n a recent report released by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), it has been revealed that broiler-type egg production in the United States experienced a 2% decrease compared to the same period last year. This decline is a notable development in the poultry industry, shedding light on the current state of broiler-type egg production.
Hatcheries across the nation recorded the placement of 242 million eggs into incubators. Notably, the average hatchability rate for chicks born during the reporting week stood at 79.7 percent. This metric is calculated by dividing the number of chicks hatched within the week by the count of eggs placed into incubation three weeks earlier, providing valuable insights into the industry’s efficiency and productivity.
Broiler growers, who are an integral part of the United States’ weekly program, also reported a 2% decrease in their participation compared to the previous year. This decline in broiler growers’ activity underscores the challenges faced by the industry in maintaining consistent levels of production.
During the last reporting week, a total of 188 million chicks were placed for meat production. The cumulative placements for the period spanning from January 7, 2023, to August 26, 2023, reached 6.37 billion. Although this figure represents a slight decrease from the same period last year, it showcases the industry’s resilience and adaptability in the face of changing conditions.
The NASS poultry slaughter report for July revealed that the United States was ahead of last year by 1% for chickens slaughtered during the first half of the year. Additionally, poultry meat in cold storage exceeded last year’s levels by 4%, indicating a consistent demand for poultry products despite the challenges faced by the industry in egg production and chick placement.
Overall, the decline in broiler-type egg production and broiler growers’ participation raises questions about the factors influencing this trend. The industry will continue to monitor these developments closely and adapt its strategies to ensure a stable and thriving poultry sector in the United States.
