January 4, 2005

US Poultry Slaughter Increases 14%

The quantity of poultry slaughtered in the United States increased sharply in November, jumping 14% above year earlier levels to 3.32 billion pounds on a ready-to-cook, according to USDA. Updated totals for October 2004 show that 3.42 billion pounds were certified.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during November 2004 was 4.44 billion pounds, up 13% from a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 3.76 billion pounds, up 15% from November 2003, and mature chickens registered 65.1 million pounds, up 19% from the previous year.

Young chickens slaughtered during November 2004 averaged 5.31 pounds per bird, up 2% from November 2003. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.72 pounds per bird, down 2% from a year ago.

Turkey inspections totaled 606 million pounds, up 5%, and ducks totaled 14.8 million pounds, up 16% from last year. Turkeys slaughtered during November 2004 averaged 26.3 pounds per bird, up 3% from November 2003.