![]() ![]() Heifers usually have a 1.5 to 2.0 percentage point lower dressing percentage than steers at a similar fat level. By contrast, Angus or Limousin breeds tend to have higher dressing percentages because of the relatively smaller portion of their live weight composed of hide, head, feet and viscera. Breeds such as Hereford or Simmental, which tend to have a heavier hide, head, feet and viscera will have a lower dressing percentage since these body parts are excluded from the carcass weight. While dressing percentage differences can be related to mature size, there are other factors such as the weight of the hide, head, feet and viscera, which all have an impact. Dairy cattle tend to lack both finish and muscularity, and therefore, have a lower dressing percentage. If body fat is trimmed off, then the dressing percentage may be similar to other breeds.Dairy cattle commonly yield three percentage points less in dressing percentage than beef cattle. ![]() For example, one breed may typically have a higher dressing percentage because that breed tends to carry more finish at a given weight. Meaningful comparisons of dressing percentages among breeds are difficult to make without knowing the reasons for the differences. Since much of this body fat stays with the carcass at slaughter, increasing body fat results in higher dressing percentages. Body fat is deposited within the body cavity, within the muscle or meat – called marbling, - and immediately under the hide. As feedlot cattle approach finishing weights and condition, the amount of body fat increases at a faster rate than other body components including muscle, bone, hide, viscera or internal organs, and gut contents. Effect of Changing Grade and Dressing Percent on Animal ValueĮffect of live weight and fat level on dressing percentageĭressing percentages increase as live weight or as fat depth increases in feedlot cattle. See Table 2 below for an example.ĭressing percentages are highly variable because they are influenced by factors such as live weight, fat level, age,gender, diet, breed, distance trucked, and the type of market where cattle are sold. Therefore for the YG3 steer, even though the dressing percentage is higher and the carcass weight is heavier, the total return could be less. However, because the industry does not want over-fat carcasses, showed by the YG 3rating, prices will be discounted. For example, suppose a yield grade (YG) 3 steer carcass – one with the lowest grader-estimated lean meat yield of 53% or less - had a dressing percentage that is 1.5% higher than a YG1 steer carcass. Effect of Dressing Percentages on Animal ValueĪ higher dressing percentage will not always yield higher dollar returns, so dressing percentages should be considered in relation to other carcass quality factors. The higher yielding animal is worth an extra $0.92 per cwt on a live weight basis. For example, a 0.5% difference in the dressing percentage between steer A and B shown in Table 1, results in a $12.02 difference in price per animal. The industry is interested in animal dressing percentage because it establishes the weight upon which payment is calculated for animals sold on a live weight basis. ![]() The dressing percentage for a cold carcass can be 2.0 percentage point lower than the warm carcass dressing percentage for the same carcass. Also note that the carcass is weighed warm as opposed to cold. ![]() Note that the animal is weighed after transportation to the packing plant so that live weight is a shrunk weight. This "59%" represents the meat and skeletal portion of an animal compared to its live weight. The dressing percent of this animal would be 767 divided by 1300 multiplied by 100 equalling 59%. After being killed, the hide, head, feet and gut are removed. For example, suppose that an animal delivered to the packing plant weighs 1300 pounds. Dressing Percentage in Perspectiveĭressing percentage is calculated by dividing the warm carcass weight by the shrunk live weight of the animal and expressing the result as a percentage. This module explains why dressing percentage is important and discusses the factors that affect it. A basic knowledge of dressing percentage is important in understanding slaughter cattle pricing systems and pricing variability. Dressing percentage is one of many factors affecting the value of a slaughter animal. ![]()
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