Red Meat Output Slips in April

WASHINGTON - May 20/05 - SNS -- Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.62 billion pounds in April, down 2% from the 3.71 billion pounds produced in April 2004, according to the USDA.

Beef production, at 1.89 billion pounds, was 3% below the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.56 million head, down 5% from April 2004. The average live weight was up 20 pounds from the previous year, at 1,220 pounds.

Veal production totaled 13.0 million pounds, 7% below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 61,600 head, down 13% from April 2004. The average live weight was 23 pounds above last year, at 353 pounds.

Pork production totaled 1.70 billion pounds, down 1% from the previous year. Hog kill totaled 8.44 million head, 2% below April 2004. The average live weight was 3 pounds above the previous year, at 271 pounds.

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