WASHINGTON —(USDA)— Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter Oct. 1 in the seven leading feeding states totaled 8.38 million head, down two percent from a year ago but 12 percent above Oct. 1, 1996.

Seven-state placements for September came to 2.25 million, down one percent from both last year and two years ago.

September marketings in the seven states totaled 1.58 million, three percent above last year and 18 percent above the same period two years ago.

Other disappearance came to 51,000 head, 21 percent above September of last year and the same as in 1996.

USDA’s broader national tally of feedlots with a capacity of 1000 or more head showed 9.75 million cattle on feed Oct. 1, down two percent from the same date last year but 10 percent above Oct. 1, 1996. Steers and steer calves made up 61 percent of the total at 5.95 million head, down two percent from last year; heifers, at 3.77 million, were down three percent.

September placements in the broader count totaled 2.65 million, down two percent from last year and slightly below September of 1996; net placements were 2.59 million. Placement of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds totaled 433,000 head; 600-699 pounds 479,000; 700-799 pounds 796,000; and 800 pounds and heavier 941,000.

September marketings in the larger count came to 1.86 million head, three percent above a year ago and 18 percent above the same period two years ago.

Other disappearance totaled 61,000 head, 15 percent more than last September but 13 percent below September 1996.

Statistics for the seven leading states, compared to a year ago:

Cattle on feed: Arizona 201,000 head, up four percent; California 395,000, up three percent; Colorado 1,000,000, down five percent; Iowa 260,000, down 10 percent; Kansas 2,090,000, down six percent; Nebraska 1,760,000, down five percent; Texas 2,670,000, up four percent.

Placements: Arizona 23,000, down 34 percent; California 53,000, down four percent; Colorado 370,000, up 16 percent; Iowa 68,000, unchanged; Kansas 530,000, down five percent; Nebraska 570,000, up six percent; Texas 640,000, down nine percent.

Marketings: Arizona 20,000, down 23 percent; California 50,000, up 11 percent; Colorado 205,000, up 11 percent; Iowa 42,000, unchanged; Kansas 380,000, down five percent; Nebraska 320,000, unchanged; Texas 560,000, up 10 percent.