• Raw blood to blood meal conversion = 5 : 1 (5 kg blood → 1 kg blood meal)
• Blood has much higher water content (~80%) than bone → more water loss during drying → higher conversion ratio

Uses of Bone Meal

• Animal feed supplement (rich in calcium and phosphorus)
• Fertiliser (slow-release P and N)
• Gelatin production from bone collagen (ossein)

Bone Collagen

• Bone collagen = Ossein (also called demineralised bone)
• Ossein is used for gelatin production
• Glue is a crude form of gelatin