WASHINGTON — Milk production in the 23 major producing states totaled 13.7 billion lbs in February, down 2.5% from the same month of 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in its latest

Milk Production report.

In February, production per cow in the 23 major producing states averaged 1,608 lbs, which was 48 lbs below February 2008. Additionally, there were 8.49 million cows on farms in the 23 states, which was 31,000 head more than February 2008 but 16,000 head less than January 2009.

It was the first year-over-year decline in monthly milk production since February 2005, although both years were compared to a leap year, resulting in one less day of production for February 2005 and 2009.

Milk production for January was revised to 14.9 billion lbs, up 1.1% from January 2008 and an increase of 52 million lbs from last month’s preliminary production estimate.

The U.S.D.A. added Utah and removed Kentucky from the list of 23 major milk-producing states.