U.S. Poultry Slaughter Up 6%

WASHINGTON - Poultry slaughter activity rose 6% above year earlier levels in May, reaching 3.76 billion pounds of certified wholesome, according to the USDA. Totals for April 2006 were unchanged with 3.31 billion pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during May 2006 was 5.03 billion pounds, up 6% from 4.73 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 4.32 billion pounds, up 6% from May 2005. Mature chickens, at 72.3 million pounds, were down slightly from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 625 million pounds, an increase of 7% from a year ago. Ducks totaled 17.1 million pounds, up 10% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during May 2006 averaged 5.49 pounds per bird, up 2% from May 2005. The average live weight of mature chickens was 6.11 pounds per bird, up 9% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during May 2006 averaged 28.6 pounds per bird, 1% above May 2005.

Ante-mortem condemnations during May 2006 totaled 16.7 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.33% of the live weight inspected, as compared with 0.32 a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 49.9 million pounds (N.Y. dressed weight), were 1.10% of quantities inspected, compared with 1.14% a year earlier.

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