U.S. Poultry Slaughter Advances in April

WASHINGTON - May 31/05 - SNS -- Poultry slaughter increased 1% in the United States in April, reaching a preliminary total of 3.35 billion pounds on ready to cook weight basis, up 1% from last year.

In releasing the data, the USDA noted updated totals for March 2005 show that 3.55 billion pounds were certified.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during April 2005 was 4.48 billion pounds, up 1% from 4.46 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 3.83 billion pounds, up 1% from April 2004, and mature chickens at 71.5 million pounds, were up 5% from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 560 million pounds, down 1%, and ducks totaled 14.7 million pounds, up 2% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during April 2005 averaged 5.37 pounds per bird, up 3% from April 2004. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.49 pounds per bird, down 3% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during April 2005 averaged 28.9 pounds per bird, up 5% from April 2004.

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