Future directions in the utilization of animal by-products: case of Kazakhstan

This review examined the current state and future potential of animal by-product (ABP) utilization in Kazakhstan, a country with a significant but insufficiently developed meat-processing sector. Despite growing meat production, only a small portion of ABPs, such as blood, bones, skins, and offal, are processed into value-added products, with the remainder discarded or underutilized. This underutilization represents both an environmental challenge and a missed economic opportunity. Through international comparisons, the review highlighted how countries like the EU, USA, and Japan have successfully implemented advanced technologies and regulatory frameworks to convert ABPs into biofuels, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and functional food ingredients. In contrast, Kazakhstan faces barriers including outdated infrastructure, limited market development, insufficient regulatory enforcement, and traditional perceptions of ABPs as waste. Nonetheless, recent Kazakh research has shown promising results in transforming ABPs into protein hydrolysates, nutritional supplements, feed additives, and functional meat products. The review concludes that with strategic investments in technology, policy reform, and public awareness, Kazakhstan can enhance the sustainability and profitability of its livestock sector through improved ABP valorization.