Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is the minimum air cell size that would categorize an egg as "Loss or reject"?

1. 1/8"

2. 3/8"

3. 1/4"

4. 3/16"

The correct answer is: 1/8"

The correct minimum air cell size that would categorize an egg as "Loss or reject" is indeed 1/8". In poultry grading, the air cell is an important quality factor. The size of the air cell is an indicator of the egg's freshness; a larger air cell generally signifies that the egg is older. Specifically, an air cell size of 1/8" indicates that the egg has deteriorated to a point where it no longer meets the standards for quality. In grading eggs, larger air cell sizes beyond the acceptable limits signal various quality issues, such as increased evaporation of moisture and loss of carbon dioxide, which can lead to an overall decrease in egg quality. Understanding the standards for air cell size is crucial in poultry judging, as it directly impacts the classification of eggs for marketing and consumption. In this context, recognizing that a 1/8" air cell is the threshold for classifying an egg as a loss or reject helps in assessing egg quality effectively.