Chickens and Eggs - Monthly

Chickens
and Eggs
Washington, D.C.

Released May 22, 2009, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of
Agriculture. For information on "Layers and Eggs" call Kim Linonis at (202) 690-8632, for "Chicks Hatched" call Sharyn
Lavender at (202) 720-3244, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

April Egg Production Up 1 Percent
U.S. egg production totaled 7.46 billion during April 2009, up 1 percent from last year. Production included
6.41 billion table eggs, and 1.05 billion hatching eggs, of which 980 million were broiler-type and 71 million
were egg-type. The total number of layers during April 2009 averaged 340 million, down slightly from last
year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,196 eggs, up 2 percent from April 2008.
All layers in the U.S. on May 1, 2009 totaled 339 million, down slightly from last year. The 339 million
layers consisted of 282 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 53.9 million layers producing
broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.01 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on
May 1, 2009, averaged 72.4 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from May 1, 2008.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Down 4 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2009 totaled 40.6 million, down 4 percent from April 2008. Eggs in
incubators totaled 35.8 million on May 1, 2009, down 12 percent from a year ago.
Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled
307 thousand during April 2009, up 16 percent from April 2008.
Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Down 6 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2009 totaled 756 million, down 6 percent from April 2008. Eggs in
incubators totaled 628 million on May 1, 2009, down 6 percent from a year earlier.
Leading breeders placed 6.16 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks
during April 2009, down 13 percent from April 2008.

Special Note
State level data for egg-type chicks hatched will no longer be published. U.S. numbers by month and
cumulative totals will continue to be published.

Pou 1-1 (5-09)

Contents
Page
U.S. Average Number of Layers on Hand and Egg Production....................................................................1
U.S. Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type, Forced Molt, and Pullets..............................................3
Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State................................................................................................5
Egg Production by Type and State ................................................................................................................7
Forced Molt ..................................................................................................................................................9
U.S. Hatchery Production Summary ...........................................................................................................10
Egg-Type Hatchery .....................................................................................................................................11
Egg-Type Intended Placements ..................................................................................................................12
Broiler-Type Hatchery ................................................................................................................................12
Broiler-Type Intended Placements..............................................................................................................14
Reliability of Chickens and Eggs Estimates................................................................................................15
Regional Listing ..........................................................................................................................................16
Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates.............................................................................16
Information Contacts...................................................................................................................................16

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

i

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

All Layers: Average Number on Hand During the Month,
United States, 2008-09
2008

Month

1,000 Layers

Dec 1
Jan
Feb
Mar 2
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
1
2

346,225
344,737
343,299
342,017
340,838
340,116
338,664
336,276
335,265
334,489
334,937
337,995

2

Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
During Year 1
2

340,302
340,936
340,614
340,455
339,640

December preceding year.
Revised 2009 only.

Month

1

2009
1,000 Layers

Eggs: Production During the Month by Type,
United States, 2008-09
Total Eggs 1
Table Eggs

Hatching Eggs

2008

2009

2008

2009

2008

2009

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

7,808
7,646
7,114
7,675
7,373
7,564
7,367
7,599
7,551
7,339
7,625
7,490
90,151

7,768
7,666
6,892
7,724
7,459

6,666
6,498
6,034
6,517
6,256
6,409
6,262
6,474
6,436
6,272
6,538
6,446
76,811

6,701
6,591
5,906
6,632
6,408

1,143
1,149
1,080
1,159
1,117
1,155
1,104
1,125
1,115
1,067
1,088
1,044
13,346

1,068
1,075
985
1,093
1,051

Totals may not add due to rounding.
December preceding year.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

1

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

U.S. Average Number of Layers
During the Month

Million Layers
350
345
340
335
330

2008

325
Dec 1/

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

2009
Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Sep

Oct

Nov

1/ Previous Year

U.S. All Egg Production
During the Month

Million Eggs
8,000
7,750
7,500
7,250
7,000

2008
6,750
Dec 1/

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

2009
Jun

Jul

Aug

1/ Previous Year

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

2

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,
and Forced Molt, United States, March-April 2008-09
Item

Unit

Layers During Mar 2
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

1,000

Eggs per 100 Layers During Mar
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

