Source: MEATINGPLACE, 1/25/12

Poultry certified wholesome during December 2011 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.37 billion pounds, down 9 percent from the amount certified in December 2010, USDA reported today.

The November 2011 revised certified total, at 3.47 billion pounds, decreased 6 percent from November 2010. The November revision represented an increase of 3.67 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during December 2011 was 4.46 billion pounds, down 9 percent from 4.90 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 3.81 billion pounds, down 10 percent from December 2010. Mature chickens, at 64.6 million pounds, were down 8 percent from the previous year.

Turkey inspections totaled 575 million pounds, down 1 percent from a year ago. Ducks totaled 15.2 million pounds, up 1 percent from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during December 2011 averaged 5.78 pounds per bird, down 1 percent from December 2010. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.59 pounds per bird, down 4 percent from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during December 2011 averaged 30.3 pounds per bird, up 1 percent from December 2010.

Ante-mortem condemnations during December 2011 totaled 9.49 million pounds. Condemnations were 0.21 percent of the live weight inspected, as compared with 0.27 percent a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 32.1 million pounds, were 0.95 percent of quantities inspected, compared with 1 percent a year earlier.

December 2010 contained 23 weekdays (including 2 holidays) and four Saturdays. December 2011 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and five Saturdays.

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