Poultry Slaughter Off in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Sep 7/04 - SNS -- Poultry slaughter activity declined in the United States in July, with the USDA reporting 3.39 billion pounds of poultry were certified wholesome on a ready-to-cook weight basis, down 1% from last year and below June's revised total of 3.43 billion pounds.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during July 2004 was 4.55 billion pounds, down 2% from a year ago.

Young chickens inspected totaled 3.88 billion pounds, down 1% from July 2003, and mature chickens at 69.6 million pounds, were down 8% from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 585 million pounds, down 6%, and ducks totaled 14.3 million pounds, up 13% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during July 2004 averaged 5.22 pounds per bird, up 2% from July 2003. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.72 pounds per bird, down 3% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during July 2004 averaged 26.6 pounds per bird, up 1% from July 2003.

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