Number

Eggs Produced During Mar 2
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

Million

Layers on Apr 1 2
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

1,000

Eggs per 100 Layers on Apr 1
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

Number

Forced Molt Layers on Apr 1
Percent Being Molted
Percent with Molt Completed

Percent

Layers Sold for Slaughter During Mar

2008

2009

1

2009
as % of
2008

342,017
281,182
60,835
57,942
2,893

340,455
283,072
57,383
54,309
3,074

100
101
94
94
106

2,244
2,318
1,905
1,883
2,351

2,269
2,343
1,905
1,874
2,440

101
101
100
100
104

7,675
6,517
1,159
1,091
68

7,724
6,632
1,093
1,018
75

101
102
94
93
110

341,320
280,664
60,656
57,761
2,895

340,604
283,188
57,416
54,346
3,070

100
101
95
94
106

72.4
74.8
61.2
60.4
76.8

73.9
76.5
61.1
60.1
77.5

102
102
100
100
101

2.8
21.3

1.9
21.7

68
102

1,000

14,147

13,878

98

Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,
Composted or Disappeared For Any
Reason During Mar

1,000

8,029

7,527

94

Pullets on Apr 1

1,000

102,657

100,650

98

Pullets Added During Mar 3

1,000

23,045

23,691

103

1
2
3

Revised.
Totals may not add due to rounding.
Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

3

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by Type,
and Forced Molt, United States, April-May 2008-09
Item

Unit

Layers During Apr 1
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

1,000

Eggs per 100 Layers During Apr
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

Number

Eggs Produced During Apr 1
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

Million

Layers on May 1 1
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

1,000

Eggs per 100 Layers on May 1
All Layers
Table Egg Type
Hatching Egg Type
Broiler-Type Hatching
Egg-Type Hatching

Number

Forced Molt Layers on May 1
Percent Being Molted
Percent with Molt Completed

Percent

Layers Sold for Slaughter During Apr

2008

2009
as % of
2008

2009

340,838
279,937
60,901
58,006
2,895

339,640
282,456
57,184
54,142
3,042

100
101
94
93
105

2,163
2,235
1,834
1,810
2,314

2,196
2,269
1,838
1,810
2,334

102
102
100
100
101

7,373
6,256
1,117
1,050
67

7,459
6,408
1,051
980
71

101
102
94
93
106

340,318
279,191
61,127
58,240
2,887

338,638
281,706
56,932
53,922
3,010

100
101
93
93
104

71.8
74.1
61.1
60.3
78.8

72.4
74.6
61.3
60.3
79.8

101
101
100
100
101

4.1
20.8

4.5
20.5

110
99

1,000

14,318

14,366

100

Layers Rendered, Died, Destroyed,
Composted or Disappeared For Any
Reason During Apr

1,000

7,643

8,255

108

Pullets on May 1

1,000

104,237

99,396

95

Pullets Added During Apr 2

1,000

22,968

20,803

91

1
2

Totals may not add due to rounding.
Pullet chicks less than 3 days old added to pullet flocks.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

4

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State
and United States, During March 2008-09
Table Egg Layers in
All Layers
Flocks 30,000 and Above

Eggs per 100 for
All Layers

2008

2009 1

2008

2009 1

2008

2009

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

Number

Number

AL
AR
CA
CO
CT
FL
GA
HI
IL
IN
IA
ME
MD
MI
MN
MS
MO
NE
NY
NC
OH
OR
PA
SC
SD
TX
VA
WA
WI

1,289
3,789
19,595
3,351
2,770
10,260
9,452
328
5,089
23,722
52,416
4,141
2,425
9,025
9,643
1,617
5,804
9,691
3,784
4,869
25,479
2,428
20,378
3,419
2,526
14,106
1,227
5,494
4,121

1,432
3,522
19,450
3,404
2,754
9,628
9,216
310
5,048
23,507
52,937
3,450
2,108
9,666
9,721
1,484
5,817
9,697
3,926
5,304
26,906
2,290
21,510
2,979
2,416
13,777
1,246
6,007
4,368

