Animal Husbandry and Feed Science ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (5): 84-90.doi: 10.12160/j.issn.1672-5190.2025.05.010

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Research Progress on the Formation and Transformation Mechanisms of Muscle Fibers and Their Influencing Factors-Key Determinants of Livestock Meat Quality

ZHANG Peng1, GUO Tao1, ZHENG Yaguang1, WANG Wenwen1, Wudabalaqiqige2, WANG Yuan1, AN Xiaoping1, QI Jingwei1   

  1. 1. College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Smart Animal Husbandry of Inner Mongolia Higher Education Institutions/Integrated Research Platform for Smart Animal Husbandry of Inner Mongolia Higher Education/Inner Mongolia Engineering Technology Research Center for Feed of Herbivorous Livestock/Research Center for Dairy Goat Breeding and Farming Technology, National Dairy Technology Innovation Center, Hohhot 010018, China;
    2. XilinGol League Animal Husbandry Workstation, Xilinhot 027299, China
  • Received:2025-05-28 Published:2025-12-25

Abstract: Muscle tissue from livestock such as cattle, sheep, and pigs possesses excellent nutritional value and desirable eating characteristics, making it one of the most important sources of animal protein for humans. However, how to further enhance the meat quality of these livestock remains a focal point for researchers and practitioners in the animal husbandry industry. Livestock muscle tissue is composed of different types of muscle fibers, and the muscle fiber type and its dynamic transformation processes significantly affect the meat's texture, flavor characteristics, and nutritional composition. Muscle fiber transformation is a complex biological process synergistically regulated by multiple factors, including genetics, nutrition, and environment. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of the composition characteristics and transformation mechanisms of livestock muscle fibers, and their effects on meat quality, holds significant theoretical importance. This review aims to systematically elaborate on the research progress regarding the muscle fiber types and their transformation mechanisms in livestock, providing a scientific basis for the improvement of meat quality.

Key words: livestock, muscle fiber, meat quality, transformation mechanism, influencing factors

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