January 4, 2008

US Poultry: Broiler chicks placed increase 5 percent

Broiler growers in the 19-State weekly program placed 176 million chicks for meat production during the week ending December 29, 2007, according to USDA.

Placements gain 5 percent from the comparable week in 2006.  Total placements from December 31, 2006 to December 29, 2007 were 9.14 billion, up 2 percent on-year.

Meanwhile, commercial hatcheries in the 19-State weekly program set 220 million eggs in incubators during the same week ending December 29, 2007. 

The figure was up 4 percent from the ones set the corresponding week in 2006.  Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week was 83 percent. 

Average hatchability is calculated by dividing chicks hatched during the week by eggs set three weeks earlier.