Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 10/25/11

U.S. poultry certified wholesome during September (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.71 billion pounds, down 1 percent from the amount certified in September 2010, according to USDA’s monthly Poultry Slaughter report.

The August revised certified total at 3.90 billion pounds, was up 4 percent from August 2010. The August revision represented an increase of 57.4 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.
The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during

September was 4.92 billion pounds, down 2 percent from 5 billion pounds a year ago.
Young chickens inspected totaled 4.24 billion pounds, down 2 percent from September 2010. Mature chickens, at 73.8 million pounds, were up 2 percent from the previous year.

Turkey inspections totaled 594 million pounds, up 2 percent from a year ago. Ducks totaled 13.1 million pounds, down 9 percent from last year.

Bigger birds
Young chickens slaughtered during September averaged 5.86 pounds per bird, up 2 percent from September 2010. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.78 pounds per bird, up 1 percent from a year ago.

Turkeys slaughtered during September 2011 averaged 29.1 pounds per bird, up 2 percent from September 2010.

September 2010 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.
September 2011 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.

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