THE PROBLEMS IN MATING AND IN EGG PRODUCTION 113 



accurate. The posterior point of the keel changes from cartil- 

 age to bone and becomes less flexible as the bird ages. The 

 pubic or "lay-bones " also become less flexible as age progresses. 

 The scale at the base of the toe covering the joint in the pullet 

 is flexible, but not so in the old hen. The pads of the feet 

 are softer in the pullet than in the hen. The expression of 

 the face is a factor in telling age, the face of the old hen becom- 

 ing wrinkled. 



Selecting for Meat Quality. — In all utihty fowls the breast 

 should be well covered with flesh. The bird should be strong, 

 vigorous, and true to the type of the breed to which it belongs. 

 The back should be broad with well developed muscles. A 

 fattened bird with best meat qualities should have a kid- 

 glove texture or feel to the skin. The skin should be thin, 

 not thick and rough. A bird not bred for full breast or not 

 fattened will have a rough harsh touch. There is a possi- 

 bihty of having too deep a breast ; if deep it must be well covered 

 ■ with flesh so as to make a plump appearance. A bird with a 

 warped or sprung keel, one with knots and dents, should not 

 be bred. Select birds with straight keel, with deep well 

 covered breast bones. Avoid the deep prominent edge. The 

 flesh should not be too hard. Observe the posterior edge of 

 the ischial bone to determine for fatness. If the bird is fat 

 this prominent point will show yellow and plump. A meat 

 type bird has a thick pelvic arch with muscles well developed. 



The flavor of the meat depends largely upon the kind of 

 feed upon which the bird is fed. 



A bird of 5 pounds' weight is sufficient for a family of six. 



In a market bird the two most important points are fullness 

 of breast and quality. 



JUDGING FOR UTILITY 



General Considerations. — ^Allow for standard shape, 50 

 points; for standard color, 50; for egg production, or for 

 meat production, characteristics, 100; total score; 200. 



Pen. — ^When pen contains 1 male to 4 females allow one- 

 half of score to the male, one-half to the females. When pen 

 contains 1 male to 9 or 10 females, allow one-third to male, 



8 



