Description

Blood can be collected during the slaughter of various livestock species (Buffalo) under a wide range of conditions. It is usually dried and made into blood meal so that it can be handled and incorporated into rations more easily. Blood meal contains mostly protein and is used to supplement diets based on cereal grains, plant by-products and forages. It has been shown to be a satisfactory replacement for other protein sources in various animal production diets for poultry, pets fish, various fish species and silkworms. However blood meal is not very palatable and its amino acid content is imbalanced. It is not advisable to include high rates of blood meal in livestock diets.

Processes

Blood is a highly perishable product and must be processed as soon as possible after slaughter. Blood meal is hydroscopic and needs to be dried to less than 10-12% moisture and stored in a dry place in order for it not to deteriorate. There are different ways to prepare blood meal: solar drying, oven drying, drum drying, flash drying, and spray drying.