Poultry Judging Practice Test

An egg shell with a fine hairline crack while the membrane is still intact represents what type of defect?

1. Checked

2. Leaker

3. Dirty

4. Stained

The correct answer is: Checked

An egg shell with a fine hairline crack while the membrane remains intact is classified as a checked defect. This type of defect indicates that the shell has developed a crack, which can affect the egg's structural integrity without compromising the protective membrane inside. The membrane continues to prevent bacteria from entering the egg and helps keep the egg contents safe. Checked eggs can still be safe for consumption, but their appearance and marketability are reduced due to the visible crack on the shell. Recognizing this defect is important in poultry judging, as it helps in assessing the quality of eggs for consumer safety and product standards. Understanding the distinction between checked eggs and other types of defects, like leakers (where both the shell and membrane are compromised leading to leakage of the egg contents) or dirty and stained eggs (which pertain to external soiling), is vital in evaluating egg quality accurately.