U.S. Poultry Slaughter Output Declines

WASHINGTON - Jan 26/09 - SNS -- Poultry certified wholesome within December 2008 (ready-to-cook weight) came in at 3.47 billion pounds, up 2% from the quantity certified in December 2007, according to the latest USDA update on the sector.

The November 2008 revised certified total at 3.22 billion pounds, was down 10% from November 2007. The November revision represented an rise of 1.39 million pounds from a month ago's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of poultry inspected during December 2008 was 4.64 billion pounds, up 1% from 4.58 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totalled 3.94 billion pounds, up a bit from December 2007. Mature chickens, at 63.8 million pounds, were up 5% from last year. Turkey inspections totalled 617 million pounds, up 6% from a year ago. Ducks totalled 14.7 million pounds, down 2% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during December 2008 averaged 5.56 pounds per bird, down 1% from December 2007. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.56 pounds per bird, down 2% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during December 2008 averaged 29.6 pounds per bird, up 2% from December 2007.

Ante-mortem condemnations during December 2008 totalled 14.4 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.31% of the live weight inspected, as versus 0.33% a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 41.0 million pounds, were 1.17% of quantities inspected, as compared with 1.21% a year earlier.

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