U.S. Livestock Slaughter Rises

WASHINGTON - Jan 21/05 - SNS -- Commercial red meat production rose in the United States in December, with the USDA pegging output at 3.93 billion, up 1% from the 3.88 billion pounds produced in December 2003.

Beef production, at 2.04 billion pounds, was 3% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.69 million head, up 1% from December 2003. The average live weight was up 24 pounds from the previous year, at 1,268 pounds.

Veal production totaled 14.9 million pounds, 22% below December a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 74,700 head, down 23% from December 2003. The average live weight was 12 pounds above last year, at 334 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.86 billion pounds, down 1% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 9.25 million head, 1% below December 2003. The average live weight was 1 pound above the previous year, at 270 pounds.

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