What to Expect/Yield

The number one question most asked is "How much meat will I get back (yield)?" There are several factors that can play an important role in making that determination. What breed? Male or female animal? Bone-in or boneless cut? Young animal or older animal?

Below is an average of what you might expect from your animal.

Beef

• Live Weight = 1200 pounds
• Hanging weight = 725 - 775 pounds
• Finished weight = 470 - 525 pounds

Pork

• Live Weight = 300 pounds
• Hanging weight = 180 – 195 pounds
• Finished weight = 115 – 130 pounds

Sheep & Goat

Varies greatly by breed and age

• Live Weight
• Hanging weight = 35-50% of live weight
• Finished weight = 60-70% of hanging weight

Here is another study from University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

on HOW MUCH MEAT TO EXPECT FROM A BEEF CARCASS