WASHINGTON – Poultry certified wholesome during June (ready-to-cook weight) totaled 3.67 billion lbs., down 5 percent from the amount certified in June 2011, according to data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

The May revised certified total advanced 1 percent to 3.86 billion lbs. The May revision represented an increase of 214,000 lbs. from last month's preliminary pounds certified, NASS said.

The preliminary total live weight of all federally inspected poultry during June 2012 declined 5 percent from 2011 totals to 4.86 billion lbs. from 5.11 billion lbs., NASS said. Young chickens inspected totaled 4.14 billion lbs., down 5 percent from June 2011. Mature chickens, were down 4 percent to 75.9 million lbs. compared to 2011 totals. Turkey inspections totaled 634 million lbs., down 3 percent from 2011. Ducks totaled 13.3 million lbs., a 6 percent decrease from 2011 totals, according to the agency.

Young chickens slaughtered during June averaged 5.86 lbs. per bird, up 1 percent from June 2011. The average live weight of mature chickens declined 5 percent to 5.73 lbs. per bird. Turkeys slaughtered during June averaged 30.0 lbs. per bird, up 3 percent from June 2011.

Ante-mortem condemnations during June totaled 10.9 million lbs., NASS said. Condemnations were 0.22 percent of the live weight inspected compared to 0.23 percent in 2011. Post-mortem condemnations, at 33.1 million lbs., were 0.89 percent of quantities inspected compared to 0.93 percent in 2011.