Which type of animal produces the most red meat in America?

• A. Beef cattle
• B. Dairy cows
• C. Pigs
• D. Sheep

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that total red meat production is driven by how many animals are raised for meat and how much meat each one yields. Beef cattle dominate because the United States maintains a very large beef herd and systems that maximize carcass yield per animal. A beef carcass provides a large amount of edible meat, and the scale of beef production outpaces other species. Dairy cows contribute some meat when culled, but their numbers are much smaller than the beef herd. Pigs produce substantial meat as well, but overall their total red meat output is less than beef cattle’s. Sheep contribute far less due to smaller herds and lower yields.