Is it permissible to give meat instead of money for Zakat al-Mal (money zakat)?

Zakat must be given from the same type of wealth on which it is levied, except for trade goods, which are to be appraised and paid for in cash. The basic principle is that this cash should be given to the poor person so that he can buy whatever he wishes. It is not permissible to buy food with this money and give it to the poor person, and this is the view of the majority of scholars. Some have held that it is permissible to give food or other items to the poor, provided that this is more beneficial to them than cash. However, meat is often not more beneficial to the poor person than its monetary value.