Poultry Judging Practice Test

What muscle constitutes the breast of a broiler or turkey?

1. Pectoralis minor

2. Pectoralis major

3. Supraspinatus

4. Deltoid

The correct answer is: Pectoralis major

The breast of a broiler or turkey is primarily constituted by the pectoralis major muscle. This muscle is responsible for the powerful downstroke during flight in birds, even though domestic poultry, such as broilers and turkeys, are not strong fliers. The pectoralis major is significantly developed in these birds due to selective breeding for meat production, making it the most prominent muscle in the breast area. The pectoralis minor, while present, has a much lesser role in the overall mass of the breast and does not provide the primary meat that is marketed. The supraspinatus and deltoid muscles are more associated with upper limb movement and stabilization rather than contributing to the meat found on the breast. Therefore, the pectoralis major is the correct choice as it is the main muscle that forms the visible and edible part of a broiler or turkey’s breast.