Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 3/25/16


With one more day in February this year, due to leap year, poultry certified wholesome during February 2016 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.76 billion pounds, up 8 percent from the amount certified in February 2015.

Both young and mature chickens slaughtered in February were heavier than a year ago, while turkeys were lighter, according to USDA’s monthly Poultry Slaughter report.

The January 2016 revised certified total at 3.79 billion pounds, was down 2 percent from January 2015. The January revision represented an increase of 4.17 million pounds from last month's preliminary pounds certified. 

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during February 2016 was 4.97 billion pounds, up 8 percent from 4.60 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 4.32 billion pounds, up 8 percent from February 2015.

Mature chickens, at 67.9 million pounds, were up 5 percent from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 566 million pounds, up 4 percent from a year ago. Ducks totaled 15.2 million pounds, up 5 percent from last year.

Young chickens slaughtered during February 2016 averaged 6.17 pounds per bird, up 1 percent from February 2015. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.93 pounds per bird, up 5 percent from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during February 2016 averaged 31.0 pounds per bird, down 1 percent from February 2015.

Ante-mortem condemnations during February 2016 totaled 12.8 million pounds.

Condemnations were 0.26 percent of the live weight inspected, as compared with 0.27 percent a year earlier. Post-mortem condemnations, at 40.8 million pounds, were 1.07 percent of quantities inspected, as compared with 1.11 percent a year earlier.

February 2015 contained 20 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and four Saturdays.
February 2016 contained 21 weekdays (including 1 holiday) and four Saturdays.

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