Ox Gallstones Italy

Gallstones form inside a number of bovines, depending on their age and diet. These are extracted from the intestines of cattle and then thoroughly washed with cold water to remove blood clots, impurities etc.

The stones are then dried in a dark and well ventilated environment at a temperature of approx. 20 degrees Celsius for two to three weeks and then packed in hermetically sealed bags.

How they are sourced

MONDAY’S report of gallstone theft at an abattoir in southeast Queensland – which has been seen widely on social media – has caused some confusion about how these valuable cattle byproducts are obtained. Some have suggested that processors are making a fortune from them at beef producers’ expense, while others say they are a natural byproduct of slaughter.

Gallstones can be harvested from older slaughter animals – cows and bulls – by removing their gall bladders during the bile extraction process on an eviscera table. They are then dried in a low temperature (approx. 20 degrees Celsius) environment for a period of two to three weeks. They are then packed in hermetically sealed bags for sale to buyers.

Ox gallstones are a rare commodity, as it takes a lot of cattle to produce just one kilogram of the precious items. Australian cattle producers only harvest around 200kg a year, one of the largest dealers in the market told Beef Central.

The value of these ox gallstones is high as they are considered to be a valuable Chinese herbal medicine and are used in a variety of proprietary Chinese medicines. According to reports, the Chinese pharmaceutical industry requires about 100 metric tons of gallstones each year but domestic supply is barely one MT. Moreover, these ox gallstones are highly effective and can be used to treat a wide range of diseases and illnesses.

A tael of these ox gallstones is worth HK$19,000, and a pellet weighing about three grams costs HK$195. However, prices vary dramatically, depending on quality, shape and size, and also the country where they are sourced. Hence, it is important to contact a reputable broker to ensure the best price and delivery.

Shapes and sizes

Ox gallstones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are round, egg shaped and even pyramid shaped specimens. Some are as big as a hens egg. A good specimen can be worth a fortune. Several factors go into determining the value of a gallstone including its size, dryness and colour. Generally, the best gallstones are golden in colour and have a smooth texture. A well sourced and inspected piece can fetch a premium of 73,000 USD* per kilogram.

The best ox gallstones are sourced from high grade breeding stock. They are inspected, washed and then gently dried in a controlled environment to remove any blood clots or other impurities. This is a good move since the bile contains some of the most potent gallstones. Using the finest quality stones can be a lucrative venture for farmers and animal owners alike. This is particularly true in countries where the bovine population is a significant part of their GDP.

Dryness

Gallstones are a bile byproduct of cattle that form in the gall bladder and are retrieved on the eviscera table during slaughter. The presence, frequency and quality of these stones can vary considerably based on the environment where they are sourced.

The majority of gallstones are derived from mature animals – cows and bulls. They are usually pea-sized but can also be large. The number and size of these stones is determined by the quality of the bile extraction process at the abattoir as well as by access to bore water, for example.

When the bile has been removed from the cattle at the abattoir, the stones are washed with cold water to remove blood and other imperfections. Then they are dried in a dark room at a temperature of 20 degrees C for two to three weeks. They are moved around regularly to ensure they dry properly and avoid them sticking together.

There is a demand for the very best stones. These need to be of light yellow or golden colour, with a natural odor of the animal and free from mad cow disease. The optimum size of the stones is also important, and they need to be lustrous and smooth.

Those that are dark and pitted, with calcium inclusions, will not attract high prices. However, whole stones that are lustrous, with no imperfections will attract the highest price.

These are a valuable byproduct of beef processing and are in high demand overseas, particularly in Asia. They are sold as natural gallstones or combined with other ingredients to create a proprietary Chinese medicine.

They are highly prized as a Chinese herbal medicine, and in Hong Kong the price is as much as HK$19,000 for one tael of gallstones (three grams), although these are often combined with other ingredients to reduce the cost.

Despite this high price tag, it is worth noting that these stones have a very short shelf life and can be expensive to buy in large quantities. Moreover, they are also subject to fluctuations in supply and demand.

Price

The ox gallstones are the star of the show and the price is no joke. Depending on the country, they can range in price from a few cents to well over a dollar. The most expensive is likely the French Alps.

As you can imagine, the Australian cattle industry has its fair share of competition in the global ox gallstone market. While Australia is a laggard when it comes to this rare gem, the likes of Brazil and Mexico are leading the charge.

It’s no surprise then, that the price has been a point of debate among cattle processors, suppliers and importers alike. It’s also no secret that gallstones are a rare and precious commodity. The good news is that there are some big fish in the ox gallstone space to be found and the best way to go about it is by doing your research.

If you’re interested in a good old fashioned quality ox gallstones for your meat processing business, be sure to check out Beef Central’s directory of ox gallstone suppliers. You can do your homework and find a suitable supplier in no time at all.

Ox Gallstones Italy