How much meat on a Bison?

[grubbie]

Someone asked me today how much meat "in the box, out the door" they should get if they butcher an average sized bison. Seemed to me that they would have less meat than a beef steer even though they are a larger animal, due to the giant head, bone structure, skinny butt,.....but I am just guessing. Not having a lot of luck looking it up on the internet. Anyone know the facts?

[JRGidaho`]

grubbie,

This publication suggests 56 to 62% for bison yield. A lot of bison aren't finished to the same degree as beef cattle, but if they were finished to USDA Choice, the yields are similar.

Check this link for bison cut out info: http://www.cmsa-ascv.ca/english_site_fi ... pgs3-6.pdf

It's interesting that everyone seems to think bison have small hindquarters. This suggests they just have really big fore quarters and the meat yield from beef and bison hindquarters are fairly similar.