9,495
13,881
19,889
3,895
2,838
10,697
19,043
352
5,316
24,415
53,390
4,204
2,555
9,189
10,108
6,267
7,093
9,741
4,007
12,666
25,930
2,573
21,466
4,711
2,586
18,918
3,104
5,563
4,546

9,297
12,792
19,747
3,854
2,822
9,989
18,048
337
5,261
24,315
53,884
3,531
2,247
9,830
10,235
6,042
7,095
9,747
4,141
12,504
27,349
2,433
22,642
4,276
2,456
18,323
2,907
6,122
4,947

1,927
1,967
2,192
2,465
2,326
2,272
2,101
1,847
2,333
2,306
2,236
2,307
2,192
2,459
2,285
2,026
2,354
2,392
2,446
2,108
2,352
2,565
2,436
2,080
2,204
2,252
1,997
2,355
2,200

1,958
1,986
2,274
2,543
2,339
2,222
2,166
1,751
2,224
2,311
2,272
2,181
2,225
2,411
2,374
2,085
2,396
2,360
2,487
2,127
2,300
2,630
2,456
2,198
2,443
2,265
2,064
2,369
2,345

Oth Sts 2

14,751

14,721

23,579

23,282

2,184

2,199

276,989

278,601

342,017

340,455

2,244

2,269

US
1
2

Revised.
Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

5

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

Layers and Eggs: Layers on Hand and Eggs Produced by State
and United States, During April 2008-09
Table Egg Layers in
All Layers
Flocks 30,000 and Above

Eggs per 100 for
All Layers

2008

2009

2008

2009

2008

2009

1,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

Number

Number

AL
AR
CA
CO
CT
FL
GA
HI
IL
IN
IA
ME
MD
MI
MN
MS
MO
NE
NY
NC
OH
OR
PA
SC
SD
TX
VA
WA
WI

1,256
3,572
20,131
3,380
2,846
10,012
9,106
326
5,166
23,569
52,783
4,025
2,500
8,987
9,648
1,517
5,801
9,666
3,718
5,000
25,184
2,419
20,101
3,296
2,463
13,782
1,228
5,536
4,002

1,398
3,422
19,476
3,293
2,819
9,514
9,042
312
5,112
23,283
52,811
3,330
2,024
9,626
9,753
1,506
5,780
9,716
3,881
5,533
26,846
2,375
21,559
3,059
2,332
13,639
1,151
6,050
4,420

9,438
13,590
20,423
3,894
2,911
10,460
18,673
351
5,393
24,280
53,727
4,094
2,646
9,149
10,142
6,250
7,101
9,716
3,941
12,660
25,640
2,574
21,210
4,604
2,523
18,620
3,143
5,605
4,436

9,260
12,467
19,774
3,772
2,884
9,894
17,779
339
5,302
24,091
53,742
3,417
2,173
9,790
10,250
6,101
7,064
9,766
4,096
12,784
27,293
2,515
22,699
4,388
2,372
18,184
2,886
6,165
5,005

1,865
1,898
2,081
2,337
2,302
2,113
2,008
1,738
2,169
2,224
2,196
2,223
2,116
2,350
2,218
1,920
2,281
2,336
2,411
2,022
2,293
2,409
2,348
2,107
2,180
2,127
1,941
2,302
2,074

1,890
1,957
2,190
2,466
2,323
2,244
2,081
1,740
2,263
2,262
2,207
2,136
2,071
2,257
2,244
1,967
2,336
2,324
2,441
2,042
2,224
2,465
2,383
2,028
2,277
2,183
2,010
2,287
2,298

Oth Sts 1

14,723

14,923

23,644

23,388

2,081

2,104

275,743

277,985

340,838

339,640

2,163

2,196

US
1

Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

6

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

AL
AR
CA
CO
CT
FL
GA
HI
IL
IN
IA
ME
MD
MI
MN
MS
MO
NE
NY
NC
OH
OR
PA
SC
SD
TX
VA
WA
WI
Oth Sts 3
US 1
1
2
3

Egg Production: By Type, State, and United States,
March 2008-09
Table Eggs 2
Total Production 1

Hatching Eggs 2

2008

2009

2008

2009

2008

2009

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

183
273
436
96
66
243
400
6.5
124
563
1,194
97
56
226
231
127
167
233
98
267
610
66
523
98
57
426
62
131
100

