In our bachelor thesis, we studied the effects of commercial crossbreeding with different terminal sire breeds on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs by analysing the literature of different authors. The use of terminal breeds such as Texel, Dorper, Ille de France, Charolais and Suffolk significantly increased daily gains of crossbreds and EUROP carcass conformation while having a beneficial effect on carcass fatness. Commercial crossbreds have minor effect on meat colour, tenderness, shear force, flavour and aroma. The shear force of the meat can be increased by crossing with breeds that have a higher muscle density or carry specific genes responsible for high muscling and lean meat. In the literature we reviewed, the Texel breed is most frequently mentioned as the breed with the most favourable effects on carcass characteristics and meat quality. The other terminal breeds mentioned also have a positive effect on carcass characteristics and thus improve the economic value of the lamb production system. Thus, we conclude that commercial crossbreeding has a positive effect on most carcass and meat quality traits while improving the economic efficiency of sheep production. It is recommended to use the Texel breed as a terminal breed for commercial crossbreeding with our local sheep breeds, such as the improved Jezersko-Solčava sheep breed. The three-breed crossbreeding scheme should also be included in our lamb breeding technology too.
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