Technical Abstract: Skeletal muscle stem cells from food-producing animals have been of interest to agricultural life scientists seeking to develop a better understanding of the molecular regulation of lean tissue (skeletal muscle protein hypertrophy) and intramuscular fat (marbling) development. Enhanced understanding of muscle stem cell biology and function may greatly augment the metabolic efficiency and muscle hypertrophy of growing animals. This might lead to lowered feed inputs for growth and maintenance requirements and reduce environmental impacts of animal production while concomitantly improving product uniformity and consumer acceptance and enjoyment of muscle foods.