Systems and methods for improved rendering of animal products may utilize a multi-step process including at least a heating step through use of a steam-jacketed tube system and a pressing step to squeeze out the oils. Grinding and pre-breaking may first be used to break the fat/whole animal into pieces. The ground material may then be transported and heated in one or more steam-jacketed tubes to create a slurry. A press may then be employed to press out the oil and water from the slurry. Residual solids may be removed from the oil and water through a decanting step. Water and extremely fine materials may then be removed from the oil through a centrifuge step, and the oil may be transferred to one or more storage tanks. Following the pressing step, the protein that remains may be subjected to high pressure to squeeze out any residual fat and then may be transferred to a hammer mill to prepare into a powdered protein or other desired protein material that may be stored for later use.
