November 10, 2004

Poultry Slaughter Increases 5% in United States

Poultry slaughter activity in the United States jumped 5% in September, compared with the same period last year. The figure totals 3.49 billion pounds on a ready-to-cook weight basis, according to the USDA.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during September 2004 was 4.69 billion pounds, rising 5% from a year ago.

Young chickens inspected totaled 4.02 billion pounds, up 6% from September 2003, while mature chickens rose 14% from the previous year to 74.2 million pounds. Turkey inspections totaled 575 million pounds, falling 3%, and ducks totaled 14.9 million pounds, increasing 9% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during September 2004 averaged 5.34 pounds per bird, up 3% from September 2003. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.83 pounds per bird, decreasing 1% from last year. Turkeys slaughtered during September 2004 averaged 26.6 pounds per bird, up 1% from September 2003.