What does "carcass cutting yield" measure?

Carcass cutting yield specifically measures the percentage of the carcass weight that is converted into usable meat after the animal has been slaughtered and processed. This metric is crucial in the meat industry because it directly influences the efficiency of meat production and the potential profitability for producers.

By assessing the cutting yield, one can understand not only how much of the carcass will be sold as meat but also the quality and value of the cuts generated from the animal. It is a key indicator of meat processing effectiveness, as higher yield percentages suggest that more of the carcass can be utilized to create sellable products, such as steaks or roasts.

The options that focus on the weight of the whole animal or the weight of finished cuts do not provide a comprehensive view of the usable meat derived from the carcass, nor does the option regarding cost pertain directly to yield percentages. Thus, understanding carcass cutting yield is essential for evaluating meat production and processing in the animal sciences.