Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Skeletal Muscle Growth and Differentiation
Grant
Overview
abstract
Sustainable livestock production depends on efficient growth of muscle throughout the animals' lifespan so as to yield the maximum quantity of meat for a given amount of input costs. Given the current rising costs of livestock feed components, the major input cost, there has never been a time where optimization and efficient use of feed is so important to the sustainability and profitability of livestock production. However, it is not only important to understand the physiological mechanisms that are associated with optimal growth and muscle accretion, but further to understand how best to efficiently produce animal muscle that yields the best quality beef as determined by consumer preferences, consumer demands and production economics. Moreover, as part of the National Beef Industries long-term objectives towards increasing the demand for beef
products by 10% by 2010, one key step towards achieving this objective will include increased uniformity and consistency of the beef product, to maximize the number of positive eating experiences by consumers.
