Chemical Composition and Yield of Cornish Game Hens and Broilers

Abstract Chemical composition and yield data were compared for male and female chicken carcasses classed as Cornish game hens and broilers. The Cornish game hens ranged in weight from 501.6 g to 647.5 g depending on the sex of the individual. The broilers averaged 1010 g for the females and 1130 g for the males. Light meat was higher in moisture and protein content, whereas, dark meat was higher in percent fat and ash. As the percent moisture and protein increased, fat percentage decreased in the light meat. Fat content of the meat was the most variable component studied. Females yielded a higher percentage of light meat, and males produced a larger percentage of dark meat.