Composition Classification of Bone Meal and Its Agricultural Application Value

Bone meal is a powdered product made from animal bones as raw material, processed through steps such as cooking and degreasing, drying and sterilization, and grinding. Its main component is calcium phosphate, and it also contains a certain amount of crude protein, fat, and trace elements such as magnesium and zinc. In agricultural production it can be used as a fertilizer and is also one of the common feed ingredients.

In terms of processing methods, bone meal is broadly divided into raw bone meal, steamed bone meal, and degelatinized and defatted bone meal. Raw bone meal is not treated at high temperature, has a high fat content, is not easy to preserve, and is rarely used in practice; steamed bone meal is treated under high temperature and high pressure, with most of the fat and bone glue removed, and is loose in texture, hygienic and safe, making it the main category on the market today. By use, it can also be divided into fertilizer grade and feed grade, among which feed grade has stricter requirements for degreasing and sterilization.

When used as a fertilizer, the phosphorus in bone meal exists in the form of calcium phosphate, and the nutrients are released slowly but the fertilizer effect is long-lasting. It is especially suitable for use as a base fertilizer for fruit trees, flowers, and root crops, helping to promote flowering and fruit setting and root development. Because it basically contains no nitrogen, in actual application it is usually combined with organic fertilizer or nitrogen fertilizer, and the overall effect will be more ideal.

When used as feed, bone meal is mainly used to supplement calcium and phosphorus for livestock and poultry, and is generally used in combination with other feed ingredients. The addition ratio needs to be scientifically controlled, as too much or too little may affect the normal growth of livestock and poultry. It should be noted that meat and bone meal and bone meal are not the same product. The former uses a mixture of meat and bone as raw material and has a higher protein content. When purchasing, attention should be paid to distinguishing between them, and to the product's calcium, phosphorus, and protein indicators, to avoid buying products that are adulterated or fail to meet hygiene standards.