Poultry Slaughter Output Lags

WASHINGTON - Apr 26/11 - SNS -- WASHINGTON - Apr 26/11 - SNS -- Poultry certified wholesome within March 2011 (ready-to-cook weight) came in at 3.86 billion pounds, up 4% from the quantity certified in March 2010, shows the latest USDA update, shows the latest USDA update.

The February 2011 revised certified total at 3.34 billion pounds, was up 4% from February 2010. The February revision represented an rise of 3.5 million pounds from a month ago's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during March 2011 was 5.11 billion pounds, up 4% from 4.92 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected came in at 4.39 billion pounds, up 4% from March 2010. Mature chickens, at 72.9 million pounds, were up 5% from a year ago. Turkey inspections totalled 631 million pounds, up 3% from a year ago. Ducks totalled 14.7 million pounds, up 8% from a year ago.

Young chickens slaughtered during March 2011 averaged 5.75 pounds per bird, up 2% from March 2010. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.62 pounds per bird, up 3% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during March 2011 averaged 29.8 pounds per bird, up 1% from March 2010.

Ante-mortem condemnations during March 2011 totalled 11.5 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.22% of the live weight inspected, as versus 0.24% a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 39.4 million pounds, were 1.01% of quantities inspected, as compared to 1.03% a year earlier.