ARS | Publication request: Government scientists find new uses for rendered fat and protein

Submitted to: Render Magazine
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 18, 2008
Publication Date: June 1, 2008
Citation: Garcia, R.A., Solaiman, D. 2008. Government scientists find new uses for rendered fat and protein. Render Magazine. 37(3):16-17.

Technical Abstract: The rendering industry depends heavily on the utilization of their products in formulated animal feed; few other economically significant outlets for rendered fat and protein exist. The Fats Oils and Animal Coproducts Research Unit (FOAC), a group of scientists within the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is engaged in a long term effort to solve the technical challenges that have so far limited the non-feed use of rendered products. Past accomplishments in fat utilization include the development of epoxidized fats and the development of a tallow-derived substitute for cocoa butter. On-going projects utilize both chemical and fermentation technologies to produce value-added products from either fat or crude glycerol. Several years ago, the FOAC group added a project devoted to finding new uses for rendered protein. Scientists in this project are currently developing a rendered protein based flocculent for erosion control, as well a rendered protein based peptone for industrial fermentations.