What Is Bovine Collagen? Meaning and Source

Bovine collagen is collagen that comes from cattle. Bovine simply means relating to cows. Supplements usually make it from hide, which is rich in Types I and III collagen, and sell it as hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides.

What does bovine collagen mean?

The word bovine comes from the Latin for ox or cow. Bovine collagen is therefore cattle collagen. It is one of the most widely used collagen sources in the world because hide is plentiful and naturally rich in collagen.

Because it comes from an animal, bovine collagen is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

What types of collagen are in bovine collagen?

Bovine hide collagen provides mainly Type I and Type III. That is why bovine products usually list Types I and III on the label. Bovine cartilage, which is used less often, contains Type II.

Related reading: collagen types explained; collagen peptides vs marine collagen; what is hydrolysed collagen?.

How is bovine collagen hydrolysate made?

The hide is cleaned, the collagen is extracted using heat and water, and enzymes cut it into short peptides. The result is filtered and dried into a fine, unflavoured powder. On labels this is called bovine collagen peptides, hydrolysed bovine collagen or bovine collagen hydrolysate.

Bovine collagen vs marine collagen

Bovine provides Types I and III and comes from cattle. Marine is mainly Type I and comes from fish. Both are usually hydrolysed into peptides. Our existing comparison of collagen peptides and marine collagen goes into more detail.

Hyoomen's figures

Hyoomen Bovine Collagen Peptides contains 10,000 mg of PEPTAN® B hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides per 10 g serving, providing Types I and III, unflavoured and sourced from grass-fed cattle.

See Hyoomen Bovine Collagen Peptides.

All three are packed in resealable doypack pouches. Compare the Hyoomen collagen range.

Frequently asked questions

Is bovine collagen halal?

It depends on how the cattle were slaughtered and processed. Only a halal certificate from the supplier confirms it, so ask the brand.

Is bovine collagen grass fed?

Some is. Grass-fed means the cattle were raised mainly on pasture. Check the label for a clear statement.

Is bovine collagen the same as beef gelatin?

Both come from cattle collagen. Gelatin is partly broken down and sets; peptides are broken down further and do not.

Bovine collagen benefits?

People often choose bovine collagen for skin and active routines. There are no authorised health claims for collagen in the UK.

Important

This article is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or under medical supervision, speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking a supplement. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily dose.