There appear to be few differences between genotypes
of sheep for meat quality traits, although the Merino has a
tendency for a high pH. Given the importance of this breed
to sheep production in a number of countries research to
establish the physiological basis of the higher pH levels in
the Merino is worthy of further investigation. The literature
also shows that there may be adverse effects on meat quality
for extreme genotypes, such as extreme muscling and
major gene effects. Given the importance of eating quality
and IMF to consumers and the evidence that some extreme
genotypes can change these traits unfavourably, there is
room for more investigation of the basis of any increase in
toughness caused by some of the more recently identified
mutations which impact on protein turnover. Estimates of genetic parameters are only just becoming available and
indicate there is genetic variation for most meat quality
traits. More accurate estimates of the genetic correlations
between meat quality and production traits are required
to develop appropriate objectives and selection criteria for
industry breeding programs. Increasingly, it will be important
to develop both genetic and management approaches
to manipulate the level of traits like omega-3 fatty acids, if
consumer demand follows expectations. Incorporation of
molecular information into breeding programs also offers
potential for improvement of meat quality. Both these areas
of research are currently being addressed in the Sheep CRC
Information Nucleus.