Buying1 minute read
Live weight vs. meat yield: what does a 25 kg sheep mean?
The difference between live weight and carcass weight, and roughly what a buyer can expect from a 25 kg sheep.
Live weight
Live weight is the sheep's weight on the scale while alive. It is the weight MIDRAR shows, together with the date it was measured, because weight changes with feeding and time.
Carcass weight
Carcass weight is what remains after slaughter, skinning and removal of the head, feet and offal. The ratio between the two is the dressing percentage.
For sheep the dressing percentage is usually around 45–50% of live weight, varying with breed, age, condition and fasting before slaughter.
Example: a 25 kg sheep
- Live weight: 25 kg
- Approximate carcass weight: about 11–12.5 kg
- Boneless meat is less than that.
These are approximate figures for illustration, not a guaranteed yield.
Tips
- Compare prices on the same live-weight basis and in the same currency.
- Ask when the weight was measured — an old and a recent measurement can differ a lot.
- If you are buying to fatten, a lighter sheep may suit you better.
Browse current offers with their weights and measurement dates.
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