Poultry certified wholesome (ready-to-cook) during January 2011 totaled 3.64 billion pounds, up 10% from the amount certified in January 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest Poultry Slaughter Report.
The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during January was 4.83 billion pounds, also up 10% from 4.40 billion pounds a year ago. Young chickens inspected totaled 4.17 billion pounds, up 10% from January 2010. Mature chickens, at 63.9 million pounds, were up 5% from the previous year. Turkey inspections totaled 581 million pounds, up 9% from a year ago. Ducks totaled 14.4 million pounds, up 16% from last year.
Young chickens slaughtered during January 2011 averaged 5.85 pounds per bird, up 4% from January 2010, according to the report. The average live weight of mature chickens was 5.51 pounds per bird, up 1% from a year ago. Turkeys slaughtered during January 2011 averaged 30.8 pounds per bird, also up 1% from January 2010.
