Poultry certified wholesome during April 2021 (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 4.21 billion pounds, up three percent from the amount certified in April 2020, according to USDA’s latest Poultry Slaughter report.

The March 2021 revised certified total of 4.59 billion pounds was up four percent from March 2020. The March revision represented an increase of 8.77 million pounds from last month’s preliminary pounds certified.

Young chickens slaughtered during April 2021 averaged 6.44 pounds per bird, up one percent from April 2020. The average live weight of mature chickens was 6.53 pounds per bird, down six percent from a year ago.

April 2020 contained 22 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and 4 Saturdays. April 2021 contained 22 weekdays (including 0 holidays) and 4 Saturdays.