Meat you take home
260 to 280118 to 127lbkg
- 400181lb hangingkg hanging
- 11.7 to 12.6331 to 357cu ft of freezerliters of freezer
- –a pound of meat
- Your half of the steer has about 400 lb of hanging weight.
- You take home about 260 to 280 lb of meat, bone-in.
- It needs about 11.7 to 12.6 cubic feet of freezer space.
From live weight to meat
| Animal | Hanging weight, of live weight | Meat, bone-in | Meat, boneless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef | 60% to 64% | 65% to 70% | 55% to 60% |
| Pork | 70% to 75% | 75% to 80% | 65% to 70% |
| Lamb | 54% to 59% | 70% to 75% | – |
Meat is a share of the hanging weight. From K-State Research and Extension, MF3394.
An example from K-State
A steer weighs 1,290 lb live. Its carcass hangs at 800 lb, which is 62%.
Cut with the bones in, it gives about 520 lb of meat. Cut boneless, about 440 lb.
So half of that steer gives about 260 lb of meat with bones, or 220 lb boneless. Plan for about 12 cubic feet of freezer space.
Questions
How much meat is in half a cow?
A beef carcass of 800 lb gives about 520 to 560 lb of meat with the bones in. So half gives about 260 to 280 lb. Boneless, half gives about 220 to 240 lb.
What is hanging weight?
It is the weight of the carcass, after the blood, hide and insides are removed. For beef it is about 60% to 64% of the live weight. For pork, 70% to 75%. For lamb, 54% to 59%.
How much freezer space do I need?
About 2.25 cubic feet for every 50 lb of meat, says NC State Extension. Half a cow, about 270 lb of meat, needs about 12 cubic feet.
Why do I take home less than the hanging weight?
Bones, fat and trim come off when the carcass is cut. Beef gives back 65% to 70% of the hanging weight with the bones in, or 55% to 60% boneless.
How much meat is in a whole hog?
A hog carcass of 205 lb gives about 154 lb of meat with the bones in, or about 133 lb boneless, says K-State.
Sources
- K-State Research and Extension MF3394, How Much Meat to Expect from Your AnimalFeb 2018Hanging weight from live weight, and the meat you take home, bone-in or boneless
- NC State Extension, Interested in Buying Meat in Bulk?Jul 2024Freezer space: 50 lb of meat in about 2.25 cubic feet