What is the focus of meat/terminal sire breeds of sheep?

The focus of meat or terminal sire breeds of sheep is primarily on feed efficiency and muscularity. These breeds are specifically selected and bred to enhance meat production, with traits that promote rapid growth rates, efficient feed conversion, and robust muscle development. This means that they are suited for producing high-quality carcasses with good meat yields, which makes them important in commercial meat production strategies.

Breeds that are categorized as meat or terminal sires typically exhibit a conformation that supports muscularity; for instance, they often have broader backs, thicker shoulders, and deeper bodies compared to other types of sheep. This trait is beneficial not only for the amount of meat produced but also for the overall quality and marketability of the meat.

In contrast, the other options focus on different attributes that are not central to the goals of meat production. For instance, milk production centers around breeds optimized for lactation; fleece quality emphasizes the characteristics of wool rather than meat; and small fiber diameter refers to wool quality rather than muscle development. Each of these areas contributes to sheep management in specific contexts, but they do not align with the primary goals of meat and terminal sire breeds.