The time period refers to giant, primal divisions of an animal carcass from which smaller parts, appropriate for retail sale or instant consumption, are derived. Examples embody the chuck, loin, rib, and spherical for beef; or the shoulder, stomach, loin, and ham for pork. These preliminary divisions characterize the stage following preliminary slaughter and processing, earlier than additional fabrication into steaks, roasts, and different consumer-ready merchandise.
These giant sections are vital as a result of they characterize a essential juncture within the meat provide chain. They permit for environment friendly transportation and storage, and supply flexibility for butchers and retailers to create a various vary of merchandise tailor-made to particular shopper calls for. Traditionally, this technique enabled wider distribution and more practical utilization of the whole carcass, minimizing waste and maximizing worth.