What does "Stippling" refer to in poultry judging?

Stippling refers specifically to the visual effect created by contrasting dots of color on feathers, which can enhance the overall appearance and pattern of a bird. This feature is particularly significant in poultry judging as it affects the breed standard and the aesthetic appeal of the bird. Judges pay close attention to stippling because it can indicate the quality of the bird's plumage and contribute to how well the bird conforms to its breed characteristics. Each breed may have distinct stippling patterns, and these patterns are often vital in determining the overall presentation and quality during competitions.

The other options cover different aspects of poultry judging and care, such as feather arrangement, preparation for showing, and weight measurements, which while important, do not define stippling specifically.