US red meat production has fallen slightly over last year, while the number of cattle slaughtered for beef has increased, said USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Commercial red meat production for the US totalled 4.01 billion pounds in April, down 2% from the 4.09 billion pounds produced in April 2009.

Beef production, at 2.14 billion pounds, was slightly above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totalled 2.85 million head, up 3% from April 2009. The average live weight was down 23 pounds from the previous year, at 1,253 pounds.

Veal production totalled 11.1 million pounds, 1% below April a year ago. Calf slaughter totalled 68,500 head, up 1% from April 2009. The average live weight was down six pounds from last year, at 275 pounds.

January to April 2010 commercial red meat production was 15.9 billion pounds, down 2% from 2009. Accumulated beef production was up slightly from last year, veal was down 2%, and pork was down 4% from last year.