U.S. Poultry Slaughter Output Falls

WASHINGTON - Jul 25/13 - SNS -- WASHINGTON - Jul 25/13 - SNS -- Poultry certified wholesome during June 2013 (ready-to-cook weight) came in at 3.53 billion pounds, down 4% from the quantity certified in June 2012, shows the latest USDA report on the sector, shows the latest USDA report on the sector.

The May 2013 revised certified total at 3.83 billion pounds, was down 1% from May 2012. The May revision represented a drop of 875 thousand pounds from a month ago's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during June 2013 was 4.67 billion pounds, down 4% from 4.86 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected came in at 4.00 billion pounds, down 3% from June 2012. Mature chickens, at 66.5 million pounds, were down 12% from last year. Turkey inspections totalled 592 million pounds, down 7% from a year ago. Ducks totalled 12.6 million pounds, down 5% from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during June 2013 averaged 5.89 pounds per bird, up 1% from June 2012. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.81 pounds per bird, up 1% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during June 2013 averaged 30.1 pounds per bird, up a little from June 2012.

Ante-mortem condemnations during June 2013 totalled 9.66 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.21% of the live weight inspected, as versus 0.22% a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 31.4 million pounds, were 0.88% of quantities inspected, as versus 0.89% a year earlier.