Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 11/26/13


Poultry certified wholesome during October 2013 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 4.05 billion pounds, up 2 percent from the amount certified in October 2012, according to USDA’s monthly Poultry Slaughter report.

The September 2013 revised certified total at 3.60 billion pounds, was up 5 percent from September 2012. The September revision represented an increase of 839 thousand pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during October 2013 was 5.35 billion pounds, up 2 percent from 5.25 billion pounds a year ago.

Young chickens inspected totaled 4.61 billion pounds, up 4 percent from October 2012. Mature chickens, at 73.3 million pounds, were up 6 percent from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 646 million pounds, down 11 percent from a year ago. Ducks totaled 15.1 million pounds, up 6 percent from last year.
Young chickens slaughtered during October 2013 averaged 6.00 pounds per bird, up 1 percent from October 2012. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.92 pounds per bird, up 2 percent from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during October 2013 averaged 29.9 pounds per bird, up 3 percent from October 2012.

October this year and last year both contained 23 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and 4 Saturdays.

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