Where Does Animal-Based Collagen Come From?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the mammalian body, constituting about 30% of its total protein content. In supplement form, the answer to "Where does animal-based collagen come from?" can be traced back to the byproducts of animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, and fish. This article delves into the specific origins and processing of this popular supplement.

Quick Summary

Animal-based collagen is derived from the hides, bones, skin, and cartilage of bovine, marine, and porcine sources. It is processed through hydrolysis to create bioavailable collagen peptides for use in supplements and food products.

Key Points

Bovine Sources: Collagen comes from cow hides, bones, and cartilage and is rich in Type I and III collagen for skin and bone support.
Marine Sources: Fish skin and scales are processed to produce marine collagen, which is high in Type I and known for its high bioavailability.
Porcine Sources: Collagen from pig skin and bones is structurally similar to human collagen and is rich in Type I and III.
Chicken Sources: Sourced from chicken sternum, this collagen is primarily Type II and is used for joint and cartilage support.
Hydrolysis Process: Raw animal byproducts are boiled and chemically or enzymatically treated to break them down into absorbable collagen peptides.
Sourcing Matters: The environmental impact and ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture are significant factors in choosing a collagen source.
Vegan Alternatives: Plant-based 'collagen' is a booster containing ingredients to stimulate the body's own production, not actual animal-derived collagen.

Common Animal Sources of Collagen

Animal-based collagen is a structural protein extracted from the connective tissues of various animals, primarily as a byproduct of the meat and fishing industries. The source of the collagen dictates its primary type and suitability for different applications. The most common animal sources are bovine (cow), marine (fish), porcine (pig), and chicken.

Bovine Collagen

Derived from cattle, bovine collagen is one of the most widely used sources for supplements. It is primarily sourced from the hides, bones, and cartilage of cows. Bovine collagen is rich in Type I and Type III collagen, the most abundant forms in the human body, making it popular for improving skin elasticity, bone strength, and joint health. Some producers prioritize collagen sourced from the hide of grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, citing a higher-quality end product and more ethical sourcing.

Marine Collagen

Marine collagen is sourced from the skin, scales, and bones of fish, particularly cold-water fish like cod. This type of collagen is almost exclusively Type I collagen, which is crucial for skin health. A key advantage of marine collagen is its smaller molecular size compared to other animal collagens, which may enhance its bioavailability and absorption rate in the body. Furthermore, marine sourcing is often viewed as a more environmentally sustainable option, as it makes use of otherwise discarded byproducts of the fishing industry. Marine collagen is a suitable alternative for pescatarians or those with religious dietary restrictions prohibiting the consumption of porcine or bovine products.

Porcine Collagen

Porcine collagen is extracted from the skin and bones of pigs. It is structurally very similar to human collagen, particularly containing high levels of Type I and Type III collagen. This similarity has made it a historical choice for various applications, including medical wound dressings and cosmetic procedures. A common form of porcine collagen is gelatin, which is a partially hydrolyzed version used in food and pharmaceutical capsules. While effective, its use is restricted for religious and dietary reasons in certain communities.

Chicken Collagen

Chicken collagen is primarily sourced from the breastbone cartilage of chickens. Unlike bovine and marine collagen, which are rich in Type I, chicken collagen is a rich source of Type II collagen. This type is the main component of cartilage, making it a target for supplements aimed at improving joint health and alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis. Undenatured Type II collagen, which is less processed, is often delivered in capsule form to preserve its structure and maximize joint-specific benefits.

The Extraction and Processing of Animal Collagen

The journey of animal collagen from byproduct to supplement is a multi-stage process that typically involves hydrolysis to make the large protein molecule bioavailable for human consumption. The process, documented in scientific literature, ensures safety and effectiveness.

Steps in the typical extraction process:

Preparation: The raw material, such as animal hide or bone, is washed thoroughly to remove any surface contaminants and then cut into smaller pieces.
Pre-treatment: The material undergoes pre-treatment with acid or alkali to break down the crosslinks between collagen molecules and remove non-collagenous proteins and fats.
Extraction: The pre-treated material is then boiled, a process known as hydrolysis. This breaks the collagen down into gelatin, which is a cooked form of collagen. Further enzymatic hydrolysis is then used to break the gelatin down into smaller, more easily absorbed collagen peptides.
Purification: The resulting solution is purified using techniques like filtration and dialysis to remove salts and other unwanted substances.
Drying: The purified collagen is then sterilized and dried, often into a powdered form, for use in supplements, foods, and cosmetics.

