Bone cows bred in Australia provide base material for dental grafts

Dental bone grafts were in the past made from human bones but now artificial or even cow bones can be used instead. Photograph: James Ross/AAP

Bone cows, specially bred in mad cow-free Australia, are being used instead of human donors for dental and medical bone grafts.

While bovine grafts have been tested for spinal fusion, foot reconstructions and to fix skull traumas, the Australian versions are predominantly used in dental work to strengthen degraded jaws before tooth implants.