Small Dip in Cattle on Feed

WASHINGTON - Oct 21/05 - SNS -- There was slight decrease in the number of cattle and calves on feed in the United States in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head, according to the USDA.,

As of October 1, there were 10.5 million head on feed, slightly below last year, but up 3% from October 1, 2003. The inventory included 6.87 million steers and steer calves, up 6% from the previous year. This group accounted for 66% of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.55 million head, down 11% from 2004.

Placements in feedlots during September totaled 2.36 million, 1% below 2004 and 5% below 2003. Net placements were 2.30 million head. During September, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 565,000, 600-699 pounds were 505,000, 700-799 pounds were 550,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 735,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during September totaled 1.82 million, 1% above 2004 but 11% below 2003. Other disappearance totaled 57,000 during September, 7% below 2004 and 10% below 2003.

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