Broiler egg sets continued their lower than a year ago trend last week.

The USDA says 238.801 million broiler type eggs were placed into incubation last week, up on the week, but down 1% on the year as the industry attempts to improve margins while still meeting demand expectations.

Hatchability of those eggs declined a little to 79.9%.

Placements of broiler type chicks into meat production fell 2% to 183.896 million chicks, implying tighter chicken supplies for consumers later this year and early next year.

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