Collagen Sources: Comparison Table


Feature	Bovine Collagen	Marine Collagen	Porcine Collagen	Chicken Collagen
Primary Source	Cow hides, bones, cartilage	Fish skin, scales, bones	Pig skin, bones	Chicken cartilage
Primary Collagen Type	Type I & III	Type I	Type I & III	Type II
Bioavailability	High when hydrolyzed	Often highest due to smaller particles	High when hydrolyzed	Depends on processing (undenatured vs. hydrolyzed)
Primary Benefit	Skin, bones, joints, muscles	Skin, hair, nails	Skin, blood vessels, joints	Joint health, cartilage support
Dietary Considerations	Not suitable for pescatarians, vegans, or vegetarians	Suitable for pescatarians; not vegans or vegetarians	Not suitable for some religions (Kosher, Halal) or vegans, vegetarians	Not suitable for vegans, vegetarians
Sourcing Notes	Potential link to deforestation if not ethically sourced.	High sustainability potential using waste products.	Used in many pharmaceuticals, not just supplements.	Ethical sourcing from chicken sternum is emphasized.

Benefits and Ethical Considerations

Choosing an animal-based collagen product involves weighing the potential health benefits against ethical and environmental concerns. The benefits of supplementing with collagen, particularly hydrolyzed peptides, are well-documented, especially for skin and joint health. However, the production of animal-based collagen is tied to the meat and fishing industries, which carry significant environmental footprints. For environmentally conscious consumers, marine collagen may offer a more sustainable option due to the utilization of waste products.

For those seeking alternatives, vegan collagen boosters exist, but they differ significantly. These products do not contain actual collagen but rather use vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support the body's natural collagen production. For individuals with specific dietary requirements or ethical objections, these boosters or lab-grown recombinant collagen offer non-animal alternatives.

For more in-depth information on the scientific processes involved in extraction, an authoritative source on the matter can be found in the article Collagen Extraction from Animal Skin.

Conclusion

In summary, the origins of animal-based collagen are directly linked to the byproducts of animals raised for meat and fish. The primary sources—bovine, marine, porcine, and chicken—each offer a unique profile of collagen types that benefit different parts of the human body. Through a process of hydrolysis, these raw animal materials are transformed into the bioavailable collagen peptides found in popular supplements. While these supplements offer proven benefits for skin, joint, and bone health, it is important for consumers to consider their sourcing, as this raises significant ethical and environmental considerations. Ultimately, understanding where your collagen comes from is key to making an informed and responsible choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bovine collagen comes from cows and is rich in Types I and III, while marine collagen is sourced from fish and is primarily Type I. Marine collagen is known for its higher bioavailability due to smaller particle size, while bovine is a more common, cost-effective source.

Yes, true collagen is exclusively found in animal flesh and connective tissue. Plant-based supplements labeled as 'vegan collagen' do not contain actual collagen but rather a blend of amino acids and nutrients that support the body's natural collagen synthesis.

Animal parts like bones and hides are first pre-treated with acid or alkali to remove impurities. The material is then subjected to hydrolysis (boiling) to break the protein into smaller, more digestible peptides, which are then purified and dried.

Bovine and marine collagen are typically recommended for skin health, as they are rich in Type I and III collagen, which are most abundant in skin. Marine collagen is often lauded for its high bioavailability.

Yes, concerns exist regarding animal welfare and the environmental impact of industrial farming, which provides the raw materials for collagen production. Sourcing matters, and some opt for ethically-sourced or marine-based collagen for reduced environmental impact.

While generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects, such as digestive issues or allergic reactions, depending on the source. Following dosage recommendations is important to minimize risks.

Gelatin is a 'cooked' form of collagen derived from partial hydrolysis, causing it to gel in liquids. Collagen peptides, or hydrolyzed collagen, undergo further processing to break them down into smaller, more bioavailable particles that dissolve easily in hot or cold water.

The specific extraction and purification methods can influence the final product's quality, molecular weight, solubility, and potential bioavailability. Enzymatic hydrolysis, for instance, allows for greater control over the peptide size.