Poultry Slaughter Activity Rises

WASHINGTON - Apr 28/06 - SNS -- Poultry slaughter activity increased in the United States in March, rising 4% above year earlier levels to a ready-to-cook weight of 3.70 billion pounds, versus a revised total of 3.,21 billion in February.

The USDA noted the preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during March 2006 was 4.94 billion pounds, up 4% from 4.76 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 4.23 billion pounds, up 4% from March 2005. However, mature chickens, at 71.4 million pounds, were down 6% from the previous year.

Turkey inspections totaled 621 million pounds, up 6% from a year ago. Ducks totaled 17.2 million pounds, up 5% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during March 2006 averaged 5.44 pounds per bird, up 2% from March 2005. The average live weight of mature chickens was 6.14 pounds per bird, up 11% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during March 2006 averaged 28.6 pounds per bird, 1% below March 2005.

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