How Much Meat To Expect

Customers who buy a live animal from a local cattle rancher for custom processing are often surprised by the amount of beef they receive, the amount of freezer space needed and that they did not get back the entire live weight of the animal in retail cuts. If you’ve decided to buy a whole, half, or quarter of beef, one of the most important things to understand is how much meat to expect after the animal has been processed. This will help you plan for storage, meal planning, and budgeting. We’ll explore how much meat you can expect from a cow and the factors affecting the final yield. This article will discuss estimating quantities you will receive when purchasing an animal to harvest.

Beef and pork processing

FACTORS AFFECTING YIELD

The amount of meat you can expect from a cow will depend on several factors, including the weight and size of the animal, the breed, and the cut and processing preferences. For example, a larger cow will yield more meat than a smaller one, and certain breeds may have more or less fat and muscle than others. Additionally, how the meat is processed and packaged can affect the yield. For example, vacuum-sealed packaging may help the meat retain more moisture and weigh more, while dry-aged meat may have lost more moisture and weighed less.

Dressing percentage is one of the terms used in the cattle and meat-cutting industry that often leads to misunderstanding. The dressing percentage is the portion of the live animal weight that results in the hot carcass. The dressing percentage is calculated as (hanging weight ÷ the live animal weight) × 100. The hanging weight (HW) is the weight of the unchilled carcass in pounds after the head, hide and internal organs have been removed. The HW will be approximately 60 percent of the live animal slaughter weight for most fed cattle. However, the HW can vary greatly from one animal to another.

 


 

YIELD PERCENTAGES

Generally speaking, you can expect to get between 40% to 60% of the animal’s hanging weight as meat after it has been processed. The exact percentage will depend on the factors mentioned above, as well as the skill and experience of the butcher. Here’s a breakdown of the typical yield percentages:

  • Whole Cow: A whole cow will typically yield about 400 to 500 pounds of meat after processing, depending on the size of the animal and the cutting and processing preferences. This equates to about 60% to 65% of the hanging weight.
  • Half Cow: A half cow typically yields about 200 to 250 pounds of meat after processing or about 60% to 65% of the hanging weight.
  • Quarter Cow: A quarter cow typically yields about 100 to 125 pounds of meat after processing or about 60% to 65% of the hanging weight.

 


 

TYPES OF CUTS


The type of cuts you choose will also affect the final yield. For example, if you have more bone-in cuts, such as ribeye or T-bone steaks, you may have less meat overall since bone weighs more than muscle. On the other hand, if you choose to have more ground beef, you may have a higher yield since less trimming and waste are involved. Therefore, discussing your cutting preferences with the butcher is important to ensure you get the types of cuts you want while maximizing your yield.

 


 

STORING THE MEAT

Once you have your meat, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its quality and safety. If you have a large freezer, you can keep the meat there. Pack it in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn and extend the shelf life. You may need to rent space at a commercial freezer facility for a large freezer. Alternatively, you can share the meat with friends or family to split the cost and storage space.
In conclusion, buying a whole, half, or quarter of beef can be a great way to save money and ensure you have high-quality meat on hand for your family. However, it’s crucial to understand how much meat to expect and how to store it properly to make the most of your investment. By discussing your cutting preferences with the butcher and planning for storage, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious beef for months.

How Much Meat To Expect

 

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