SELECTING BREEDING STOCK FOR BROILER PRODUCTION 7 
age. Therefore, some further selection should be made of these birds 
at approximately 20 weeks of age and just before they are placed 
in the breeding pens. 
Superior Breast Development 
Broilers generally have only fair breast development. As the breast 
meat is the most valued part of the broiler, it is important that this 
characteristic should be given considerable attention in any selection 
and breeding program. Observations of the breast development 
should be made when birds are from 6 to 12 weeks of age. For these 
observations each bird should be examined individually and held in a 
similar position. A good way to make this observation is to hold the 
chicken by the legs in the left hand, with its head downward, and with 
the right hand to examine the width and length of the breast. By 
comparisons, the birds can be divided among at least four grades as 
shown in figure 8. 
Figure 8.—Breast types and grades of birds to be selected as breeding stock for 
broiler production. Observations made about three-quarters of an inch from 
the edge of the keel. A and B show desirable fullness of breast: C and D are 
poorer types. 
At this time observations may be made also on any imperfections of 
the breastbone or skin, such as curved and dented breastbones and 
breast blisters. Any individual with such imperfections should not 
be used as a breeder. With a little experience one soon learns to judge 
the relative breast development in birds of the same age accurately. 
The different breast grades represent measurements used in poultry- 
meat production experiments at the Beltsville Research Center. 
This method of classification permits four grades, A, B, C, and D, and 
if one wishes further division of these gr: ades they can be graded into 
A+, A, A—, B+, B, B— breast types and so on. Only males with 
A or B breasts and females with A, B, or C breasts should be kept for 
breeders. 
As previously stated, one of the best times to select breeding birds 
for efficient, rapid growth is at 6 weeks of age. This is also an ideal 
age to observe breast deve ‘lopment and both these observations may 
be made at this time. This eliminates one handling of the birds. 