182
254
449
98
66
222
391
5.9
117
562
1,224
77
50
237
243
126
170
230
103
266
629
64
556
94
60
415
60
145
116

30
88

34
84

153
185

148
170

234
216
6.5
120
551
1,177

215
222
5.9
114
547
1,208

9
184
0
4
12
17

7
169
0
3
15
16

55

49

1

1

223
39

234
36

8
88

9
90

233

230

0

0

121

134

146

132

64
504
76
57

62
536
72
60

2
19
22
0

2
20
22
0

28

31

34

29

515

512

370

374

146

139

7,675

7,724

6,517

6,632

1,159

1,093

Totals may not add due to rounding.
Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in US totals.
Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

7

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

State

AL
AR
CA
CO
CT
FL
GA
HI
IL
IN
IA
ME
MD
MI
MN
MS
MO
NE
NY
NC
OH
OR
PA
SC
SD
TX
VA
WA
WI
Oth Sts 3
US 1
1
2
3

Egg Production: By Type, State, and United States,
April 2008-09
Total Production 1
Table Eggs 2

Hatching Eggs 2

2008

2009

2008

2009

2008

2009

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

176
258
425
91
67
221
375
6.1
117
540
1,180
91
56
215
225
120
162
227
95
256
588
62
498
97
55
396
61
129
92

175
244
433
93
67
222
370
5.9
120
545
1,186
73
45
221
230
120
165
227
100
261
607
62
541
89
54
397
58
141
115

28
80

32
83

148
178

143
161

213
198
6.1
114
528
1,164

215
209
5.9
117
530
1,171

8
177
0
3
12
16

7
161
0
3
15
15

54

43

2

2

217
33

222
35

8
87

8
85

227

227

0

0

119

135

137

126

60
479
75
55

60
521
67
54

2
19
22
0

2
20
22
0

27

28

34

30

492

492

351

360

141

132

7,373

7,459

6,256

6,408

1,117

1,051

Totals may not add due to rounding.
Data by type of flock not shown for some States to avoid disclosing individual operations, data included in US totals.
Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

8

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Month

Forced Molt: Percent of All Layers by Month,
United States, 2008-09
Percent Being Molted 1
Percent with Molt Completed 1
2008

2009

2008

2009

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1

3.0
3.9
2.4
2.8
4.1
3.7
3.4
3.9
3.9
3.7
2.1
1.9

3.2
3.4
3.4
1.9
4.5

22.7
21.7
22.1
21.3
20.8
20.9
20.8
21.2
20.8
21.9
22.7
22.1

21.2
21.4
21.4
21.7
20.5

As of first of month.

State

AL
AR
CA
CO
CT
FL
GA
HI
IL
IN
IA
ME
MD
MI
MN
MS
MO
NE
NY
NC
OH
OR
PA
SC
SD
TX
VA
WA
WI

Forced Molt: Percent of All Layers by State
and United States, May 1, 2008-09
Percent Being Molted 1
Percent with Molt Completed 1
2008

2009

2008

2009

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

0.5
1.5
7.5
3.5
0.0
8.5
4.5
6.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
0.0
10.0
6.5
1.5
3.5
3.0
0.0
1.0
1.0
4.5
8.0
3.0
2.5
5.0
5.0
9.0
7.5
5.0

1.5
2.0
7.5
3.0
0.0
8.5
5.0
9.0
1.5
5.5
3.5
0.0
3.5
8.5
5.0
2.5
4.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
6.0
10.0
3.5
6.5
7.0
5.5
3.0
9.5
7.0

4.5
9.0
29.5
20.5
11.0
30.0
8.5
52.0
24.5
32.0
35.0
0.0
14.0
19.5
28.5
9.0
15.5
4.5
5.5
8.0
12.5
25.5
12.0
26.0
18.0
24.0
19.5
31.0
33.5

5.5
9.0
26.0
13.5
15.0
30.0
10.0
53.0
35.0
35.5
34.0
0.0
19.0
16.5
23.5
8.0
11.5
1.5
6.5
10.5
18.0
28.0
11.0
14.5
33.5
19.0
9.0
29.5
25.5

