Poultry Judging Practice Test

A five-pound chicken carcass with a 1 inch tear on both wings would receive what USDA grade?

1. A

2. B

3. C

4. D

The correct answer is: A

A five-pound chicken carcass with a 1-inch tear on both wings would actually receive a USDA grade of B. In poultry grading, the USDA assesses factors such as conformation, fleshing, fat cover, and the absence of defects. For the A grade, there are specific criteria that a chicken must meet, including being free from any cuts or tears. A 1-inch tear on both wings constitutes a significant defect, which disqualifies the carcass from achieving the highest grade. Grade B poultry may have minor defects, such as skin tears or slight discolorations, but still must retain meat quality that allows for marketability. Thus, while the chicken is in good condition overall, those wing tears reduce its quality grading from A to B, as the presence of defects impacts overall presentation and consumer appeal. Therefore, the correct understanding regarding the grading system and the significance of defects is essential for accurately determining the USDA grade of poultry carcasses.