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Beef cattle

Photo Credit: Alyson Yates (Cropped from original)

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Displaying 31 - 38 of 38 resources

Feeder Cattle Grades, Carcass Grades, & Meat Palatability

Overview of feeder cattle and carcass grades. The presentation previously used with the USDA Carcass Beef Grades and Standards.

Shelby Filley | Jun 2020 | Educational document

USDA Carcass Beef Grades and Standards

The amount of beef from a carcass is termed "yield" and is the pounds of closely trimmed retail cuts you get. Of course you want to get a large percentage of meat from your animal. This website contains the legal definitions that can help you understand what goes into this measurement.

Shelby Filley, USDA | Jun 2020 | Online resource

Selecting meat animals for slaughter

A few guidelines are worth observing in selecting livestock for slaughter. These deal with the health condition and the physical quality characteristics of the animal, two important factors in the production of wholesome, good quality meat.

FAO | Jun 2020 | Online resource

Small scale meat farming: growing, finishing, processing

This collection contains publications and information on selecting, purchasing, and preparing a meat animal for home slaughter. It includes resources for beef, goat meat, lamb, pork, poultry, and rabbit.

Juliana Ranches, Nathan Parker, Shelby Filley | May 2020 | Collection

Niche meat processing assistance network

The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) is a national community of practice of people and organizations helping small meat processors thrive, and growing our shared wealth of information and innovation.

Rebecca Thistlethwaite | May 2020 | Online resource

Processing Percentage Charts

These charts show the amount of meat to be processed, the weight that the customer can expect to receive, and the percentage of loss through boning, fat removal, and trimmings. Keep in mind that the size of the animal, the amount of fat, the grade of the meat, and the amount of trimming and boning that is done by the processor will all impact how much meat you actually take home.

Lucy Severs | Apr 2018 | Online resource

Is beef with liver flukes safe to eat?

Q: I'm in the process of buying some grassfed beef through an Oregon coast farmer on Craigslist. The beef was recently processed and is ready to pick up, however we won't be getting any liver as the cows had liver flukes. ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

How to prevent 'meat measles' in livestock

"Meat measles" is the common name for cysticercosis, a condition in which tapeworm larvae embed themselves in the muscles or organs of livestock. Here's how livestock producers can keep meat measles at bay.

Susan Kerr | Jun 2013 | Article