Preparation and Impact of Fermented Sheep Bone Powder on Sausage Quality

Sheep bones are a rich resource in China, but their deep processing is limited by outdated technology. Sausages are popular among various consumer groups due to their unique flavor. The purpose of this study was to optimize the preparation process of fermented-enzymatic sheep bone powder and develop calcium-fortified functional sausages with an excellent flavor, aroma, and taste. In this experiment, the fermented-enzymatic sheep bone powder was prepared by optimizing the two-bacterial fermentation process of Lactobacillus Plantarum BNCC336421 and Pediococcus Pentosaceus BNCC193259. The nutritional indexes and micro-structure were analyzed. Additionally, different ratios of fermented sheep bone powder were added into the sausages to investigate their effects on the nutritional indexes, physicochemical properties, and organoleptic quality of the sausages. The results showed that the optimal process conditions for the fermented sheep bone sludge were as follows: a strain inoculation of 3%; a compounding ratio of 1:1; a bone sludge concentration of 1:20; and fermentation time of 24 h. Under these conditions, the Ca2+ content and protein hydrolysis degree of the sheep bone were 2441.31 mg/100 mL and 23.78%, respectively. The fermented sheep bone powder analyzed using SEM, and the particle size analysis showed it was loose and porous with a small particle size. The addition of fermented sheep bone powder to the sausage increased its amino acid and calcium ion contents, improved the texture indexes such as cohesion, and enhanced both the L* value and sensory scores. The best result was observed in the 1% group (p < 0.05). It serves as a data source for developing fermented sheep bone powder and its application in sausage, offering a fresh idea and approach to achieving the high-value utilization of sheep bone.