3% Gain in Cattle on Feed

WASHINGTON - May 20/05 - SNS -- The USDA reports a 3% increase in the number of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States as of May 1.

Feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head had 10.6 million head on hand on May 1, 2005. The inventory was 3% above May 1, 2004 and 1% above May 1, 2003.

Placements in feedlots during April totaled 1.66 million, 4% above 2004 but 11% below 2003. Net placements were 1.57 million. During April, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 340,000, 600-699 pounds were 225,000, 700-799 pounds were 500,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 595,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during April totaled 1.80 million, 5% below 2004 and 9% below 2003. This is the lowest fed cattle marketings for the month of April since the series began in 1996. Other disappearance totaled 90,000 during April, 7% below 2004 but 43% above 2003.

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