Sheep Butchery Yield Calculator

Calculate packaged meat yields and cuts from a finished sheep

Work in progress — this calculator is still under development and may not be fully accurate. Use results as a guide only.

Input Details

Body condition affects meat yield percentage. Ideal condition provides the best balance of meat and fat.

Summary

Live Weight

60 kg

Dressed Weight

28.2 kg

47% of live weight

Total Packaged Meat

14.9 kg

25% of live weight

Estimated Total Value

£238.97

Based on guide prices

Meat Cuts Breakdown

Leg (Gigot)

Whole leg, leg steaks, and gigot chops

Weight

4.2 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£76.14

% of Live

7.1%

Shoulder

Shoulder joints, shoulder chops, and slow-cook cuts

Weight

3.5 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£56.40

% of Live

5.9%

Loin (Chops & Rack)

Loin chops, rack of lamb, and cutlets

Weight

2.1 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£46.53

% of Live

3.5%

Breast

Breast of lamb, rolled breast, and mince

Weight

1.4 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£13.39

% of Live

2.4%

Neck

Neck fillet and stewing cuts

Weight

0.7 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£10.57

% of Live

1.2%

Chump Chops

Chump chops and chump steaks

Weight

0.7 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£15.50

% of Live

1.2%

Shank

Lamb shanks for slow cooking

Weight

0.7 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£12.69

% of Live

1.2%

Offal

Liver, heart, kidneys, and sweetbreads

Weight

0.7 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£5.63

% of Live

1.2%

Fat (Suet)

Rendered fat for cooking and baking

Weight

0.8 kg

Price/kg

£

Value

£2.11

% of Live

1.4%

Total

Weight

14.9 kg

Value

£238.97

% of Live

24.9%

Notes

  • Dressed Weight: The weight of the carcass after slaughter, bleeding, and removal of internal organs.
  • Packaged Meat: Usable meat after processing, excluding bones, excess fat, and trim.
  • Why Totals Exceed Packaged Meat: The cuts breakdown shows all parts of the sheep (including fat, offal, shank) calculated as percentages of live weight. These add up to ~52% of live weight (excluding bones & trim). The "Total Packaged Meat" figure (~36% of live weight) represents only prime cuts ready for retail sale.
  • Body Condition: Thin sheep yield less meat, ideal condition provides optimal balance, overweight sheep have more fat but similar meat yield.
  • Actual Yields: These are estimates. Actual yields vary based on breed, age, butchering technique, and processing methods.