Funding for the Manila workshop featuring Dr Dale Woerner, associate professor of animal science at Colorado State University, was provided by the Pork Checkoff.

Dr Dale Woerner of Colorado State University demonstrates fibrinogen utilisation in US pork variety meat at a USMEF workshop in Manila [Photo: USMEF]

"The goal was to introduce another type of protein binder extracted from pork blood plasma," explained Sabrina Yin, USMEF director in the ASEAN region.

"We are hoping the information and knowledge gained by the processors will influence them to use it with the US pork variety meat items they import."

In the workshop, Dr Woerner presented information on fibrinogen, a protein that is present in meat.

Dr Woerner focused on fibrinogen utilisation in variety meat and the advantages of using the binder to make pork processing more efficient.

Attendees of the workshop heard an overview of US pork production and the US pork industry [Photo: USMEF]

A demonstration on the process was given using US pork liver, jowl and tongue.

USMEF provided attendees with an overview of US pork production and showed a video tour of a US pork plant.

"The processors in attendance felt that the workshop had some very good information and they are looking forward to future technical seminars to help their businesses," said Ms Yin.

"We were also able to get the word out about US pork raw materials for processing. There is room for growth for these products in the Philippine market, so reaching these potential customers is a positive move."