Poultry Slaughter Jumps 6%

WASHINGTON - Mar 31/05 - SNS -- Poultry slaughter activity in the United States rose 6% above year earlier levels in February, totalling 3.08 billion pounds on a ready to cook basis, according to the USDA. Updated totals for January 2005 show that 3.30 billion pounds were certified.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during February 2005 was 4.15 billion pounds, up 6% from 3.93 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 3.57 billion pounds, up 7% from February 2004, and mature chickens at 60.7 million pounds, were up 14% from the previous year.

Turkey inspections totaled 507 million pounds, down 2%, and ducks totaled 13.6 million pounds, up 4% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during February 2005 averaged 5.28 pounds per bird, up 2% from February 2004. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.62 pounds per bird, up 3% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during February 2005 averaged 29.1 pounds per bird, up 4% from February 2004.

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