K-State home » Animal Sciences and Industry  » Disciplines » Meat Science » Research & Extension
Animal Sciences and Industry
Meat Science Research & Extension

The Meat Science Program has a legacy of multi-species (beef, pork, lamb, poultry, exotic), multi-dimensional service to the livestock and meat industries in Kansas, nationally, and internationally through research and extension programming effforts.

Read further to learn about Research areas and find links to Extension resources!

 

Research

The Meat Science Faculty at Kansas State University conduct research in many areas from the living animal to postmortem changes.  Research is dedicated to improving consumer's center-of-the-plate experiences through quality, safety, and value added processes.   

Meat Science>Meats Photo 2007.jpg

Faculty conduct research in:
  • Tissue Growth and Development
  • Germ Plasm Characterization
  • Ante- and Post-Mortem Factors Affecting Meat Quality and Composition
  • Myofibrillar, Collagen and Pigment Chemistry
  • Packaging, Lighting, and Retail Display
  • Enhancement of Meat Quality and Palatability
  • Computer-Assisted Heating of Meat Products
  • Impact of Cooking Modifications on Meat Sensory Traits
  • Processed, Value-Added Meats Including "Heat and Eat" Products
  • Safety of Meat and Meat Products
  • HACCP
  • Safety Interventions
  • Development and Evaluation of "Designer Beef"
  • Case-Ready Meat Packaging (High Oxygen, CO and Ultra Low Oxygen) and Enhancement Factors Influencing Color and Color Stability
  • Development of Methods to Assess Meat Product Quality and Safety

Click the faculty names listed on the right to learn about individual research interests!

Extension

The following lists contain resources provided for consumers, processors, and students.

Reference Materials

  • Extension Publications - Includes areas of meat science, processing and technology, and food safety topics

  • HACCP Resources - Processors, look here for all of your HACCP information!

  • Meat Processing News - Newsletter Archives

  • Meat Related Topics - These bulletins will answer lots of questions for consumers and processors.

  • Meet the Meats Group - Have a question or interest?  Locate the faculty, staff, or graduate student for assistance.

  • Industry Links - These sites range from industry organizations and trade publications to government sites, scientific associations, and everything in between.

Education & Services

  • Courses - The Meat Science Faculty offer courses on the Manhattan Campus and through Distance Learning.

  • HACCP Workshop Schedule & Registration - Contains HACCP workshops in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota

  • Value Added Services & Programs - Kansas State University has a lot to offer processors!  These services are intended to be convenient and cost-effective for every level of processor, large and small.
Faculty Research & Extension

Meat Science faculty cover a wide array of topics. The following is a list of those faculty whose principle assignment falls in the meat science area and the particular aspect emphasized in their research. You can click on their name if you'd like to see a more detailed description of their research foci.

Faculty Research

Dr. Terry Houser
Value Added Meat Products


Dr. Elizabeth A. E. Boyle
HACCP & Meat Safety


Dr. Michael Dikeman
Bovine Meat Quality


Dr. Melvin C. Hunt
Myoglobin Chemistry & Meat Science


Dr. James L. Marsden
Meat Science


Dr. John A. Unruh
Meat Science & Animal Production