The Department of Animal Sciences’ Meat Science Teaching Laboratory is a fully inspected and functioning meat processing facility where most classes, internships and research experiences related to meat science take place.

In the lab, meat science students gain experience in harvesting and fabricating retail cuts, product development, quality assurance, facility inspection, equipment processes and management, and making processed meat products such as sausage, bratwurst and jerky.

By working in the meat lab, students gain practical experience and many find high-paying job opportunities even before graduation with large food companies. A retail meat shop sells both ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meat products to the public.