I have raised CX past 13 **MONTHS** (don't ask).
No, I've never seen that while butchering. Yes,
Green Muscle Syndrome is the likely culprit. My CX were feed restricted and forced to free range for their diet, so even over 14 pounds for my largest, never experienced this.
@ladybrasa good Googling!
As I am one willing to engage in informed risk taking, I'd still eat the meat from the rest of the bird.
@Exclavius I'll keep my eye out for the article again, but even with all their practice (and eye on the bottom line), I want to say that an average loss rate on CX around 14% is the industry standard. You are basically there, in a less controlled environment. Don't kick yourself too hard.
Of course, I'm not raising FrankenBirds anymore either - but truly, nothing compares with their feed efficiency or ability to put on weight. The difference is so great that, even losing 1 bird in 7, they are more profitable to raise for meat than any other breed, commercially. Also, they have the big breast relative to overall size that Amercians want. The potential for Green Muscle Syndrome is the consequence of selection for enlarged breast, in combination with the way they are managed/kept.
