FBS (also known as Foetal Calf Serum – FCS) is a common supplement used in culture mediaGrowth media, also known as culture media, provides cells in culture with all the correct nutrients.. It is derived from the blood of foetal cows during the slaughter of pregnant cows in the meat industry. FBS has been the default in vitroLatin for "in glass"; refers to experiments or procedures done outside of a living organism, typical cell cultureCell culture refers to the growth of any type of cell (ie, plant, microbial, or animal) under controculture mediaGrowth media, also known as culture media, provides cells in culture with all the correct nutrients. complement, favoured by researchers and scientists in both academic and industrial settings. FBS contains many proteins, such as growth factors, which are utilised by the cells. There are many ethical concerns with the use of FBS in cellular agricultureA field of biotechnology that uses biological engineering to produce agricultural products such as d and, although FBS is a by-product of the livestock industry, many cultivated meat companies are working towards using alternative sources of nutrients and growth factors required to keep cells alive. Media alternatives are commonly referred to as “serum free” or “animal free”, meaning they are free of FBS or other animal derived components.
