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.