October 26, 2012

US poultry, which are certified wholesome, are at 3.43 billion pounds for September 2012, a 7% drop from the amount certified in September 2011, according to a USDA report.

The August 2012 revised certified total of 3.91 billion pounds was up slightly from August 2011. The August revision represented an increase of 1.79 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

Young chickens inspected totaled 3.90 billion pounds, down 8% from September 2011. Mature poultry, at 69.1 million pounds, were down 6% from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 567 million pounds, down 5% from a year ago.

Young chickens slaughtered during September 2012 averaged 5.88 pounds per bird, up slightly from September 2011. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.89 pounds per bird, up 2% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during September 2012 averaged 29.3 pounds per bird, up 1% from September 2011.

Condemnations were 0.20% of the live weight inspected, as compared with 0.21% a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 29.5 million pounds, were 0.85% of quantities inspected, as compared with 0.90% a year earlier.

September 2011 contained 22 weekdays (including one holiday) and four Saturdays.

September 2012 contained 20 weekdays (including one holiday) and five Saturdays.