LECTURE XCII. 



JUDGING POULTRY FROM A UTILITY STANDPOINT. 



This lecture is intended to enable one to pick out a utility 

 bird; but it is not intended to be used in judging poultry 

 from a fancier's standpoint any farther than conformation 

 is concerned. 



A utility bird up to the required weight given for the 

 standard of the breed for a good sized, early-maturing bird 

 is what is wanted for the market. As the feeding bird in 

 order to be an economic producer must possess constitutional 

 vigor, so must the parent stock. 



The Male. He should be a bird of good general appearance, 

 low-set, broad, deep, with vigorous stylish carriage, and should 

 possess the size and color and other characters that go to 

 make up the breed. 



A medium length, broad, strongly curved beak, a wide 

 head, a large, full, bright eye and medium length of neck 

 are indications of constitutional vigor and good feeding qual- 

 ities. A long, slender beak, small, sunken eye, long, narrow 

 head and slim neck go with delicacy of constitution and 

 should be discriminated against. 



A long, straight, shallow breast bone with a covering of 

 muscle to give it a plump appearance is what is desired. A 

 deep, angular breast bone gives the dressed carcass a rough 

 appearance that detracts very much from its selling price 

 when placed on the market. Thick-fleshed white breast meat 

 attracts the consumer. 



Broad shoulders are looked for and this breadth should be 

 carried well back to the tail, as this adds to the size and 

 weight and gives a larger bird at time of maturity. The 

 back should possess only medium length, as this gives a 

 plumper, more symmetrical carcass. 



A strong, well-muscled thigh is very desirable, not because 

 the thigh meat is the best, by any means, but strong, well- 

 muscled thighs usually indicate a strong, vigorous, heavily- 

 meated bird. The legs should be straight, strong and set 

 wide apart. The bone should not be coarse, but it should 



