August 4, 2006

US poultry output increases in June

US production of ready-to-cook poultry in June increased 2 percent on-year to reach 3.67 billion pounds, according to USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during June 2006 was 4.89 billion pounds, up one percent from 4.83 billion pounds one year ago.

Young chickens inspected totaled 4.16 billion pounds, up one percent from June 2005. Mature chickens, at 73.5 million pounds, were down six percent from June 2005.

Average weights of young chickens slaughtered during June 2006 averaged 5.45 pounds a bird, two percent heavier than the previous year.

The average live weight of mature chickens in June was up 12 percent on-year, to 6.30 pounds a bird.