Oth Sts 2

4.3

5.1

19.2

19.5

US

4.1

4.5

20.8

20.5

1
2

As of first of month.
Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

9

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Hatchery Production: Eggs in Incubators, Chicks Hatched,
and Placements by Type, United States, April-May 2008-09
Item

Egg-Type
Eggs in Incubators on May 1
Chicks Hatched During Apr
Chicks Hatched Jan thru Apr
Pullets Hatched During Apr for Intended
Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks
7-18 Months Earlier 1
Broiler-Type
Eggs in Incubators on May 1
Chicks Hatched During Apr
Chicks Hatched Jan thru Apr
Pullets Hatched During Apr for Intended
Placements in Hatchery Supply Flocks
7-15 Months Earlier 2
1
2

2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

1,000

1,000

Percent

40,422
42,329
163,073

35,766
40,621
155,702

88
96
95

264
2,905

307
2,879

116
99

668,011
801,548
3,239,745

628,222
755,862
3,018,524

94
94
93

7,119
65,567

6,158
65,173

87
99

2009 includes pullet chicks hatched Oct 2007 through Sep 2008.
2009 includes pullet chicks hatched Jan 2008 through Sep 2008.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

10

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Egg-Type Eggs in Incubators: By Region and United States,
May 1, 2008-09
Region

2008

2009
as % of
2008

2009

1,000

1,000

Percent

North Atlantic
E North Central
W North Central
South Atlantic
South Central
West

5,470
8,474
10,062
4,958
6,264
5,194

5,440
7,351
9,177
3,663
6,344
3,791

99
87
91
74
101
73

US

40,422

35,766

88

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched: By Month, United States, 2008-09
By Months
Cumulative
Month

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

1,000

1,000

Percent

1,000

1,000

Percent

40,256
38,534
41,954
42,329
41,826
40,928
37,250
35,578
37,111
40,198
34,187
37,091

38,083
36,861
40,137
40,621

95
96
96
96

11

40,256
78,790
120,744
163,073
204,899
245,827
283,077
318,655
355,766
395,964
430,151
467,242

38,083
74,944
115,081
155,702

95
95
95
95

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Intended Placements: Egg-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply
Flocks by Month and Total, United States, 2008-09
Cumulative Potential Plcmts
2009
Pullet Chicks Hatched
Relative to Current Supply
as % of
Flocks 7-18 Months Earlier 1
2008
2008
2009
2008
2009

Month

1,000

1,000

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

198
271
245
264
227
231
244
279
210
273
317
199

Total

2,958

1

Percent

240
256
277
307

1,000

121
94
113
116

1,000

3,007
2,871
2,865
2,905
2,867
2,942
2,982
2,915
3,021
2,950
2,940
2,976

2,907
2,968
2,969
2,879
2,968
3,004
2,958
3,000
2,985
3,017
3,060

For April 2009, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Oct 2007 through Sep 2008. The 7-18 months represent the first laying
cycle. Molting and additional laying cycles will increase the cumulative potential placements.

Broiler-Type Eggs in Incubators: By Region
and United States, May 1, 2008-09
Region

2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

1,000

1,000

Percent

North Atlantic
E North Central
W North Central
South Atlantic
South Central
West

12,914
12,425
29,380
243,621
344,261
25,410

11,855
13,137
28,925
231,900
317,519
24,886

92
106
98
95
92
98

US

668,011

628,222

94

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

12

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched: By State
and United States, April 2008-09
During April
State

2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

1,000

1,000

Percent

Jan-Apr
2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

1,000

1,000

Percent

AL
AR
DE
FL
GA
KY
LA
MD
MS
NC
OK
PA
SC
TX
VA
CA, MO, TN, & WV

115,920
97,978
14,257
5,038
120,937
28,151
13,516
32,386
69,021
70,165
24,762
15,172
19,423
55,734
22,677
72,227

108,004
84,912
12,727
3,476
112,662
27,640
8,132
32,228
65,364
68,415
25,096
13,437
19,824
55,933
22,205
70,720

