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AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the correlation among serum biochemical indices, slaughter traits, texture characteristics and water-holding capacity in Tan sheep. Eighty Tan sheep aged 4–6 months were selected. Blood samples were collected from live animals to analyse serum biochemical indices. The slaughter traits, texture characteristics and water-holding capacity of meat were assessed after slaughter. There were highly significant correlations (p<.01) and high linear regression Rvalues among serum biochemical indices, slaughter traits, meat texture characteristics and water-holding capacity in Tan sheep. Therefore, this study has demonstrated that the meat qualities of Tan mutton may be evaluated by the serum biochemical indices of live Tan sheep.HighlightsThis study was conducted to determine the correlation among serum biochemical indices, slaughter traits, texture characteristics and water-holding capacity in Tan sheep.This study has demonstrated that meat qualities of Tan mutton may be assessed by the serum biochemical indices of live Tan sheep.It is necessary to determine slaughter traits, meat texture characteristics and water-holding capacity of meat, which are major indicators for assessing meat and meat products by consumers.