Meat and Bone Meal vs Fish Meal: Protein, Minerals and Cost Compared

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On Oktober 5, 2026

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Quick answer: Fish meal has more protein (55–65%) and better amino acid digestibility, making it the premium choice for aquaculture and young animals. Meat and bone meal (about 45–50% protein) is cheaper and much richer in calcium and phosphorus, so it suits poultry, pig and pet feed where permitted. As fertilizers, fish meal is higher in nitrogen while MBM supplies more phosphorus.

Updated October 2026 · NDRG Kokal Enterprise, Sarawak, Malaysia

Key facts

Fish meal protein	55–65%
MBM protein	45–50%
Phosphorus	MBM about 4–6%, fish meal about 2–3%
Digestibility	Fish meal higher
Cost	MBM usually lower
Ruminant feed	MBM banned in many countries

Side-by-side comparison

Feature	Fish meal	Meat and bone meal
Crude protein	55–65%	45–50%
Ash	15–22%	25–35%
Calcium	About 4–6%	About 7–10%
Phosphorus	About 2–3%	About 4–6%
Omega-3 fats	Yes	No
Best uses	Shrimp, fish, piglets, broiler starters	Poultry, pigs, pet food, fertilizer

When to choose meat and bone meal

To cut feed cost while supplying protein, calcium and available phosphorus.
To reduce added mineral phosphate in poultry and pig diets.
As a phosphorus-rich organic fertilizer for roots, flowering and fruiting.

When to choose fish meal

Aquaculture, especially shrimp and marine fish.
Young animals where digestibility matters most.
When omega-3 enrichment is needed.

Regulations

Many countries ban feeding MBM to cattle and other ruminants. Check Malaysian and export-market feed rules before use. Learn more in our meat and bone meal guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is meat and bone meal cheaper than fish meal?

Usually yes, though prices vary with supply. MBM also supplies more calcium and phosphorus per tonne.

Can meat and bone meal replace fish meal?

Partly, in poultry, pig and some fish diets, but fish meal is still preferred for shrimp and young animals.

Which is better as a fertilizer?

Fish meal gives more nitrogen; meat and bone meal gives more phosphorus and calcium for roots and fruiting.

Buy meat and bone meal in bulk

Buy in bulk: request a wholesale quote from NDRG Kokal Enterprise, Siburan, Sarawak. Call or WhatsApp +60 13-739 1922 or email info@ndrgkokalenterprise.com.

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