Poultry Judging Practice Test

Which type of muscle is prominent in poultry, especially in broilers?

1. Skeletal muscle

2. Cardiac muscle

3. Visceral muscle

4. All types of muscles are equal

The correct answer is: Skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle is the type of muscle that is most prominent in poultry, particularly in broilers. This muscle type is responsible for the movement of the bird and is what makes up the majority of the meat that is harvested for consumption. Skeletal muscles are striated and are connected to the bones via tendons, enabling precise and powerful movements essential for flight and locomotion in birds, even if they are raised mainly for meat. In broilers, which are specifically bred for meat production, the development of skeletal muscle is prioritized to ensure a higher yield of meat. This has led to an increase in the size of these muscles compared to other types. As a result, the majority of the meat consumed from poultry comes from well-developed skeletal muscles. Cardiac muscle, on the other hand, makes up the heart and is not a factor in the meat yield as it serves a different function entirely. Visceral muscle, while present in some internal organs, is also not relevant to the primary muscle structure used for meat. The conclusion is that skeletal muscle dominates in broilers due to selective breeding practices aimed at enhancing meat production.