This simple calculator can help you determine the average yield expected when butchering chickens, pigs, goats, or cows. Simply select your animal type, add the average carcass weight (or use general averages from the information below), and provide the number of animals to be butchered.
Total Meat Yield (lbs):
How Butchering Yield is Calculated
Equation:
Total Meat Yield (lbs) = Number of Animals × Average Carcass Weight (lbs) × Dressing Percentage
Definitions:
- Number of Animals: The total count of animals being processed.
- Average Carcass Weight (lbs): The weight of the animal’s carcass after slaughter, removal of inedible parts (like internal organs, head, and hide).
- Dressing Percentage: The percentage of the live animal’s weight that ends up as carcass weight. It accounts for the inedible parts removed during processing.
Standard Butchering Yield Numbers for Common Animals in the US:
Chickens:
- Average Live Weight: 6 lbs
- Dressing Percentage: 70%
- Average Carcass Weight: 6 lbs × 70% = 4.2 lbs
Pigs:
- Average Live Weight: 250 lbs
- Dressing Percentage: 72%
- Average Carcass Weight: 250 lbs × 72% = 180 lb
Goats:
- Average Live Weight: 100 lbs
- Dressing Percentage: 50%
- Average Carcass Weight: 100 lbs × 50% = 50 lbs
Cattle:
- Average Live Weight: 1,300 lbs
- Dressing Percentage: 62%
- Average Carcass Weight: 1,300 lbs × 62% = 806 lbs
Example Butchering Yield Calculation:
Let’s say you have 3 pigs to process.
Number of Animals: 3 pigs
Average Carcass Weight (lbs): 180 lbs (standard average for pigs)
Dressing Percentage: 72%
Using the equation:
Total Meat Yield (lbs)=3×180×0.72Total Meat Yield (lbs)=3×180×0.72
Total Meat Yield (lbs)=3×180×0.72=388.8 lbs
So, for 3 pigs, you would expect a total meat yield of approximately 388.8 lbs.
These numbers are averages and can vary based on factors such as breed, age, diet, and specific butchering practices. When using average numbers you can calculate expected future yields, or understand if your butchering yield was above or below average for your animals.