Where Do You Get Collagen From a Cow?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, constitutes up to 30% of a cow's total protein content. This structural protein is vital for connective tissues. Thus, the answer to the question "Where do you get collagen from a cow?" lies primarily within specific animal byproducts rich in this protein.

Quick Summary

Bovine collagen comes from cow hides, bones, and tendons, which are byproducts from the meat and leather industries. They are used in supplements and gelatin.

Key Points

Primary Sources: Bovine collagen is derived from the hides, bones, and tendons of cows, which are byproducts of the meat and leather industries.
Processing Method: The collagen is processed through hydrolysis to break it down into smaller, more easily absorbed peptides or is used to create gelatin.
Collagen Types: Bovine collagen is a significant source of Type I and Type III collagen, which support skin elasticity, bone strength, and joint health.
Consumption Forms: The most common ways to consume cow-derived collagen are through supplements like powdered peptides and gelatin, or via natural food sources like bone broth.
Nutrient Upcycling: Repurposing these animal byproducts for collagen production is an efficient and sustainable way to utilize materials that might otherwise be discarded.
Comparison: When compared to marine collagen, bovine collagen provides both Type I and Type III, while being more cost-effective.

The Primary Sources of Bovine Collagen

Bovine collagen is sourced from several key parts of the cow that are rich in connective tissue. These materials are byproducts of the meat and leather industries, meaning they are efficiently repurposed rather than discarded. This makes bovine collagen a relatively sustainable product.

Hides and Skins

Cow hides, specifically the thick corium layer, are one of the most concentrated sources of collagen. This layer is typically separated during leather production and processed to extract the valuable protein. This is a common and efficient method for large-scale production of bovine collagen used in supplements and cosmetics.

Bones

Bones, particularly from cattle, are another major source. The bones contain a dense network of collagen that provides their structure. When cooked, this collagen is released, which is the basis for traditional bone broth. In industrial production, bones are boiled or treated to extract the collagen, which can then be processed further.

Cartilage and Tendons

Connective tissues such as cartilage and tendons also contain high amounts of collagen. These parts are utilized during the extraction process to ensure maximum yield of the protein. Tendons, in particular, are known to be rich in Type I collagen, a type that supports skin, bones, and ligaments.

The Extraction Process: From Byproduct to Supplement

The raw materials, including hides, bones, and tendons, are not directly edible in their raw form. They must undergo a processing method to become bioavailable for the human body. The two most common results are gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen.

Steps in the processing typically include:

Cleaning and preparation: The byproducts are thoroughly cleaned to remove fat, hair, and other non-collagenous material.
Hydrolysis: This is a key step where the material is heated in water, breaking down the long collagen fibers into smaller, more digestible peptides. Enzymes are often used to enhance this process.
Drying: The resulting liquid is then dried and powdered to create hydrolyzed collagen peptides, or allowed to set for gelatin.

This process upcycles materials that would otherwise be discarded, turning waste into a valuable health product. For more on the technical process, the NIH provides detailed information on various extraction methods.

Bovine Collagen vs. Other Sources

While bovine collagen is a popular choice, other animal sources are also used, most notably marine collagen from fish. Here is a comparison to highlight the differences:


Feature	Bovine Collagen	Marine Collagen
Primary Types	Rich in Type I and Type III.	Rich in Type I.
Sourced From	Cow hides, bones, tendons.	Fish skin, scales, bones.
Benefits	Supports skin, bone, muscle, and joint health.	Focuses more on skin, hair, and bones.
Absorption	Good absorption, but marine may have slightly higher bioavailability due to smaller particle size.	Smaller peptides, potentially higher absorption rate.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective and widely available.	Can be more expensive due to processing.
Religious/Dietary	Excluded by kosher, halal, and vegetarian diets.	Can be consumed by pescatarians, but not all religions permit consumption.

How to Consume Cow-Derived Collagen

There are several ways to incorporate collagen from a cow into your diet, both through traditional foods and modern supplements:

Bone Broth: A traditional food made by simmering cow bones for a long time. It provides a natural source of collagen and other minerals.
Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides: This is the most common supplement form, available as a flavorless powder that can be mixed into hot or cold beverages like coffee, smoothies, or water.
Gelatin: A cooked form of collagen used as a gelling agent in foods like desserts, custards, and gravies.
Capsules and Gummies: These offer a convenient, pre-dosed way to take collagen supplements on the go.

Conclusion

To get collagen from a cow, the primary sources are the hides, bones, and tendons, which are responsibly repurposed from the beef and leather industries. Through processes like hydrolysis, this raw material is converted into bioavailable forms like hydrolyzed peptides and gelatin, which are widely used in supplements and food products. The use of these byproducts not only provides a valuable nutrient source but also serves as an efficient use of agricultural materials. By understanding these sources and processes, consumers can make informed decisions about their collagen supplement choices.

: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9219788/ "Collagen Extraction from Animal Skin - PMC"

Frequently Asked Questions

Collagen from a cow is primarily sourced from its hide, bones, and tendons. These are the parts of the animal that are richest in connective tissue and, therefore, protein.

Yes, bovine and beef collagen are essentially the same. Bovine is the broader scientific term for cattle, so any product labeled as bovine collagen is derived from cows.

While beef muscle meat contains the amino acids needed to produce collagen, it does not contain significant amounts of concentrated collagen itself. Supplements and bone broth, which use the connective tissues, are more effective sources.

The extraction process involves taking cleaned cow byproducts (hides, bones) and heating them in water, often with enzymes, to break the collagen down. This process, called hydrolysis, yields smaller peptides or gelatin.

The "better" option depends on individual needs. Bovine provides Type I and Type III collagen, benefiting skin, bones, and muscles, while marine collagen primarily offers Type I. Marine collagen may absorb slightly faster due to smaller peptides.

Bone broth is made by simmering cow bones for an extended period, which naturally extracts the collagen from the bones into the liquid. It is a traditional and natural way to consume cow-derived collagen.

Yes, bovine collagen is a significant source of Type I and Type III collagen. Type I is abundant in skin, bones, and tendons, while Type III is found in muscles and organs, often alongside Type I.