93
87
89
69
93
98
60
100
95
98
101
89
102
100
98
98

467,432
403,174
57,336
20,050
494,919
110,592
55,686
130,081
275,506
283,932
100,302
60,077
78,244
225,647
90,439
286,689

424,870
349,352
49,387
14,395
461,778
108,046
44,501
126,005
256,666
270,668
96,546
55,149
78,194
223,100
85,410
278,248

91
87
86
72
93
98
80
97
93
95
96
92
100
99
94
97

19 Sts 1

777,364

730,775

94

3,140,106

2,922,315

93

Oth Sts 2

24,184

25,087

104

99,639

96,209

97

801,548

755,862

94

3,239,745

3,018,524

93

US
1
2

States in the weekly hatchery production estimating program.
Not published separately to avoid disclosing data for individual operations.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched: By Month, United States, 2008-09
By Months
Cumulative
Month

2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

2008

2009

2009
as % of
2008

1,000

1,000

Percent

1,000

1,000

Percent

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

826,027
775,280
836,890
801,548
825,323
805,793
805,182
799,059
755,235
740,964
705,312
779,304

778,401
700,913
783,348
755,862

94
90
94
94

13

826,027
1,601,307
2,438,197
3,239,745
4,065,068
4,870,861
5,676,043
6,475,102
7,230,337
7,971,301
8,676,613
9,455,917

778,401
1,479,314
2,262,662
3,018,524

94
92
93
93

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Month

Intended Placements: Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery
Supply Flocks by Month and Total, 2008-09
Cumulative Potential Plcmts
2009
Pullet Chicks Hatched
Relative to Current Supply
as % of
Flocks 7-15 Months Earlier 1
2008
2008
2009
2008
2009
1,000

1,000

US
Placements
Jan
Feb
Mar 2
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

7,012
7,536
7,090
7,119
8,217
7,154
6,462
7,697
6,886
7,042
7,026
6,580

Annual
Total

85,821

Total
Placements 3
Jan
Feb
Mar 4
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8,706
9,498
9,245
8,720
10,089
9,228
8,017
9,603
8,651
8,361
8,704
8,197

Annual
Total

107,019

1
2
3
4

Percent

1,000

7,142
7,215
6,773
6,158

102
96
96
87

8,410
8,524
8,626
7,664

97
90
93
88

1,000

65,333
65,223
65,397
65,567
65,522
66,057
66,170
66,490
65,943
65,234
65,719
66,144

65,952
65,444
65,535
65,173
65,203
64,693
64,183
64,206
63,204
62,823
62,519

For Apr 2009, includes breeder pullet chicks hatched Jan 2008 through Sep 2008.
Revised 2009 pullet chicks hatched and cumulative placements for October 2009.
U.S. production of intended placements worldwide.
Revised 2009 only.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

