This paper integrates the key industry findings from the twelve preceding papers in this special edition of Meat
science. In so doing, various animal factors important for the quality of Australian lamb meat are highlighted for
sensory, visual appeal and human health attributes. Intramuscular fat concentration (IMF) was found to be a key
element of eating quality that interacts both positively and negatively with a range of other factors. Shear force,
IMF, colour stability and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) will likely respond to genetic selection whilst other omega-
3 fatty acids require nutritional intervention. Australian lamb meat can generally be regarded as a good source of
the minerals iron and zinc; and a source of omega 3 fatty acids when finished on green pasture. Breeding priorities
for meat quality will likely depend on breed type with improvement of meat colour stability more important
for the wool focused Merino breed and improvement of sensory quality for the terminal sire breeds