Source: MEATINGPLACE, 6/26/14

Poultry certified wholesome during May 2014 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.73 billion pounds, down 3 percent from the amount certified in May 2013, according to USDA’s monthly Poultry Slaugher report. 

The April 2014 revised certified total at 3.74 billion pounds, was down slightly from April 2013. The April revision represented an increase of 134 thousand pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during May 2014 was 4.93 billion pounds, down 3 percent from 5.09 billion pounds a year ago.

Young chickens inspected totaled 4.25 billion pounds, down 3 percent from May 2013. Mature chickens, at 72.1 million pounds, were down slightly from the previous year.

Turkey inspections totaled 588 million pounds, down 8 percent from a year ago. Ducks totaled 15.0 million pounds, up 8 percent from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during May 2014 averaged 5.97 pounds per bird, up 2 percent from May 2013. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.48 pounds per bird, up 1 percent from a year ago.

Turkeys slaughtered during May 2014 averaged 30.5 pounds per bird, down slightly from May 2013.

May 2013 contained 23 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and four Saturdays.
May 2014 contained 22 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and five Saturdays.

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