What part of the animal does bovine collagen come from?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90% of the collagen found in the body is type I collagen. Bovine collagen, a widely consumed supplement, is predominantly sourced from the skin, bones, and cartilage of cows, utilizing by-products from the beef industry to create valuable health products.

Quick Summary

Bovine collagen is sourced from cow hides, bones, and cartilage, which are by-products of the beef industry. These parts are processed through hydrolysis to create collagen peptides for supplements, known for their high content of Type I and Type III collagen.

Key Points

Sourced from Cow By-products: Bovine collagen is derived primarily from the hides, bones, and cartilage of cows, utilizing materials that would otherwise be considered waste from the beef industry.
Rich in Type I and III Collagen: This form of collagen is an excellent source of Type I and Type III collagen, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin, joints, and bones.
Processed Through Hydrolysis: Raw materials undergo a hydrolysis process to break down large collagen molecules into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides.
Used in Supplements and Foods: The resulting hydrolyzed collagen is sold as a supplement powder, while gelatin, a partially hydrolyzed form, is used in food products.
Quality Sourcing Matters: For the highest quality, consumers should seek supplements made from collagen derived from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows.
Benefits Extend Beyond Supplements: Bone broth, a traditional food, is a natural way to obtain bovine collagen and the resulting gelatin.
Sustainable Production: Utilizing these animal parts for collagen production helps reduce waste within the meat industry.

Primary Sources: The By-Products of the Beef Industry

Bovine collagen is not derived from a single, specific cut of meat, but rather from the fibrous connective tissues that hold the animal's body together. The primary sources are cow hides, bones, and cartilage, which are the leftover by-products after the meat is processed for human consumption. Instead of being discarded, these parts are repurposed to create a valuable supplement, making the entire process more sustainable and reducing waste. This repurposing is a key reason for the widespread availability and relatively low cost of bovine collagen compared to other sources like marine collagen.

The Extraction and Processing of Collagen

The journey from cow by-product to consumable collagen powder is a multi-step process that ensures the final product is both safe and easily digestible. The raw materials—hides, bones, and cartilage—first undergo thorough cleaning to remove any impurities. They are then treated with an acidic or alkaline solution to swell and break down the tough collagen fibers. The next critical step is hydrolysis, where the material is heated to break down the collagen into smaller, more bioavailable peptides. This enzymatic process creates what is known as hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides, which are much easier for the human body to absorb than large collagen molecules. After extraction, the liquid is filtered, concentrated, and dried into the final powder form.

Types of Collagen in Bovine Sources

The connective tissues used for bovine collagen are rich in specific types of collagen, which offer different benefits for the human body. The most abundant types found in bovine collagen are Type I and Type III.

Type I Collagen: This is the most common type of collagen in the human body, found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It provides tensile strength and is crucial for skin elasticity, bone density, and connective tissue integrity.
Type III Collagen: This type is found alongside Type I in the skin, muscles, and blood vessels. It plays a significant role in providing structure to organs and supports skin firmness.

Because bovine collagen contains both of these types, it offers comprehensive benefits for skin, joint, and bone health, making it a popular choice for many supplement users.

Comparison of Collagen Sources

Not all collagen supplements are created equal, and the source of the collagen determines the types and benefits it offers. Here is a comparison of the most common collagen sources:


Feature	Bovine Collagen	Marine Collagen	Chicken Collagen
Source	Hides, bones, and cartilage from cows.	Skin, scales, and bones from fish.	Cartilage, skin, and bones from chickens.
Primary Types	Primarily Type I and Type III.	Primarily Type I.	Primarily Type II, with some Type I and III.
Key Benefits	Comprehensive support for skin elasticity, joint health, and bone density due to the combination of Types I and III.	Highly effective for skin health, especially anti-aging effects, due to its Type I content and smaller particle size.	Best known for supporting cartilage and joint health, particularly for osteoarthritis.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective due to abundant sourcing from the meat industry.	Often more expensive due to processing costs.	Varies, but often less common in supplements than bovine.
Absorption	Very high absorption rate when hydrolyzed, similar to marine collagen.	Small particle size is easily and quickly absorbed by the body.	Can be less efficiently absorbed than hydrolyzed Type I collagen.

The Use of Collagen in Food and Supplements

Collagen from bovine sources is not limited to just supplements. Gelatin, which is partially hydrolyzed collagen, has been used in food preparation for centuries to thicken jellies, custards, and desserts. Bone broth, made by simmering bones and connective tissues, is another traditional way to consume bovine collagen, which converts into gelatin during the cooking process. High-quality, grass-fed bovine collagen is considered the best source for supplements because these animals are raised naturally without harmful chemicals, resulting in a cleaner final product.

Conclusion

In summary, bovine collagen is a versatile and widely-used supplement derived from the hides, bones, and cartilage of cows. As a high-value by-product of the beef industry, it provides a comprehensive source of Type I and Type III collagen, offering numerous health benefits for skin, joints, and bones. Understanding its origin and the processing involved is key to appreciating its role in both health supplements and traditional foods.

The Importance of Sourcing

When purchasing a bovine collagen supplement, it's essential to look for quality sourcing. Reputable brands often use collagen from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows to ensure a pure and effective product, free from additives and contaminants. This commitment to quality ensures that the benefits of this versatile protein are maximized for the consumer.

Visit BUBS Naturals to explore high-quality bovine collagen supplements sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bovine collagen is sourced from the connective tissues of cows, including their hides (skin), bones, and cartilage. These are often by-products of the beef industry that are repurposed for supplement and food production.

No, bovine collagen is not derived from muscle meat. It is found in the connective tissues like skin, bone, and cartilage. The muscle meat itself contains very low amounts of collagen compared to these specific parts.

The process involves several steps: cleaning and pretreating the raw materials, followed by hydrolysis using heat and enzymes to break the collagen into smaller peptides. The resulting liquid is then purified, concentrated, and dried to form a powder.

No, they are not the same. Gelatin is partially hydrolyzed collagen, meaning it has been broken down but is still in a gelling form. Hydrolyzed collagen (or collagen peptides), used in most supplements, is more completely broken down and dissolves easily in liquids.

Bovine collagen is particularly rich in Type I and Type III collagen. These types are abundant in the human body's skin, bones, and connective tissues.

Yes. Higher-quality bovine collagen is often sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows, which ensures a cleaner, more pure product. Consumers should check product labels for sourcing information.

Yes. While supplements are common, bovine collagen can also be obtained through food sources like homemade bone broth and specific cuts of meat that are slow-cooked to break down the connective tissue into gelatin.