3-6.
EXAMINING POULTRY FOR PINFEATHERS
a. Pinfeathers. There are two types of pinfeathers to be considered in grading:
protruding and nonprotruding. Protruding pinfeathers are those which have broken
through the skin and may or may not have formed a brush. Nonprotruding pinfeathers
are those which are in evidence but have not pushed their way through the outer layer
of skin.
(1) Protruding pinfeathers. Ready-to-cook poultry must be free of protruding
pinfeathers before a quality designation can be assigned. In this connection, the
regulations define the words "free from protruding pinfeathers" to mean that the carcass
is free from protruding pinfeathers which are visible to an inspector or grader during an
examination of the carcass at normal operating speeds.
NOTE:
A carcass may be considered as being free from protruding pinfeathers if it
has a generally clean appearance (especially on the breast) and if not more
than an occasional protruding pinfeather is in evidence during a more careful
examination of the carcass.
(2) Vestigial feathers. Vestigial feathers (hair in the case of chickens,
turkeys, guineas, and pigeons, and down on ducks and geese) must also be
considered.
b. A, B, and C Defeathering.
(1) A Quality defeathering. The carcass or part has a clean appearance,
especially on the breast. The carcass or part is free of hair, pinfeathers, and diminutive
feathers which are visible to the grader.
(2) B Quality defeathering. The carcass or part may have a few
nonprotruding pinfeathers or vestigial feathers which are scattered sufficiently so as not
to appear numerous. Not more than an occasional protruding pinfeather or diminutive
feather shall be in evidence under a careful examination.
(3)
C Quality defeathering. If it is not of A or B quality, it may be C quality.
3-7.
EXAMINING POULTRY FOR DISJOINTED BONES, BROKEN BONES, AND
MISSING PARTS
a. A Quality Disjointed and Broken Bones and Missing Parts. Parts are free
of broken bones. The carcass is free of broken bones and has not more than one
disjointed bone. The wing tips (metacarpus and phalanges) may be removed at the
joint. In the case of ducks and geese, the parts of the wing beyond the second joint
may be removed, if removed at the joint and if both wings are so treated. The tail may
be removed at the base. Cartilage separated from the breastbone is not considered as
a disjointed or broken bone.
MD0728
3-8