WASHINGTON – Veal production declined to record lows in April, totaling 9.9 million lbs. or 3 percent below April 2011, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Calf slaughter declined 4 percent from April 2011 to 56,500 head, NASS said. The average live weight also declined by 1 lb. from 2011, at 295 lbs.

Overall, commercial red meat production totaled 3.86 billion lbs. in April, down slightly from the 3.87 billion lbs. produced in April 2011, NASS reported.

Beef production eased 3 percent to 1.99 billion lbs. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.57 million head, down 6 percent from April 2011. The average live weight advanced 25 lbs. from 2011, to 1,282 lbs.

Pork production climbed 3 percent to 1.84 billion lbs., according to NASS. Hog slaughter totaled 8.83 million head, up 2 percent from April 2011. The average live weight increased 1 lb. from April 2011 to 278 lbs.

Lamb and mutton production dropped 10 percent to 12.9 million lbs. Sheep slaughter totaled 181,200 head, 13 percent below year-ago totals. The average live weight increased 4 percent to 142 lbs., NASS said.

January to April 2012 commercial red meat production declined slightly to 16.1 billion lbs. compared to 2011, according to NASS. Accumulated beef production declined 2 percent from 2011, veal was down 8 percent, pork advanced 3 percent from2011, and lamb and mutton production increased 2 percent.