Meat Science
The Meat Science Facility provides meat processors and entrepreneurs an opportunity
to use various aspects of a 23,000- square foot, state-of-the-art meat science research
and teaching complex. This facility, completed in 1988, provides opportunities for
harvest, chilling, fabrication, processing, curing, smoking, packaging, display, and
cooking of meats.
Laboratories include the Meat Lab, an on-the-rail abattoir with three processing laboratories; the Sensory Lab, equipped for objective and subjective product evaluation and cookery; the Color Lab with its chilled and frozen display cases; the Meat Chemistry Lab, a fully-equipped facility for analytical work; the Meat Microbiology Lab; and the Post-Processing Pasteurization Lab.
The department's well-equipped laboratories and classrooms enable:
- Fundamental studies of muscle biology related to meat science.
- Evaluation of genotypes for optimal growth, development, and meat quality.
- Development of value-added meat products.
- Study of slaughter, carcass washing, chilling and hot processing, traditional fabrication, and pathogen intervention control procedures.
- Analysis of physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of meat, and other factors related to safety and quality.
- Evaluation of display lighting and packaging systems on meat color and shelf-life.
- Response to critical needs and questions of the meat industry.
Meat science experts can provide and assist with educational and technical support for new and existing meat products; reformulation of products for safety; product line extension; process development; meat processing regulations; shelf-life, chemical, and microbial analyses; HACCP plan development and food safety training; quality control techniques and implementations; and nutrition labeling. Value-added clients also can schedule plant visits, meetings, and tours.
The KSU Meat Science Facility is a university sponsored, fee-based research center.
Equipment/Instruments
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