NW_PY016 Des Moines, IA Wed. Dec 26, 2018 USDA Market News MISC. POULTRY: Weekly Estimated Slaughter of U.S. Broiler/Fryers and Fowl (Wed) Week ending 29-Dec-18 Current Week Previous Week 12/29/18 (1) 12/22/18 Class ---------- Thousand head --------- Broiler/fryer 118,643 (2) 167,065 Light hens 556 1,062 Heavy hens 918 1,430 Total 120,117 169,557 (1)ESTIMATED (2)The estimated number of broiler-fryers available for slaughter the week ending 29-Dec-18 is 156.4 million head compared to 152.3 million head slaughtered the same week last year. The estimated U.S. slaughter this week is 118.9 million head or -37.5 million less than estimated available. For the week of 05-Jan-19 the estimated available is 156.4 million head. SOURCE: USDA Livestock, Poultry, & Grain Market News Des Moines, IA 515.284.4460 email: desm.lpgmn@ams.usda.gov http://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain Prepared: 26-Dec-18 01:17 PM C BK