US Hatchery Production: 2005 Summary - US - Broiler-type chicks hatched were up 2%, report the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Eggs in Incubators on April 1 Up 3 Percent

Broiler-type chicks hatched during 2005 totaled 9.48 billion, up 2 percent from 2004. This record level continues the trend of annual increases begun in 1975.

Leading U.S. breeders had intended placements of 85.1 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during 2005, up 1 percent from 2004.

19-State Broiler Placements Up 2 Percent

Placements of broiler chicks in the 19-State weekly program totaled 9.06 billion during the 52 week period ending December 31, 2005 up 2 percent from the 52 week period ending January 1, 2005.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Down Slightly

Egg-type chicks hatched during 2005 totaled 437 million, down slightly from 2004. Leading U.S. breeders had intended placements of 2.85 million egg-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during 2005, down 5 percent from 2004.

Turkey Poults Placed Down Slightly

Turkey hatcheries placed 276 million poults in the United States during 2005. These placements were down slightly from 2004.

Hatchery Capacity

The capacity of chicken hatcheries on January 1, 2006 was 888 million eggs, up 1 percent from January 1, 2005. The capacity of turkey hatcheries was 39.2 million eggs on January 1, 2006, down 7 percent from January 1, 2005.

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Source: USDA NASS - Hatchery Production Report - 18th April 2006