Have you ever thought about what they do with the by-product of an 1150 pound finished steer that yields roughly 500 pounds of meat? 

Did you know that there are many uses of a cow? We all know that beef and dairy products come from cows. But did you know that are many other edible,  non-edible and pharmacological benefits as well? 

Household Items

From fats, fatty acid and protein meal:

Candles, Cellophane, Ceramics, Cosmetics, Crayons, Perfumes, Paints, Linoleum, Shoe Cream, Mouthwash, Shaving Cream, Detergents, Soaps, Synthetic Rubber, Pet Foods, Floor Wax, Deodorants, Toothpaste, Insecticides, Paper, and Insulation Plastics.

From Hide:

Sporting Goods, Luggage, Boots & Shoes, clothing, gloves, belts, purses and wallets.

From Collagen-based Adhesives:

Bandages, Emery Boards, Wallpaper, Glues and Sheetrock 

From Hair:

Paintbrushes 

From Gelatin:

Photographic Film

Pharmaceutical Products

From the Pancreas:

Insulin – for treating diabetes and high blood sugar                                                       Chymotrypsin – promotes healing of burns and wounds Pancreatin – aids in digestion of food
Glucagon – treats hypoglycemia or low blood sugar 

From the Liver:

Heparin – anti-coagulant
Liver Extract – treatment of anemia
Vitamin B-12 – prevention of B-complex deficiencies 

From the Bone:

Bone Marrow – treatment of blood disorders Soft Cartilage – plastic surgery component Bone Meal – calcium and phosphorous source 

From the Pituitary Gland:

Prolactin – promotes lactation
Pressor Hormone – regulates blood pressure Vasopressin – controls intestinal and renal functions ACTH – treatment of arthritis and allergies 

From the Blood:

Blood Factors – for treating hemophilia, killing viruses and making anti-rejection drugs
Iron – treatment of anemia
Thrombin – coagulant which helps blood clot 

Travel-Related Products

Tires contain stearic acid which makes rubber hold its shape under continuous surface friction

Antifreeze contains glycerol derived from fatty acids to keep engines running cool

Asphalt has a binding agent from fat
Glue from beef protein is used in car bodies 

Numerous lubricants and uids contain fatty acids from inedible beef fats and proteins

Steel ball bearings contain bone charcoal

Other products include hydraulic brake fluid, airplane lubricants, runway foam, car polishes and waxes and textiles for car upholstery 

 

So the next time you have a steak or burger. Remember the cow was fully used and is not only feeding people across the world but helping in medicine and with everyday products. 

 

References:

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/allamakee/Lesson1Activity4Dairy_By_Products.pdf