The MHS-gene is of central importance within the breeding strategies f
or the improvement of meat quality. The results submitted from literat
ure and own examinations about performance traits of MHS-genotypes dif
ferentiated by means of the MHS-gene-test show distinct advantages of
the homozygote NN-animals in meat quality traits. Due to a lower meat
portion of 2% in these animals, in practice the production of heterozy
gote fattening end products is preferred. Future breeding work may not
only be limited to the reduction of the risk relating to the occurenc
e of meat quality deficiencies. A general improvement of meat quality
traits, especially of the eating quality, is required. The breeding me
thods are concentrated on the selection with adequate characteristic c
riteria, such as LF(24)-value, within the homozygote (NN) parent breed
s.