Poultry Slaughter Output Declines

WASHINGTON - Mar 25/13 - SNS -- WASHINGTON - Mar 25/13 - SNS -- Poultry certified wholesome within February 2013 (ready-to-cook weight) totalled 3.39 billion pounds, down 2% from the quantity certified in February 2012, shows the latest USDA sector report, shows the latest USDA sector report.

The January 2013 revised certified total at 3.85 billion pounds, was up 6% from January 2012. The January revision represented an rise of 1.46 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during February 2013 was 4.49 billion pounds, down 2% from 4.59 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totalled 3.84 billion pounds, down 2% from February 2012. Mature chickens, at 59.6 million pounds, were down 2% from a year ago. Turkey inspections totalled 578 million pounds, down 1% from a year ago. Ducks totalled 13.3 million pounds, down 1% from a year ago.

Young chickens slaughtered during February 2013 averaged 5.91 pounds per bird, up 1% from February 2012. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.38 pounds per bird, down 3% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during February 2013 averaged 31.2 pounds per bird, up 1% from February 2012.

Ante-mortem condemnations during February 2013 totalled 9.95 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.22% of the live weight inspected, as versus 0.21% a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 36.5 million pounds, were 1.07% of quantities inspected, as versus 0.98% a year earlier.