“Nervetti” in Italian gastronomy

The most famous use of bovine cartilage regards those which, everywhere in Italy, are called “nervetti” (nerves). This term refers to the tendons and cartilage of beef shins, white offal used for centuries in Italian gastronomy. They only contain proteins and are very thin, therefore ideal for a low calorie diet. Veal cartilage is also used for the production of thickeners, namely food additives which improve some physical characteristics of the products, such as appearance, consistency and stability over time.

Cartilage for pharmaceutical use

Bovine cartilage, as well as the shoulder blade, is sold to the pharmaceutical industry for various applications. The medicinal uses of bovine cartilage include the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, and according to some researchers may be effective in the treatment of psoriasis.

From bovine cartilage is also obtained chondroitin: used primarily in the treatment of osteoarthritis, it comes mainly from the collar of bovine tracheal cartilage.

Bovine also take care of our domestic animals: pet food and pet toys

Bovine rind and cartilage are largely employed to make animal companions happy, such as dogs and cats. In fact, they are among the ingredients of some of their favourite foods and they are also used to produce the so-called pet toys.

Another tasty and nutritious gift that you can offer to our four-legged friends is a snack made with bovine epiglottis, which is also a cartilage. Animal bones, sticks for the health of dogs and cats, all these items have the same origin: cattle.

Bovine collagen helps medicine

Collagen is a structural protein and is the major fibrous element of skin, tendons, cartilage, bones, teeth, membranes, corneas and vessels of all vertebrates. It is the most abundant protein in the human body and in connective tissues. Products of collagen, derived also from animal cartilage and connective tissues, are used in medicine and dentistry for different purposes, and as matrices for tissue growth.