Broiler-Type Eggs Set in the United States Down Slightly

Aug 20, 2015

Hatcheries in the United States weekly program set 213 million eggs in incubators during the week ending August 15, 2015, down slightly from a year ago. Hatcheries in the 19 State weekly program set 205 million eggs in incubators during the week ending August 15, 2015, down slightly from the year earlier. Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week in the United States was 84 percent. Average hatchability is calculated by dividing chicks hatched during the week by eggs set three weeks earlier.

Broiler-Type Chicks Placed in the United States Up 1 Percent

Broiler growers in the United States weekly program placed 176 million chicks for meat production during the week ending August 15, 2015, up 1 percent from a year ago. Broiler growers in the 19 State weekly program placed 170 million chicks for meat production during the week ending August 15, 2015, up 1 percent from the year earlier. Cumulative placements from the week ending January 10, 2015 through August 15, 2015 for the United States were 5.67 billion. Cumulative placements were up 3 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Source: USDA

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.