Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 11/23/11

Poultry certified wholesome during October 2011 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.67 billion pounds, down 2 percent from the amount certified in October 2010, according to USDA’s monthly Poultry Slaughter report.

Young chickens inspected totaled 4.12 billion pounds, down 3 percent from October 2010. Mature chickens, at 68.6 million pounds, were up 6 percent from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 659 million pounds, up slightly from a year ago. Ducks totaled 14.0 million pounds, up 4 percent from last year.
The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during October 2011 was 4.86 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 4.99 billion pounds a year ago.

Lighter birds
The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.72 pounds per bird, down 3 percent from a year ago.
Young chickens slaughtered during October 2011 averaged 5.88 pounds per bird, up slightly from October 2010. Turkeys slaughtered during October 2011 averaged 8.3 pounds per bird, down slightly from October 2010.

Both this year and last year, October contained 21 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and five Saturdays.

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.