Age‐Related Changes in the Collagen of Bovine Corium: Studies on Extractability, Solubility and Molecular Size Distribution

ABSTRACT Bovine skin corium obtained from freshly slaughtered cattle of increasing biological age showed greater resistance to the action of acids, as measured by extractable collagen. Citrate‐soluble content of corium from fetal skin was 30.9%, while that of 3 to 6‐wk old calf was 6.4% and of 18‐month steer was 3.2%. Similar trends were also noted in neutral salt‐soluble (NSC) and pepsin‐treated, acid‐soluble (PSC) fractions. The greater resistance to degradation in biologically older bovine collagen is thought to be directly related to increased cross‐link formation. Gel permeation chromatography, using a newly developed μ‐Bondagel column, was found to provide a rapid means for separation and determination of molecular size distribution.