Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 4/26/2011

Poultry certified wholesome during March 2011 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.86 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the amount certified in March 2010, according to USDA’s monthly Poultry Slaughter report.

The February 2011 revised certified total at 3.34 billion pounds, was up 4 percent from February 2010. The February revision represented an increase of 3.5 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

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

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

March contained 23 weekdays (including no holiday) and 4 Saturdays in both 2011 and 2010.

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