Declining U.S. Broiler Hatchery Activity

WASHINGTON - Jul 30/08 - SNS -- Broiler jatchery activity in the United States Broiler was generally lower for the seven days closing July 26, 2008 dropping below both week and year earlier levels, shows today's USDA statistics.

Commercial hatcheries in the 19-State weekly program set 210.0 million eggs in incubators during the week. This was down 3.2% from the eggs set the same week last year.

Commercial hatcheries in the 19-State weekly program set 210 million eggs in incubators during the week ending July 26, 2008. This was down 3% from the eggs set the corresponding week a year earlier. Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week was 84%. Average hatchability is calculated by dividing chicks hatched during the week by eggs set three weeks earlier.

Broiler growers placed 170.0 million chicks for meat production. Placements were down 3.4% from the comparable week a year earlier.

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