How many billion pounds of inedible animal by-products are processed annually by the rendering industry?

The rendering industry plays a crucial role in the animal by-products sector, processing large quantities of materials that are not suitable for human consumption. The correct answer, which indicates that 36 billion pounds of inedible animal by-products are processed annually, highlights the vast scale of this industry.

Rendering transforms these by-products into valuable end products such as fats, proteins, and other usable materials. This process helps minimize waste and maximize the use of every part of the animal, which is essential for sustainable practices in food production and agriculture.

The other choices suggest quantities that do not reflect the industry's scale accurately. Understanding the significance of this number is key to grasping the impact of the rendering industry on food safety, sustainability, and resource management.