Selection for lean meat yield in lambs reduces indicators of oxidative metabolism in the longissimus muscle

Selection for increased lean meat yield using Australian Sheep Breeding Values for reduced post-weaning c-site fat depth (PFAT) and increased post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD) reduces the oxidative capacity of muscle. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) activity and myoglobin concentration were measured in 3178 and 5580 lambs, respectively, to indicate oxidative capacity. In the progeny of sires with a reduced PFAT, ICDH activity and myoglobin concentration were reduced by 0.46μmol/min/g tissue and 0.67mg/g tissue across the 5 and 6mm PFAT ranges respectively. In the progeny of sires with an increased PEMD, ICDH activity and myoglobin concentration were reduced by 0.50 μmol/min/g tissue and 0.49mg/g tissue across the 7 and 6 mm PEMD ranges respectively. However, the sites at which the lambs were raised had a larger impact on oxidative capacity than genetic or other production factors. •Selection for leanness and muscling in lambs reduces muscle oxidative capacity.•Reduced muscle oxidative capacity was associated with lower mineral levels.•Increased muscle oxidative capacity with older animals and high intramuscular fat