Which primal is the smallest in size or weight per carcass weight?

Which primal is the smallest in size or weight per carcass weight?

• A. Round
• B. Loin
• C. Chuck
• D. Shank

Answer: (D)

Think about how meat is distributed across a beef carcass. The shank comes from the lower leg and is made up mostly of bone and connective tissue with relatively little muscle mass. That combination means it contributes a small portion of edible meat to the carcass overall, so its size or weight per carcass weight is the smallest among the options. In contrast, the round, chuck, and loin hold larger muscle groups and therefore make up bigger shares of the carcass. The shank is often used for soups or braises because of its texture and connective tissue, but its meat yield per carcass is the smallest.

Think about how meat is distributed across a beef carcass. The shank comes from the lower leg and is made up mostly of bone and connective tissue with relatively little muscle mass. That combination means it contributes a small portion of edible meat to the carcass overall, so its size or weight per carcass weight is the smallest among the options. In contrast, the round, chuck, and loin hold larger muscle groups and therefore make up bigger shares of the carcass. The shank is often used for soups or braises because of its texture and connective tissue, but its meat yield per carcass is the smallest.