Enter the fat content, weight of the carcass, and muscle structure into the calculator to determine the Yield Grade.
Yield Grade Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the Yield Grade.
YG = (2.5 + (2.5 * FC) + (0.2 * W) - (0.32 * MS))
Variables:
- YG is the Yield Grade
- FC is the fat content (decimal)
- W is the weight of the carcass (lbs)
- MS is the muscle structure (decimal)
To calculate the Yield Grade, start by multiplying the fat content by 2.5. Add 2.5 to this result. Then, multiply the weight of the carcass by 0.2 and add this to the previous sum. Finally, multiply the muscle structure by 0.32 and subtract this from the sum. The resulting value is the Yield Grade, with lower values indicating a higher yield of usable meat.
What is a Yield Grade?
A Yield Grade is a standardized classification used in the meat industry, particularly for beef, to evaluate the amount of usable meat on an animal’s carcage. It is determined by factors such as the animal’s fat content, weight, and muscle structure. The grade ranges from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating the highest yield of usable meat and 5 the lowest. This system helps in predicting the amount of saleable beef that a carcass will yield.
How to Calculate Yield Grade?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Yield Grade (YG).
- First, determine the fat content (FC) as a decimal.
- Next, determine the weight of the carcass (W) in pounds.
- Next, determine the muscle structure (MS) as a decimal.
- Use the formula: YG = (2.5 + (2.5 * FC) + (0.2 * W) – (0.32 * MS))
- Finally, calculate the Yield Grade (YG).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
FC: fat content (decimal) = 0.15
W: weight of the carcass (lbs) = 500
MS: muscle structure (decimal) = 0.25
