U.S. Poultry Slaughter Output Declines

WASHINGTON - Apr 25/13 - SNS -- WASHINGTON - Apr 25/13 - SNS -- Poultry certified wholesome within March 2013 (ready-to-cook weight) came in at 3.52 billion pounds, down 2% from the quantity certified in March 2012, reveals the current USDA report, reveals the current USDA report.

The February 2013 revised certified total at 3.39 billion pounds, was down 2% from February 2012. The February revision represented an increase of 325 thousand pounds from a month ago's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry within March 2013 was 4.66 billion pounds, down 2% from 4.77 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totalled 3.99 billion pounds, down 2% from March 2012. Mature chickens, at 59.4 million pounds, were down 6% from a year ago. Turkey inspections totalled 591 million pounds, down 6% from a year ago. Ducks totalled 13.7 million pounds, down somewhat from a year ago.

Young chickens slaughtered during March 2013 averaged 5.87 pounds per bird, up 1% from March 2012. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.26 pounds per bird, up 2% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during March 2013 averaged 30.9 pounds per bird, up 1% from March 2012.

Ante-mortem condemnations during March 2013 totalled 10.2 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.22% of the live weight inspected, as compared to 0.20% a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 37.5 million pounds, were 1.06% of quantities inspected, as compared to 0.96% a year earlier.