There were 10.6 million head of cattle in U.S. feedlots being fattened for slaughter on Nov 1, up slightly from this point a year ago, says USDA. Feedstuffs says it is the first time since August 2012 the monthly tally was higher than the year-earlier figure. In its Cattle on Feed report, USDA said producers sent 1.69 million head to market during October, down 8 percent from 2013, and put 2.36 million head on feed during the month, down 1 percent but also second-lowest for an October in 18 years. Feedstuffs says analysts expected a decline of 6-7 percent because placements were unusually large in October 2013.