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What to Expect
What Exactly Is "Yield"...?
Yield refers to the amount of usable meat you get from a pig after it has been processed. This is typically measured in two ways:
Dressing Percentage: This is the percentage of the live animal weight that remains after the head, hide, and internal organs have been removed. For most pigs, the dressing percentage ranges from 70% to 75% .
Carcass Cutting Yield: This is the percentage of the carcass weight that remains after the meat has been trimmed and deboned. On average, you can expect about 57% of the live weight as retail cuts.
Final Yield Expectations
At Bare Bones Butchering we are committed to ensuring that every customer walks away with the correct yield.
Bare Bones Customers should somewhereshould between 60% to 68% of their hang weight.
This estimate is calculated by deriving the "carcass cutting yield" from the "dressing percentage" (and a little experience!).
Yield Factors
Several factors can influence the yield of beef cattle:
Breed: Different breeds of pigs produce varying amounts of meat. For example, commercial breeds like Yorkshire and Landrace are known for their high meat yield.
Diet: The diet of the pigs plays a crucial role in their overall weight, fat distribution, and meat quality. Pigs fed a balanced diet with adequate nutrients tend to have better yields.
Age and Maturity: Younger pigs generally yield more tender meat, while older animals may produce tougher cuts.
Butchering Practices: The way the carcass is processed can significantly impact the yield. Factors such as the amount of fat trimmed, the choice between bone-in or boneless cuts, and the inclusion of organ meats can all affect the final amount of meat you take home.
Smoking: During the smoking process, meat loses moisture, which results in weight loss. This weight loss, known as "shrink," can range from 10% to 20% of the initial weight, depending on factors such as the duration and temperature of smoking. Additionally, the type of meat and its fat content can also influence the extent of weight loss during smoking.