Livestock Slaughter Slips in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Aug 25/06 - SNS -- Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.78 billion pounds in July, up 5% from the 3.61 billion pounds produced in July 2005.

January to July 2006 commercial red meat production was 27.1 billion pounds, up 5% from 2005. Accumulated beef production was up 7% from last year, veal was down 4%, pork was up 2% from last year, and lamb and mutton production was up 2%.

Beef production, at 2.20 billion pounds, was 6% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.83 million head, up 4% from July 2005. The average live weight was up 18 pounds from the previous year, at 1,272 pounds.

Veal production totaled 12.0 million pounds, 4% below July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 57,900 head, down 1% from July 2005. The average live weight was 10 pounds below last year, at 340 pounds.

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