TORRINGTON (USDA) - USDA Cattle on Feed Report released Friday was basically neutral. The April placements and marketings were somewhat larger than the average guess. Given the wide range of guesses concerning the placement category, many were braced for a surprise in terms of feedlots in-movement. However, no surprises were had, and little reaction in expected in the futures Monday. The report showed May 1 on Feed at 98 percent, April Placements 97 percent, Marketed in April 102 percent.

Compared to last week slaughter and feeder cows, and bulls sold $1-2 higher at Torrington Livestock. Breaker slaughter cows $56.50-$61.50 with some to $64, Boning $54-$58.50 with some to $61.25, Lean $48-$52.50 with some to $55.50; slaughter bulls brought $64.25-$71 with high yielding $72.50-$75.50; feeder heifers brought $85-$90, heiferettes ranged from $76-$83, young feeder cows brought $66-$74, middle aged $58-$64, aged $53-$59.50; young bred cows brought $1025-$1050, middle aged 5-6 year olds $940-$1040.

Compared to last week slaughter cows sold $2-$4 higher, slaughter bulls steady to $2 higher, and feeders not well tested at Billings (Mont.) Livestock Auction. Breaker slaughter cows brought $56.50-$62, Boning $52-$57.50, Lean $45-$50.50; slaughter bulls brought $62-$71; feeder heiferettes brought $64-$76, young $60-$71, middle aged $51-$61, aged $45-$52; feeder steers 375 lbs. $118, 500-550 lbs. $121.50-$125, 600-675 lbs. $113-$120.75, 770 lbs. $110, 810 lbs. $106.75; feeder heifers 500-600 lbs. $111-$114, 600-700 lbs. $107.50-$112, 700-800 lbs. $104-$107, replacement 800 lbs. $105.00, 825 lbs. $98; heifers with calves brought $1,150-$1,300, young pairs $1,200-$1,225, middle aged pairs $1,050-$1,150, and aged cow/calf pairs $775-$975.

Slaughter cattle trading was moderate to active Friday in the Southern Plains on good demand. Compared to last week live sales sold $.50 to mostly $1 higher at $98-$98.50, dressed steady to $155. Some cleanup trade reported in the North Plains Friday. Live sales in Nebraska at $96.50-$97 and in Colorado $96.50. Reported sales totaled 140,000 head for the week through midafternoon Friday.

Boxed beef cut-out values were generally steady on very light demand and light offerings. Choice carcasses weighing 600-900 lbs. sold down $.45 at $165.95, and Select 600-900 lbs. up $.46 at $154.08 based on 177 total loads.

Cattle slaughter under federal inspection through Saturday was estimated

at 702,000 head this week, compared to 669,000 a week ago and 702,000 a year

ago.

Barrow and gilt prices were not tested at the Midwest terminals Friday. Hog slaughter under FIS through Saturday was estimated at 1,952,000 head compared to 1,934,000 a week ago and 1,958,000 a year ago.

Slaughter and feeder lambs not tested Friday. FIS through Saturday was estimated at 44,000 head compared to 44,000 a week ago and 47,000 a year ago.