Poultry Judging Practice Test

In broilers, the pectoral muscles account for what percentage of the bird's total weight?

1. 10-15%

2. 15-25%

3. 25-35%

4. 35-45%

The correct answer is: 15-25%

In broilers, the pectoral muscles, commonly referred to as the breast muscles, are critical for meat production and contribute significantly to the overall weight of the bird. The correct range for the percentage of total body weight attributed to the pectoral muscles is 15-25%. This percentage is important for poultry producers and processors when evaluating the growth, development, and market value of broilers. Understanding this range helps producers manage breeding and feeding practices to optimize meat yield, ensuring that the birds are producing the desired amount of muscle in line with consumer demand and market trends. The other ranges provided do not accurately reflect the established figures in poultry science, which highlight the significance of breast meat in broiler production.