Cattle on Feed Rise in U.SD.

WASHINGTON - Jan 20/06 - SNS -- The number of cattle and calves on feed in the United States rose 4% as of January 1, sitting at 11.8 million head in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 ore more animals, according to the USDA.

The inventory was 4% above January 1, 2005 and 5% above January 1, 2004. The inventory included 7.57 million steers and steer calves, up 6% from the previous year. This group accounted for 64% of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.15 million head, up 2% from January 1, 2005.

Placements in feedlots during December totaled 1.88 million, 3% above 2004 and 8% above 2003. This is the highest placements for the month of December since the series began in 1996. Net placements were 1.79 million. During December, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 575,000, 600-699 pounds were 554,000, 700-799 pounds were 430,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 325,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during December totaled 1.72 million, 3% below 2004 and 1% below 2003. Other disappearance totaled 91,000 during December, 1% below 2004 but 1% above 2003.

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