More Cattle on Feed in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Apr 21/06 - SNS -- April started with more cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head than last year, according to the latest USDA report.

The month started with 11.8 million head on hand, up 9% from last year and 10% above April 1, 2004. This is the highest April 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.

The inventory included 7.74 million steers and steer calves, up 11% from the previous year. This group accounted for 66% of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.0 million head, up 5% from 2005.

Placements in feedlots during March totaled 1.84 million, 5% above 2005 and 1% above 2004. Net placements were 1.75 million. During March, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 380,000, 600-699 pounds were 342,000, 700-799 pounds were 565,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 550,000.

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