Poultry Slaughter Activity Lags

WASHINGTON - Jan 24/13 - SNS -- WASHINGTON - Jan 24/13 - SNS -- Poultry certified wholesome throughout December 2012 (ready-to-cook weight) came in at 3.34 billion pounds, down 1% from the quantity certified in December 2011, shows the latest USDA update on the sector, shows the latest USDA update on the sector.

The November 2012 revised certified total at 3.57 billion pounds, was up 3% from November 2011. The November revision represented an gain of 1.96 million pounds from a month ago's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry throughout December 2012 was 4.42 billion pounds, down 1% from 4.46 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected came in at 3.80 billion pounds, down a bit from December 2011. Mature chickens, at 59.1 million pounds, were down 9% from last year. Turkey inspections totalled 550 million pounds, down 4% from a year ago. Ducks totalled 14.4 million pounds, down 5% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during December 2012 averaged 5.91 pounds per bird, up 2% from December 2011. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.07 pounds per bird, down 9% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during December 2012 averaged 30.8 pounds per bird, up 2% from December 2011.

Ante-mortem condemnations during December 2012 totalled 9.35 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.21% of the live weight inspected, as compared to 0.21% a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 32.1 million pounds, were 0.95% of quantities inspected, as versus 0.95% a year earlier.