14

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Reliability of Chickens and Eggs Estimates
Survey Procedures: Primary data for the "Chickens and Eggs" report are from weekly and/or monthly
questionnaires sent to producers. An attempt is made to collect information for layer and egg estimates from
each known contractor and independent producer who has at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of hatchery
supply layers, or pullet only operations with at least 500 pullets. Coverage for operations with less than
30,000 table egg layers are estimated each month based on data reported in December. Approximately 650
contractors, independent egg producers, and pullet only operations are contacted each month. All known
hatcheries, approximately 300, are contacted for information on a weekly and/or monthly basis.
Estimating Procedures: Sound statistical methodology is employed to derive estimates from the reported
data. All data are analyzed for unusual values. Data from each operation are compared to their own past
operating profile and to trends from similar operations. Data for missing operations are estimated based on
similar operations or historical data. NASS field offices prepare these estimates by using a combination of
survey indications and historic trends. Individual State estimates are reviewed by the Agricultural Statistics
Board for reasonableness. Individual hatchery data are summed to State, regional, and U.S. totals.
For chicken hatcheries, chicks hatched consist of all chicks of domesticated breeds including males and
chicks destined for hatchery supply flocks and research purposes. Eggs set are eggs in incubators for the
purpose of hatching. The relationship of egg-type chicks hatched to chicken inventory and poultry
marketings are carefully monitored. The disposition of egg-type chicks hatched prior to placement into the
laying flock can vary significantly, which can make comparisons to changes in layer inventory inconsistent
over time. Broiler chicks placed are specifically placed on feed for meat production. Intended placement
data reported by leading breeders include pullet chicks expected from eggs sold the preceding month. The
breeders in this report account for a large percentage of replacement pullets for hatchery supply flocks.
Production of replacement pullets by these breeders indicates the number of pullets available to hatchery
supply layer flocks several months before the pullets will actually move into the laying flocks. AHatchery
Supply Flocks@ include all generations of layers which could lay eggs to supply a hatchery. This includes
the generations of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, pedigree, etc. Also included are research
flocks, vaccine flocks, and specific pathogen-free flocks. The broiler cumulative potential placements are a
moving total of the intended placements 7-15 months earlier. The egg-type cumulative potential placements
of 7-18 months earlier represent the first laying cycle. Molting and additional laying cycles will increase the
cumulative potential placements of egg-type hatching flocks.
Revision Policy: The previous month's estimates are subject to revision if late reports or corrected data
indicates a different level. Additionally, revisions after the monthly report will be made at the end of the
marketing year and published in the annual reports of "Chickens and Eggs Summary" and "Hatchery
Production".
Reliability: Estimates are based on a census of all known contractors and independent producers who have
at least 30,000 table egg layers, flocks of hatchery supply layers, pullet only operations with at least 500
pullets, or operating hatcheries and therefore, have no sampling error. However, estimates are subject to
errors such as omission, duplication, and mistakes in reporting, recording, and processing the data. While
these errors cannot be measured directly, they are minimized through strict quality controls in the data
collection process and a careful review of all reported data for consistency and reasonableness.
To assist in evaluating the reliability of the estimates in this report, the ARoot Mean Square Error@ is shown
for selected items in the following table. The ARoot Mean Square Error@ is a statistical measure based on
past performance and is computed using the differences between first and final estimates. The ARoot Mean
Square Error@ for all layers over the past 24 months is 0.9 percent. This means that chances are 2 out of 3
that the final estimate will not be above or below the current estimate of 340 million layers by more than
0.9 percent. Chances are 9 out of 10 that the difference will not exceed 1.7 percent.

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

15

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

Item

Reliability of Layer and Egg Estimates
Difference Between
90 Percent
First and Latest
Confidence
Estimates
Level
Average
Smallest
Largest

Root
Mean
Square
Error
Percent

Percent

All Layers

0.9

1.7

Eggs

0.6

1.1

1,000

1,000

1,000

57

1,382

Million Eggs

Million Eggs

1

31

1,000

4
Million Eggs

3,947

Number of Months
First
Above
Latest

First
Below
Latest

Number

Number

9

15

9

13

Million Eggs

0

86

Regional Listing
North Atlantic: CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT.
East North Central: IL, IN, MI, OH, WI.
West North Central: IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD.
South Atlantic: DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV.
South Central: AL, AR, KY, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX.
West: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.

Terms and Definitions of Chickens and Eggs Estimates
All Layers includes both table egg and hatching egg flocks regardless of size.
Intended Placements are reported by leading breeders. Coverage may not be 100 percent. Includes
expected pullet chicks from eggs sold during the preceding month at the rate of 125 pullet chicks per case of
30 dozen eggs.

Information Contacts
Listed below are the commodity specialists in the Livestock Branch of the National Agricultural Statistics
Service to contact for additional information.
Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch .................................................................................(202) 720-3570
Bruce Boess, Head, Poultry and Specialty Commodities Section..........................................(202) 720-4447
David Colwell - Cold Storage ...........................................................................................(202) 720-8784
Chris Hawthorn - Catfish Processing, Catfish Production, Trout Production,
Census of Aquaculture, Egg Products, Mink .......................................(202) 720-0585
Sharyn Lavender - Broiler Hatchery, Chicken Hatchery, Honey......................................(202) 720-3244
Kim Linonis - Layers, Eggs ..............................................................................................(202) 690-8632
Troy Marshall - Poultry Slaughter, Turkey Hatchery, Turkeys Raised.............................(202) 690-3237

Chickens and Eggs
May 2009

16

Agricultural Statistics Board
NASS, USDA

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