4. Origins and physico-chemical properties of collagen and gelatin

4.1 Origins of collagen

The raw materials used to manufacture gelatin are many and varied.

Mammals such as pigs are the main source, but also cattle and dromedaries (genus Camelus dromedarius), whose population in Algeria in particular is said to exceed 300,000 head. These last two sources do not pose any religious problems, unlike pork rinds and bones. Global demand, which is already high and growing, is reflected in jelly production, which currently breaks down as follows, according to the different matrices:

• bovine: cattle hides and bones account for 52.5% of total production (29.4% and 23.1% respectively);

• Pork: pigskin remains the most important raw material (46%);...