July 26, 2011

US poultry weights increase, broiler weights decline

In June 2011, poultry certified wholesome (ready-to-cook weight) amounted 3.86 billion pounds, rising 5% from the amount certified last June whereas the average weight of grown-up chickens at 6.03 pounds, increased 5% from last year, according to USDA's monthly Poultry Slaughter report.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry this June increased by 5%, from 4.88 billion pounds last year, to 5.11 billion pounds.

Meanwhile, broiler-type chicks hatched during June 2011 declined by 2% from June 2010 to amount at 768 million. Eggs in incubators decreased 5% from last year and total at 622 million on July 1, 2011.

The number of broiler-type pullet chicks hatched during June also fell by 0.9% on year. The 7.1 million hatchings were more or less in tune with the 10-year average for June, according to an analyst.