USDA REPORT ON CATTLE SLAUGHTER, MEAT PURCHASES

  The U.S. Agriculture Department said
  an estimated 8,700 head of dairy cattle were slaughtered during
  the week ending March 13 as a result of the Whole Herd Dairy
  Buyout program.
      The cumulative total of cattle slaughtered under the
  program from April 1 through March 13 is estimated at 1,032,300
  head, it said.
      Cumulative meat purchases through March 27 total
  376,897,330 lbs, the department said.
      Dairy cattle reported for export under the program for the
  period April 1 through March 27 totaled an estimated 55,055
  head, the department said.
      Live cattle exports are in addition to the meat purchase
  requirements, the department said.
  

