WASHINGTON — Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.3 million head on Dec. 1. The inventory was 1% below Dec. 1, 2008, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

During November, placements in feedlots totaled 1.85 million, 8% below November 2008. Placements for the month of November were the second lowest since the series began in 1996. Net placements were 1.78 million head. During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 lbs. were 510,000; 600-699 lbs. were 565,000; 700-799 lbs. were 395,000; and 800 lbs. or more were 375,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.63 million, 4% above 2008. For the month of November, fed cattle marketings were the third-lowest since the series began in 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 66,000 during November, 1% below 2008.