Iowa State University Meat Laboratory

Iowa State University Meat Laboratory offers processing and slaughter services in Ames, Iowa, within the central Iowa region near Des Moines. The facility handles cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry including chicken, turkey, and duck, covering both red meat and poultry processing under one roof.

As part of Iowa State University's animal science program, the lab operates as a teaching and research facility, giving it a distinct academic framework compared to typical commercial processors. This setting means work is often tied to university coursework, extension programs, and applied research alongside standard processing runs.

Farmers, small producers, and breeders in the area sometimes rely on facilities like this for custom slaughter or processing needs across mixed species, particularly when handling smaller lots of livestock or poultry. The range of species handled makes it a practical option for diversified farms managing more than one type of animal.