Broiler hatchery numbers were mixed last week.

The USDA says 240.001 million broiler type eggs were placed into incubators, slightly less than the previous week, but up 1% on the year, implying a larger supply of chicks later this month.

The average hatchability declined, falling below 80%.

Broiler type chicks routed into meat production were 183.731 million head, a drop of 7.373 million on the week and 2% lower than last year, which means a tighter supply for consumers starting in late February and early March.

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